ADHD Facts
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that is characterized by increased or inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
ADHD affects the executive functions of the brain, which include:
- Short-term recall (working memory)
- Prioritizing
- Planning
- Starting and completing tasks
- Attention to detail
- Emotional self-regulation
ADHD, BY THE NUMBERS
- Affects 8-10% of males under the age of 18.
- Affects 3-4% of females under the age of 18.
- More than 60% of diagnosed children continue to be affected by ADHD as adults.
- Approximately 85% of adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed.
Left untreated, ADHD can have serious consequences, like:
- Academic difficulty
- Social challenges
- Family stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship problems
- Substance abuse
- Job failure
