ADHD is a disorder with symptoms of being very active, not being able to pay attention and doing things without thinking first. The causes are unknown.

Symptoms are used to diagnose (or identify) ADHD because there are no medical tests that can tell if a person has ADHD.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

• Not paying attention
• Not being able to listen
• Not able to finish what is started
• Having a hard time playing quietly
• Having a hard time following directions
• Blurting out answers
• Talking without stopping
• Not able to sit still or stay in seat
• Having a hard time waiting their turn

Treatment for ADHD

There is no cure for ADHD. Treatment can help with symptoms. Treatment can include the following:

• Therapy
• Meeting with teachers and staff at school
• Taking medicine. The three most common medicines used for ADHD are:
• Ritalin, concerta (methylphenidate)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
• Adderall (dextramphetamine)

Remember that parents, teachers and counselors can work together to help children with ADHD learn ways to decrease the symptoms.