Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors

ADD & ADHD Health Center

ADHD Overview

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) have symptoms that may begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. ADHD and ADD symptoms can cause problems at home, school, work, and in relationships.

Select a Chapter

Get News Updates | RSS Help

latest headlines

Girls and ADHD

Why attention deficit hyperactive disorder is so often overlooked in the fairer sex.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD include inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These are traits that most children display at some point or another. But with ADHD, which stands for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or what was referred to as ADD -- attention deficit disorder -- the symptoms are inappropriate for the child's age.

ADHD is common in children and teens. But adults also can have ADHD. With ADHD in adults, there may be some variation in symptoms. For instance, an adult may experience restlessness instead of hyperactivity. In addition, adults with ADHD consistently have problems with interpersonal relationships and employment.

webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Drug-Free for ADHD   Drug-Free for ADHD

An unusual technique may be an alternative to drugs for kids with attention problems.

Watch Video: Drug-Free for ADHD (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: ADHD Testing Tool   ADHD Testing Tool

Show or hide information about video: Does Your Child Have ADHD?   Does Your Child Have ADHD?

Show or hide information about video: Managing Adult ADHD   Managing Adult ADHD

Show or hide information about video: New Program for Kids with ADD   New Program for Kids with ADD

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

Thumbnail of young woman touching skin
Shingles, eczema, and more.
Food Frauds Slide Show
Sneaky little diet wreckers.
thumbnail of black widow spider
Identify bugs and their bites.
Erectile Dysfunction Slideshow
Are you at risk?
thumbnail for organic foods slideshow
Committed to healthy eating?
thumbnail for Brain Food slideshow
Best ways to focus.
thumbnail for precancerous lesions slideshow
Learn the ABCDEs of skin cancer.
thumbnail for fatigue slideshow
Causes, fixes for fatigue.
27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health
How they're good for you.
Vitamin D Slideshow
Nutrition's newest star?

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.