Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, though it's often diagnosed in childhood. ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It's worth noting that everyone might experience some of these symptoms occasionally, but in individuals with ADHD, they are more severe and persistent and can interfere with daily functioning.

Signs of ADHD can be categorized into two primary domains: Inattention and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity.

1. Inattention:

• Forgetfulness in daily activities: Forgetting to do chores, losing items regularly, or forgetting appointments.

• Easily distracted: Has trouble sustaining attention in tasks, conversations, or reading. Might be sidetracked by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.

• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities: Challenges in managing sequential tasks, keeping materials and belongings in order, messy work, poor time management.

• Avoidance of tasks that require sustained mental effort: Such as schoolwork, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers.

• Makes careless mistakes: Overlooking or missing details in schoolwork, at work, or in other activities.

• Does not seem to listen: When spoken to directly, might seem to be elsewhere with their thoughts.

• Doesn't follow through: Has trouble with finishing schoolwork, chores, or tasks in the workplace.

• Loses necessary items: Frequently misplacing tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, or mobile telephones.

2. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity:

• Fidgeting: Tapping hands or feet, squirming in their seat.

• Inability to stay seated: In situations where remaining seated is expected, such as in the classroom or office.

• Runs or climbs in inappropriate situations: In adults, this might manifest as restlessness.

• Unable to play quietly: Often seen in children where they seem to be "on the go" or act as if "driven by a motor".

• Talks excessively: Often more than the situation calls for.

• Blurts out an answer: Before a question has been finished or completes other people's sentences.

• Difficulty waiting their turn: Such as when in line or during games.

• Interrupts or intrudes: Might butt into conversations, games, or activities. In adults, this might manifest as taking over what others are doing.

It's essential to understand that not all individuals with ADHD will exhibit all the symptoms, and the severity and combination of symptoms can differ widely among individuals. Additionally, symptoms can evolve or manifest differently as a person progresses from childhood to adulthood.

Diagnosis: A thorough assessment by a qualified professional (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or pediatrician) is necessary to diagnose ADHD. This usually involves obtaining a detailed history, observing behaviors, and often using standardized questionnaires or rating scales. It's important to differentiate ADHD from other conditions that can have similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, certain types of learning disabilities, or other medical conditions.

Treatment: Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral interventions, educational support, and medication. The exact approach will vary based on individual needs, age, and the severity of symptoms.

If someone suspects they or their child might have ADHD, they should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate interventions.