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Key Takeaways

• ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting more than 11% of children worldwide, with symptoms typically appearing before age 12.
• The condition impacts attention regulation rather than overall attention span and may include hyperfocus alongside inattention or impulsivity.
• There are multiple ADHD presentations – inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, combined, and unspecified – each with distinct symptom patterns.
• Genetics play a central role in ADHD, though prenatal exposures and birth factors may increase likelihood.
• Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans can significantly improve academic, behavioral, and emotional outcomes.

Alp De Waal is a UK-based healthcare leader serving as Care Quality Commission registered manager at Berkeley Psychiatrists. With a background in governance, regulatory compliance, and service oversight, Alp De Waal has supervised regulated activities, ensured person-centred care standards, and acted as the primary liaison with the CQC.

His work includes coordinating shared care arrangements for patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, maintaining a comprehensive list of GP practices that accept shared care proposals, and supporting individuals whose proposals have been declined. He also contributed to an award-winning published study examining prescribing habits for ADHD treatment, compiling data related to stimulant use, clinician-patient time, and shared care protocols.

Holding a Master of Science degree from Queen Mary University of London, he focuses on neurodiversity research and service quality improvement.

Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting more than 11 percent of children between the ages of three and 17 worldwide – approximately seven million individuals. Symptoms typically manifest before the age of 12. Medical professionals have developed a range of medications and therapeutic approaches to treat the disorder and help children manage symptoms effectively.

Contrary to popular belief, ADHD does not directly impact a person’s overall attention span. Instead, it makes it difficult for a child to regulate and direct their attention toward specific tasks. Individuals with ADHD may find themselves focusing on unrelated activities or rapidly shifting their attention between objectives. While common symptoms include fidgeting and impulsive behavior, children may also experience periods of intense hyperfocus when engaged in tasks they find particularly enjoyable or stimulating.

Symptoms of the disorder generally emerge between the ages of three and six and, without appropriate intervention, can persist well into adulthood. This can be especially challenging for individuals who do not receive an ADHD diagnosis until later in life.

Children may receive one of several ADHD diagnoses. Inattentive ADHD, for example, is characterized by difficulty sustaining focus, challenges completing tasks, and organizational problems. Children with this presentation typically show little to no hyperactive behavior.

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, by contrast, makes it difficult for individuals to remain still or quiet for extended periods. Children with this presentation often experience excessive energy, may interrupt others, and can act impulsively. Despite these behaviors, they may not struggle significantly with sustaining attention.

Combined presentation is the most common and widely recognized form of ADHD. It includes symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive presentations, meaning affected individuals may exhibit high energy levels, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining focus on a single task.

In some cases, caregivers and clinicians may choose an unspecified presentation diagnosis. This classification applies when a person experiences significant ADHD-related challenges that interfere with daily functioning, but their symptoms do not fully meet the criteria for one of the defined presentations.

Healthcare professionals may also describe ADHD symptoms as mild, moderate, or severe. Diagnostic frameworks outline 18 core symptoms – nine related to inattention and nine related to hyperactivity and impulsivity – to help guide assessment and treatment planning.

ADHD is a genetic disorder, and children with the condition are born with gene variations associated with neurodivergent brain development. These genetic traits often run in families, meaning a child with ADHD commonly has a parent or sibling with similar characteristics. Although genetics play a central role, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD, including prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, lead, and other toxins, as well as low birth weight and premature birth.

Receiving an early diagnosis and establishing a comprehensive treatment plan is critical to reducing potential complications, such as low self-esteem, increased risk of injury, and challenges with academic performance. Following a diagnosis, care providers can guide families through available treatment options, which may include social skills training, family-based education programs, and medication support.

FAQs

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and activity levels.

At what age do ADHD symptoms typically appear?

Symptoms commonly emerge between ages three and six and are usually identifiable before age 12.

What are the main types of ADHD?

The primary presentations are inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, combined, and unspecified, each defined by different symptom patterns.

Is ADHD genetic?

Yes, ADHD has a strong genetic component, though environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to toxins may increase risk.

How is ADHD treated?

Treatment may include behavioral therapy, social skills training, family education programs, and medication support tailored to the child’s needs.

About Alp De Waal

Alp De Waal serves as Care Quality Commission registered manager at Berkeley Psychiatrists in the UK. Since joining the organisation in 2022, he has overseen regulated activities, strengthened governance processes, and upheld compliance with safety and quality standards. He coordinates shared care arrangements for patients with ADHD and contributed data to a published study on prescribing practices. He holds a Master of Science degree from Queen Mary University of London.