Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset disorder characterized by difficulty with self-regulation of behavior and impulses, challenges in sustained attention, and increased motor hyperactivity. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), classifies ADHD in the overarching category of neurodevelopmental disorders. Disorders in this category include intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, and autism spectrum disorder, among others. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Many individuals are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, and ADHD symptoms persist into adulthood for at least half of those diagnosed. This entry examines the nature of ADHD and its prevalence, assessment, course, etiology, and treatment.