What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

• A. A mood disorder with depressive episodes
• B. A pervasive pattern of inattention, impulsivity, and or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development
• C. A disorder of hearing
• D. A chronic anxiety disorder

Answer: (B)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental pattern defined by a persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than what is typical for a person at the same developmental level. The important idea is that these symptoms show up across different settings (like home and school) and cause clear impairment. The “and/or” covers three possible presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or a combined mix of both. Understanding it this way helps distinguish ADHD from conditions that are about mood, sensory issues, or anxiety rather than sustained patterns of attention and activity.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental pattern defined by a persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than what is typical for a person at the same developmental level. The important idea is that these symptoms show up across different settings (like home and school) and cause clear impairment. The “and/or” covers three possible presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or a combined mix of both. Understanding it this way helps distinguish ADHD from conditions that are about mood, sensory issues, or anxiety rather than sustained patterns of attention and activity.