Every October, ADHD Awareness Month highlights the importance of raising awareness, improving understanding, and reducing stigma. ADHD affects millions of people globally, and it can influence how they navigate daily responsibilities and interactions. Learning more about ADHD can challenge misconceptions and foster greater understanding of the condition and those who experience it.
What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can affect how a person manages tasks and responds to situations. ADHD is not limited to childhood. Symptoms begin in childhood and can continue into adulthood, though they may look different in adults. Because ADHD is often thought of as a childhood condition, it can go unrecognized, and some people are not diagnosed until later in life.
Presentations and Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three different ways ADHD can present itself:
- Predominantly inattentive: This presentation involves difficulty with focus, staying organized, following instructions, and completing tasks. Individuals may frequently misplace items, overlook details, or forget daily responsibilities. This presentation was historically associated with the term attention deficit disorder (ADD).
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: This presentation primarily involves restlessness and difficulty controlling impulses. Signs may include fidgeting, excessive talking, interrupting others, or acting without considering the consequences.
- Combined: This presentation includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, such as difficulty staying organized alongside restlessness or impulsive behavior
A person’s presentation may change over time as their symptoms develop or change.
What Causes ADHD?
There is no single cause of ADHD. Research indicates that both inherited and non-inherited factors contribute, and that they interact with one another. ADHD is familial and heritable, meaning it often runs in families. According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals with ADHD are more likely to have a close biological relative with the condition or similar symptoms. Researchers are also studying differences in brain development and other factors that may contribute to ADHD. Because ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, no single factor explains every case.
ADHD and Clinical Research
Clinical trials allow researchers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of investigational products being studied for ADHD and determine whether further research is warranted. At Redbird Research, we’re proud to conduct ADHD clinical trials that may advance future treatment options. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in one of our ADHD trials, visit our ADHD page for more information or our qualification page to see if you qualify.