In addition to exhibiting one of the two patterns of symptoms, it is necessary that hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms occur in two or more settings, such as school (or work) and home. Sometimes people are diagnosed with ADHD later in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. However, ADHD symptoms must have been present before the age of seven in order to meet criteria for the diagnosis.

It is important to note that children are generally more inattentive and hyperactive than adults. Also, there is normal variability among children: Some are generally more hyperactive, inattentive, and impulsive than others. In all cases it is important to consider whether or not a child is exhibiting behavior appropriate to his or her age. Keep in mind that it is normal for kids to appear inattentive when things they are not naturally interested in are occurring (for example, a lecture).  Many children find it difficult to endure long periods of sitting or organized activity. As a result, some children appear "hyperactive" or "impulsive" when bored and restless are more accurate descriptions. When the child's hyperactivity, distractibility, poor concentration, or impulsivity begins to affect performance in school, social relationships with other children or behavior at home, ADHD may be the cause.

Children with ADHD are not likely to simply "outgrow" the problem. Symptoms may improve over time as children and their families receive treatment or develop tools on their own to cope with this disorder.

Complete the ADHD Symptom Checklist, but keep in mind that only a trained professional can make a proper diagnosis. Also keep in mind ADHD symptoms must be displayed in two settings (for example, home and school.)

How Common is ADHD?

Surveys suggest that between three and five percent of children have ADHD, which means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD.¹ Boys are more likely than girls to have ADHD.² However, the estimated ratio of boys to girls with ADHD ranges from 3:1 to 9:1. ²

¹National Institutes of Mental Health (2003). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Revised. Retrieved 4/10/06

²Pelham, W. E., & Waschbusch, D. A. (in press). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In J. E. Fisher & W. O’Donohue (Eds.). Practitioner’s guidelines for evidence based psychotherapy. New York: Kluwer.