ADHD

ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and it's a mental condition that characterized by a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that's severe enough to get in the way of daily life. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD typically presents in one of three ways: inattentive type, which includes symptoms like getting distracted easily and issues with sustaining focus and organization; hyperactive/impulsive type, with symptoms like fidgeting, difficulty staying still, or talking too much; and combined type, which shows symptoms of both types.

ADHD affects an estimated 8.4 percent of US kids, according to studies, making it one of the most common mental disorders that affects children. Historically, boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, pediatrician Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez previously told SheKnows, because girls are are typically of the inattentive type (which is less disruptive and noticeable than the hyperactive type) or because their hyperactive symptoms get written off as "laziness" or "ditziness." However, anyone can be diagnosed with any type of ADHD, and getting a diagnosis can help patients manage their symptoms with tools like therapy and medication.