Psychology
ADHD in children: signs, diagnosis and treatment
ADHD is more than an active child. What the signs are, what else can look like it, how it is assessed, and which treatments help at each age.
27 Sept 20269 min read
ADHD
Also known as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a lifelong difference in how the brain manages attention, activity and impulses, usually noticed in childhood.
In Psychology
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition, not the result of bad parenting or laziness. Symptoms begin in childhood, and many people carry them into adult life, where they often show as disorganisation rather than obvious hyperactivity.
Core features
- Inattention — easily distracted, forgetful, losing things, unfinished tasks
- Hyperactivity — fidgeting, restlessness, talking a lot
- Impulsivity — interrupting, acting or deciding without thinking
- Problems with : planning, time and organisation
Treatment combines practical adjustments at home, school or work, parent training for young children, talking therapy, and — when symptoms still cause real problems — medicine such as methylphenidate, started and monitored by a specialist. See ADHD in children and ADHD in adults.
Where this comes up
Psychology
Dopamine: what it really does, and what 'dopamine detox' gets wrong
Dopamine is less a 'happy chemical' than a signal for wanting, learning and movement. Here is what it does, how drugs and apps exploit it, and what 'dopamine detox' misses.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Gaming disorder: when gaming becomes a problem
Most heavy gamers do not have gaming disorder. The line is crossed when gaming takes control and damages sleep, studies, work or family life for months.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Procrastination: why we put things off and how to stop
Procrastination is less about laziness than about avoiding bad feelings. Understanding that changes which strategies actually work.
27 Sept 20267 min read
Related terms
- Executive functionExecutive functions, Executive functioningThe mental skills that let us plan, focus, hold instructions in mind, switch between tasks and control impulses — the brain's air traffic control. Difficulties are central to ADHD.
- NeurodivergenceNeurodivergent, NeurodiversityA descriptive term for a brain that develops or works differently from the typical, used especially for autism and ADHD. It comes from the neurodiversity movement and is not a medical diagnosis.
- AutismAutism spectrum disorder, ASDA lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world. It is not an illness, and it is not caused by parenting or vaccines.
- DopamineDopamine hit, Dopamine detoxA chemical messenger involved in motivation, reward, learning, movement and attention. It is better thought of as a "seeking and learning" chemical than a "pleasure chemical".