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Energetic? or hyperactive?

Updated: May 17


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What is it?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It’s not just about being distracted or energetic—it involves ongoing patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily life. ADHD appears in childhood and can continue into adulthood, though the symptoms may change over time. With proper strategies and support, people with ADHD can thrive in personal, academic, and professional areas.

Prevalence and statistics -

  • Affects around 5–7% of children and 2.5–4% of adults globally.

  • Boys are more often diagnosed in childhood, but ADHD in girls may be under-recognized.

  • Over 50% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms in adulthood.

  • ADHD often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, learning disorders, or substance use.

  • Early intervention and support can significantly improve academic and social outcomes.


How to identify?


Emotional signs –

• Easily frustrated, irritable, or emotionally reactive

• Low self-esteem or feelings of being misunderstood

• Mood swings or sensitivity to criticism


Physical signs –

• Constant fidgeting or restlessness (in hyperactive types)

• Difficulty staying seated or still in quiet settings

• Seeming “on the go” or driven by a motor

Behavioural signs –

• Difficulty finishing tasks, following instructions, or organizing work

• Frequently interrupting, blurting out answers, or acting without thinking

• Avoiding activities that require sustained focus or effort


Cognitive signs –

• Trouble focusing or easily distracted by surroundings

• Forgetfulness, losing things, or poor time management

• Difficulty prioritizing, planning, or shifting attention


Common ADHD-Related Terms & Experiences:

• Inattentive Type – Struggles mainly with focus, organization, and forgetfulness (formerly called ADD).

• Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Shows more physical restlessness and impulsive behavior.

• Combined Type – Features both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.

• Executive Dysfunction – Challenges with planning, memory, and self-regulation.

Time Blindness – Difficulty sensing how long tasks take or managing deadlines.


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