Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that is characterized by hyperactivity and inability to control impulses, as well as inattentiveness, trouble with focus, being organized, and setting a goal and following through. A person with ADHD has difficulty in paying attention often resulting in poor performance. Cases differ from one patient to another, however, ADHD is one of the most diagnosed mental disorders among children and adolescents.

ADHD is classified into two categories—adult ADHD and child ADHD. The condition affects ages differently, and thus, different medications and treatments are available for both children and adults:

1. ADHD in children
Child ADHD cases are more documented than in adults because the treatment of the condition usually starts in childhood. According to WebMD, children with ADHD may outgrow the condition in some cases, while there is a 60% chance that kids with ADHD will carry the condition in into their adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD in a child include:

• Inattention
• Forgetfulness
• Inability to follow directions
• Impatience
• Irritability
• Impulse control issues
• Lack of focus
• Excessive talking or interrupting
• Restlessness

Treatment for a child with ADHD includes the combination of ADHD medications, psychological therapies, behavioral therapies, and stimulants (i.e., Adderall, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and other drugs that decrease hyperactivity and improve concentration).

2. ADHD in adults
According to data from WebMD, approximately 5% of the american adult population has ADHD. The numbers can be higher because of undiagnosed cases. Most of the diagnosed cases are cases where the person knows about his or her ADHD during his childhood, and didn’t outgrow his or her condition. Symptoms of adult ADHD include:

• Difficulty following directions
• Forgetfulness when it comes to details and information
• Trouble organizing tasks
• Stress when under pressure
• Trouble concentrating on the task at hand
• Impulsiveness
• Prone to substance abuse and maintaining relationships
• Tendency for depression

Adult ADHD therapies may include similar medications, talk therapy and prescribed stimulants. However, there are times when these treatments are ineffective because of the changes in physique and mindset in adulthood. Because of this, a lot of treatments are done in trial and error to see what works best for the individual patient.