ADHD symptoms arise from executive dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation is often considered a core symptom.

In children, problems paying attention may result in poor school performance. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Some common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty paying attention to details or sustaining attention in tasks
• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Forgetfulness and losing items needed for tasks
• Fidgeting and restlessness
• Impulsivity, such as interrupting others or acting without thinking
• Difficulty waiting one’s turn or delaying gratification
• Excessive talking or difficulty remaining quiet in situations that require it
• Forgetfulness and procrastination

ADHD is divided into three types:

• Inattentive: characterized by symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity.
• Hyperactive-Impulsive: characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not inattention.
• Combined: characterized by symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.