ADHD in children and adults
ADHD (ध्यान की कमी और अति-सक्रियता)
ADHD is a brain-based condition — not bad parenting or laziness. It often continues into adulthood, affecting work and relationships.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Difficulty sustaining attention, easily distracted
- Forgetfulness, losing things, disorganisation
- Restlessness, excessive talking, cannot wait for turn
- Impulsive decisions, accidents
- Underachievement compared to ability
Causes
- Strong genetic contribution
- Prematurity, low birth weight
Risk factors
- ADHD in a parent or sibling — it runs strongly in families
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Exposure to tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy
How it is diagnosed
- Symptoms present before age 12 and seen in more than one setting (home and school)
- Rating scales from parents and teachers
- Checking vision, hearing, sleep, learning disorders and anxiety, which can look similar
Classification: ICD-10 F90 · ICD-11 6A05
Treatment options
- 1Detailed assessment, ruling out hearing, vision, learning and sleep problems
- 2Parent training, classroom strategies, organisation skills
- 3Medicines when needed — well studied and effective
- 4CBT and coaching for adults
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Parent behaviour training — first-line for young children
- Classroom strategies: front seating, short tasks, frequent feedback
- Organisation and time-management skills for teenagers and adults
Guidance for family
- Give one instruction at a time and check it was heard
- Use reward charts for routines; keep consequences calm and immediate
- ADHD is not bad parenting or laziness
When to see a psychiatrist
- Repeated complaints from school
- Adults struggling with deadlines, jobs or relationships
- Associated anger, anxiety or substance use
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Will my child outgrow ADHD?
Hyperactivity often reduces, but attention problems commonly continue. Treatment improves outcomes at every age.
Is there an adult ADHD self-check?
Yes — the WHO ASRS screener, free in Hindi and English.
Are ADHD medicines addictive?
When taken as prescribed and monitored, they are safe and do not cause addiction; they can even reduce risk-taking.
Related conditions
Related articles
- ADHD or just naughty? Signs parents should knowAll children are active, but ADHD causes persistent inattention and impulsivity across home and school. How to tell the difference and what to do.Read →
- Handling temper tantrums calmlyTantrums are a normal part of development in young children. Practical steps to prevent and handle them, and when they may signal a problem.Read →
- Dyslexia and learning difficulties: early signs in schoolBright child struggling with reading, spelling or maths? Signs of specific learning disorders, assessment and support including exam accommodations.Read →
- Healthy sleep for children: routines that workHow much sleep children need by age, bedtime routines that help, and sleep problems such as night terrors and snoring that need attention.Read →
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This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.