Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD
Commonly asked questions about ADHD and its treatment
What is ADHD?
- A medical disorder with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of all 3 symptoms that is more frequent and severe than is typically seen in one’s peers.
How does ADHD medication work?
- The best understanding we have—what your doctor learns from the textbooks in medical school—is that all types of ADHD medication, stimulant and nonstimulant, increase the amount of natural body chemicals between brain cells. These chemicals are thought to be involved in processes such as attention and controlling impulsivity and hyperactivity
I hear a lot of different things about ADHD. How can I tell what's real?
- Here is where science is on your side. Talk to a qualified health care professional for questions and information about treating ADHD and ADHD medication.
- Be cautious about accepting recommendations from people who only have personal opinions with a few stories to back them up instead of scientific evidence
What causes ADHD?
- The exact origin of ADHD is unknown, but scientists think the disorder may be caused by one or more of the following:
- Neurotransmitter function
- Genetics
- Environment
How can I tell if I have ADHD?
- Only a qualified health care professional can provide a diagnosis of ADHD. If you think you might have ADHD, explain the symptoms you are experiencing with a qualified health care professional.
Research suggests that ADHD tends to run in families. This does not necessarily mean that all children in a family will have the disorder.
