ADHD and Other Behavioral Conditions
Conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and oppositional defiant disorder can impact many parts of a person’s mental health. Learn how professionals at InSite Health can help.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects how a person thinks, focuses, and controls their behavior. It is most often diagnosed during childhood, though symptoms frequently continue into adulthood. ADHD can also first be diagnosed in adulthood. People with ADHD may struggle to sit still, pay attention, or complete tasks. They may act impulsively or become easily distracted.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 11.4% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, which is approximately 7 million children aged 3-17. Boys are about twice as likely as girls to be diagnosed. ADHD in girls is often underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that about 4.4% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD, although many remain undiagnosed.
Types of ADHD
ADHD, Inattentive Type
Individuals with this type primarily struggle with inattention. They may:
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Be easily distracted
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Make frequent careless mistakes
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Struggle with organization and executive function
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Forget important tasks
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Have trouble maintaining focus in conversations or tasks
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Experience difficulty remembering and following through on instructions
ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity. Individuals may:
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Act without thinking
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Struggle to sit still
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Fidget frequently
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Have difficulty waiting their turn
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Talk excessively or interrupt conversations
ADHD, Combined Type
This is the most common type of ADHD, where individuals experience both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. People with combined type ADHD often show difficulties in focusing and organization as well as impulsive behaviors and restlessness.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Children
Children with ADHD may experience challenges with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity, impacting school performance, peer relationships, and everyday routines. Signs and symptoms can include:
Difficulty staying focused on tasks, leading to careless mistakes and easy distraction
Forgetfulness in completing chores, homework, or responsibilities
Struggles with organizing tasks or managing time
Avoidance of activities that require sustained mental effort
Fidgeting, squirming, or difficulty remaining seated
Excessive movement, even when not appropriate
Talking nonstop or interrupting conversations
Difficulty waiting their turn
Making impulsive decisions that can be risky
Difficulty completing tasks or following instructions
Trouble maintaining friendships or peer relationships
Mood swings or irritability when frustrated or overwhelmed
ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Adults
While childhood ADHD often shows as hyperactivity, adult ADHD more commonly involves issues with focus, organization, and emotional regulation. Symptoms in adults may include:
Difficulty concentrating during meetings, conversations, or while reading
Being easily distracted by surroundings or stray thoughts
Chronic poor time management, procrastination, and missed deadlines
Frequent forgetfulness with appointments, bills, or everyday tasks
Disorganization leading to cluttered workspaces or lost items
Feelings of restlessness, constant fidgeting, or pacing
Trouble relaxing or unwinding
Impulsive decisions such as impulsive spending or risky behavior
Frequent interruptions in conversations
Risk-taking behaviors like reckless driving or substance use
Struggles maintaining personal and professional relationships
Low frustration tolerance and quick temper
Mood swings between feeling upbeat and discouraged
Chronic stress and overwhelm with daily responsibilities
Habitual procrastination, leading to rushed or incomplete work
Underachievement in career or life despite potential
Frequent job changes or difficulty maintaining steady employment
ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Girls/Women
ADHD in girls and women often looks different than in boys and men, making it harder to diagnose. Core symptoms remain but tend to appear more subtly, including:
Being easily distracted during homework, conversations, or daily tasks
Difficulty organizing materials, appointments, or schedules
Forgetfulness with tasks, obligations, or important items
Heightened emotional sensitivity and frustration with tasks
Feelings of inadequacy, overwhelm, and low self-esteem
Restlessness or anxiety, often appearing as daydreaming or internal agitation
Impulsive decision-making around spending, relationships, or commitments
Social anxiety and struggles interpreting social cues
Masking symptoms to appear “normal,” leading to internalized stress
Overcompensation through overachievement in school, work, or family life
Perfectionism to avoid criticism and meet expectations
Testing & Diagnosing ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation using multiple sources and tools. The process includes:
Clinical interviews and detailed medical history
Behavior rating scales completed by parents, teachers, or the individual
Direct behavioral observations
Psychological testing when necessary
Ruling out other developmental, psychiatric, or medical conditions
In adults, diagnosis may also involve gathering input from family members or reviewing childhood behaviors that were previously unrecognized.
Causes of ADHD
ADHD is believed to result from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Possible causes include:
Genetic predisposition (family history of ADHD)
Brain structure and function differences
Prenatal exposures (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, environmental toxins)
Premature birth or low birth weight
Early childhood trauma, stress, or chaotic environments
Treatment of ADHD
Treatment is individualized and often combines several approaches:
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent training
Educational interventions, including 504 Plans, IEPs, and behavioral classroom strategies
Medication management with stimulant or non-stimulant options
Lifestyle strategies, including regular exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep, mindfulness, and stress-reduction techniques
We're here to help.
At InSite Health, our professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating ADHD in both children and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
About ADHD and Other Behavioral Conditions
Behavioral conditions are mental health conditions characterized by excessive or troublesome behaviors. They can include problems such as substance use, aggression, and self-harm. Neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD are often placed in this category.
ADHD is a condition that affects a person’s ability to focus and control their impulses. People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, may act impulsively, and may be hyperactive.
Treatment for ADHD typically involves medication, therapy, or a combination of both. InSite Health’s clinicians can prescribe medications like stimulants when appropriate, which can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity, while therapy can help individuals with ADHD learn coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.
Possible symptoms:
Difficulty paying attention, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, fidgeting, and interrupting others.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. People with insomnia often have problems such as restless nights, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. Insomnia can occur as a result of other mental health conditions or exist independently.
At InSite Health, insomnia is typically treated using a combination of therapy and medications. Therapy can help individuals develop good sleep habits and reduce the negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their insomnia. Medications can also be used to help individuals fall asleep and stay asleep.
If you suspect that you or someone you care about may have ADHD, it’s important to connect with a qualified mental health professional. Early evaluation and support can make a big difference. Book an appointment with InSite to get started.
Yes, it can. A child with an ADHD diagnosis may qualify for special education support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), especially if symptoms significantly interfere with learning and school functioning. An IEP provides customized resources to help students succeed academically.
There’s no strong scientific evidence that these factors directly cause ADHD. However, they may influence how symptoms present or how severe they seem. ADHD’s core causes are primarily genetic and neurological, though environment can impact symptom management.
ADHD commonly overlaps with other mental health conditions. In children, about 40-50% also have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), 25-40% experience anxiety, 20-30% face depression, and 30-50% have learning disabilities. Among adults, 25-40% live with anxiety, 20-30% with depression, 30-50% with sleep challenges, and 30-40% with substance use issues.
