Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects an estimated 5-7% of the population. ADHD is an ongoing condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. It occurs in both males and females, and in people of all races, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds. ADHD may cause significant impairments in many areas of life such as school, home, the workplace, and in family and social relationships. ADHD is genetically influenced and runs in families.
ADHD occurs on a spectrum of severity. Not every person with ADHD presents all the possible symptoms that are associated with ADHD, nor do the symptoms cause the same level of impairment in all people. Some people have mild ADHD and may experience only transient periods of impairment. In others ADHD may be severe, characterized by more symptoms, more severe symptoms, and chronic impairments in ability to function. ADHD can be diagnosed and treated at any point in the lifespan when it causes significant levels of impairment for the individual.