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Learn what ADHD is, its key symptoms, the three main types, and why early diagnosis matters for improving focus, behavior, and long-term outcomes.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition and one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in childhood. It affects brain development, particularly in areas controlling attention, impulses, and activity levels.
A child with ADHD isn’t simply “acting out”; their brain functions differently. From a parent’s perspective, ADHD appears as persistent inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with daily life. Children may struggle to stay seated, complete tasks, or think before acting. Symptoms often appear before age 12 and can continue into adulthood. At LIV Hospital, we treat ADHD as a medical condition, providing understanding, patience, and structured support.
The name of this condition has changed over the years, leading to confusion. In the past, it was frequently called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) if the child was not hyperactive. Today, the medical community uses the umbrella term ADHD for all forms of the condition.
The term breaks down into two main components:
The scope of ADHD is neurological. It primarily involves the prefrontal cortex. This is the area responsible for “executive functions.” Think of executive functions as the brain’s air traffic control system. They help us prioritize tasks, filter distractions, control impulses, and regulate emotions.
In a child with ADHD, this air traffic control system is lagging. The neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) like dopamine and norepinephrine, which carry signals in these brain regions, may be in short supply or not working efficiently. This leads to the characteristic symptoms of distractibility and impulsivity. It is important to note that ADHD is not related to intelligence. Many children with ADHD are highly intelligent and creative, but struggle to apply their skills effectively due to these executive function deficits.
Misconceptions about ADHD are widespread. To truly understand the condition, we must clarify what it is not:
The medical community categorizes types of ADHD into three distinct presentations. This helps doctors tailor treatment plans.
Formerly known as ADD, this type of ADHD is characterized by attention and focus difficulties rather than hyperactivity. Children with this presentation are usually not overly active and may appear calm or quiet in class, which often leads teachers and parents to overlook their struggles. Although they seem to be listening, they are frequently mentally drifting off. These children commonly have trouble organizing tasks, lose their belongings, forget instructions, and take longer to complete assignments. Because they are not disruptive, their symptoms can go unnoticed, resulting in a later diagnosis compared to more hyperactive children.
These children feel the need to move constantly. They fidget, talk excessively, have trouble sitting still, and interrupt others. They act on impulse without fearing consequences (e.g., running into the street).
This is the most common type. The child displays significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
ADHD affects nearly every aspect of a child’s daily life, from learning and social interactions to their confidence and emotional well-being. Without proper diagnosis and support, many children struggle both academically and socially, often feeling misunderstood or constantly corrected by teachers, parents, and peers. Over time, this repeated criticism can create a deep sense of frustration and failure. This is why the importance of this specialty is so significant it allows us to change that outcome.
Early diagnosis makes it possible to introduce effective strategies that genuinely help the child succeed. Research shows that untreated ADHD is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and low self-esteem during adolescence. By identifying the condition early at LIV Hospital, we can provide the right tools whether therapy, medication, or school accommodations to help each child thrive with confidence.
While a general pediatrician can screen for the condition, the management often involves a specialist.
ADHD is centered in the Nervous System (Brain). However, it often co-exists with other conditions. This is known as comorbidity.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder causing issues with focus, impulse control, and activity levels. A Developmental Pediatrician or Child Psychiatrist evaluates the child’s behavior across different settings (home and school) to diagnose the condition. They create a treatment plan that may include behavioral therapy, school support, and medication.
Treatment focuses on the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, comprehensive care also addresses co-occurring conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), anxiety, and learning disabilities, ensuring the child is supported holistically.
There are three presentations: Predominantly Inattentive (trouble focusing, easily distracted), Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive (fidgeting, interrupting, unable to sit still), and Combined Presentation (symptoms of both).
You should see a specialist if your child’s behavior is impacting their school performance or friendships. If teachers frequently report lack of focus or disruptive behavior, or if home life is becoming unmanageable due to impulsivity, a professional evaluation is needed.
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