ADHD in children and adolescents
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting the ability to sustain attention, control impulses and regulate activity.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for ADHD in children and adolescents
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: MODIFIED-RELEASE TABLET, 2 mgActive substance: guanfacineManufacturer: Neuraxpharm Pharmaceuticals S.L.Prescription requiredDosage form: MODIFIED-RELEASE TABLET, 4 mgActive substance: guanfacineManufacturer: Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Ag Ireland BranchPrescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 0.150 mg clonidine hydrochlorideActive substance: clonidineManufacturer: Glenwood Gmbh Pharmazeutische ErzeugnissePrescription required
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting the ability to sustain attention, control impulses and regulate activity. It is not the result of upbringing, screens or lack of discipline. A child with ADHD is not unwilling: starting and sustaining effort simply costs them far more than it costs others. Recognising it early changes the course of their schooling and, above all, spares them years of criticism that leave a mark.
How it presents
Inattention
- easily distracted, appears not to listen when spoken to;
- makes careless mistakes in familiar work;
- does not finish what they start;
- loses school equipment, clothes and toys;
- avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort;
- forgets errands and daily routines;
- struggles to organise their bag, homework and time.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- constantly on the move, gets up when they should be seated;
- talks a great deal, interrupts, answers before the question is finished;
- finds it hard to wait their turn;
- acts without thinking about consequences;
- climbs and runs at inappropriate moments;
- in adolescents, hyperactivity turns into inner restlessness and impatience.
There are three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The first is missed most often, particularly in girls, because it does not disrupt the classroom: the girl stares out of the window and is labelled a daydreamer.
What suggests this is more than personality
- symptoms have been present since before the age of 12;
- they occur in more than one setting: at home and at school, not just with one teacher;
- they have lasted more than six months;
- they clearly interfere with learning and relationships;
- they are not better explained by something else: a house move, a bereavement, bullying.
What often comes with it
- specific learning difficulties: dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia;
- anxiety disorders;
- tics and Tourette syndrome;
- autism spectrum condition;
- sleep problems, particularly difficulty falling asleep;
- low self-esteem and low mood, especially in adolescence;
- oppositional behaviour and frequent conflict.
When to see a doctor
- the school reports problems with attention or behaviour;
- the child struggles to learn despite trying;
- conflicts at home over homework have become daily;
- the child has few friends or loses them through impulsivity;
- their mood has dropped or they call themselves "stupid" or "bad";
- there are sleep problems;
- there have been repeated injuries from acting without judging risk;
- an adolescent has started using alcohol or other substances.
How it is diagnosed
There are no blood tests or scans that confirm it. The diagnosis is clinical and requires information from several sources: parents, school and direct observation of the child. Standardised questionnaires completed by family and teachers are used.
Vision and hearing, sleep, iron deficiency, thyroid function and learning difficulties are also assessed, because all of these can mimic ADHD or coexist with it. School reports and concrete examples of situations are very useful to bring.
Treatment
The order depends on age and severity, and always includes work with the environment, not just with the child.
- parent training programmes — the first step in younger children and well supported by evidence;
- support at school — sitting at the front, tasks broken down, extra time, short instructions given one at a time, movement breaks;
- behavioural therapy with the child and social skills work;
- medication — methylphenidate and amphetamine derivatives as first line from the recommended age; atomoxetine and guanfacine as alternatives. The effect is noticeable within days and the dose is adjusted gradually;
- treating what comes with it — anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep;
- monitoring height, weight, blood pressure and appetite while on medication.
What helps at home
- stable, predictable routines with the same sequence every day;
- short instructions, one thing at a time, with eye contact;
- visible schedules and timers: time is easier to handle when it can be seen;
- homework broken into 15–20 minute blocks with movement breaks;
- notice what the child does well, specifically and immediately;
- clear, predictable consequences, without shouting and without delayed punishments;
- daily physical activity: it has a real effect on attention;
- enough sleep on a fixed schedule;
- a fixed place for bag, clothes and equipment;
- reduce noise and stimulation during tasks.
Common questions
Do screens cause it? No. Excessive use can worsen symptoms, but it does not cause the condition.
Is it outgrown? Partly. Hyperactivity usually diminishes, but difficulties with attention and organisation persist into adulthood in many people.
Does medication change personality? No. If the child is flat or irritable, the dose is wrong and needs adjusting.
Does it affect intelligence? No. Many children with ADHD have normal or high intelligence and still perform below their potential — and that is exactly what needs correcting.
Can it be treated with diet alone? There are no diets with proven effectiveness. Iron deficiency should be excluded and sleep problems treated.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor reviews the child's behaviour at home and at school, helps separate ADHD from anxiety, learning difficulties and sleep loss, advises which reports and tests to gather, and explains which treatment options apply at your child's age.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
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Medically reviewed by
Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026
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