Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects how people—especially children—think, behave, and focus. It’s not just about being “hyper” or “easily distracted.” ADHD is a real medical disorder that begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood, affecting everything from learning and behavior to relationships and safety.
In the United States, nearly 8% of children are diagnosed with ADHD. In Europe, it’s close to 3%. The numbers are growing, and experts believe that ADHD is still underdiagnosed, especially in regions where awareness is limited. Importantly, ADHD doesn’t always “go away” with age. In about half of all cases, symptoms continue into adult life.
How ADHD Affects Daily Life
ADHD affects a person’s executive functions, the mental skills we use to focus, plan, stay organized, remember details, and control impulses. Children with ADHD might:
- Have trouble sitting still in class
- Forget instructions or lose things
- Interrupt others or talk too much
- Jump from one task to another without finishing
As they grow up, these challenges don’t always disappear. Adults with ADHD may struggle to meet deadlines, manage time, hold steady jobs, or maintain healthy relationships. Studies have shown that ADHD is linked with higher risks of accidents, substance misuse, and even early death in some cases, especially when the condition is left untreated.
Why ADHD Happens: What Science Says
Scientists have learned a lot about the causes of ADHD in recent years. While we don’t know everything yet, research points to both genetics and brain chemistry playing major roles.
In many cases, ADHD runs in families. Studies have found that changes in certain genes—especially those that affect the brain’s dopamine system—can make a person more likely to develop ADHD. Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps with attention, motivation, and movement. When dopamine doesn’t work properly, it can lead to symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing.
“ADHD is not just a behavioral issue—it is a chronic brain-based disorder that requires early detection, scientific treatment, and long-term support.”
Besides genetics, environmental and structural factors can also lead to ADHD. Some children develop the condition after events like:
- Birth complications or lack of oxygen to the brain
- Head injuries
- Brain infections (like encephalitis)
- Exposure to toxins or harmful substances early in life
This type of ADHD is sometimes called “secondary ADHD,” as it develops due to a physical cause, unlike “primary ADHD” which is mostly genetic.
What Happens in the Brain
In people with ADHD, the brain works differently. Certain areas of the brain—like the prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus—don’t communicate as effectively as they should. These are the parts of the brain that help with decision-making, controlling emotions, and staying on task.
Brain scans (like fMRI and PET) show that people with ADHD often have lower activity in these areas. Their brains may also have differences in how they process neurotransmitters—chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
New research also shows that oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain may play a role. This means that harmful molecules called free radicals may be damaging brain cells, especially in children with poor antioxidant defenses.
Diagnosing ADHD: How Doctors Know
ADHD can’t be diagnosed with a single test. It requires a comprehensive evaluation that looks at a child’s behavior at home, at school, and in social settings.
Doctors often follow these three steps:
- Parent questionnaires – Parents are asked about their child’s behavior using a structured form (like the Conners’ scale), which helps rate symptoms of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Teacher feedback – Since children behave differently in school, teachers also fill out a similar questionnaire to confirm the symptoms are present in different settings.
- Assessment of other issues – Many children with ADHD also deal with anxiety, learning problems, or depression, so it’s important to check for those too.
ADHD is usually diagnosed between the ages of 4 and 18. If symptoms are affecting school performance or family life, doctors will categorize the condition as mild, moderate, or severe, based on how many symptoms are present and how much they interfere with daily life.
Different Types of ADHD
Not every child with ADHD is the same. Some are more hyperactive, while others mostly struggle with attention. ADHD is classified into:
- Predominantly inattentive type (often called ADD)
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
- Combined type (a mix of both)
The severity is also scored using scales like Conners’ or DSM-based checklists. In some models, point ranges differ for boys and girls to better reflect how symptoms appear across genders.
How ADHD Is Treated
The good news is that ADHD is treatable. With the right care plan, children and adults with ADHD can lead productive, fulfilling lives.
1 First Line: Behavioral Therapy For young children or mild cases, the first step is behavioral therapy. This involves teaching children how to manage their emotions, develop routines, and improve social skills. Parents also learn how to support their child at home.
2 Medication For moderate to severe ADHD, doctors may prescribe medication. The two most common options are:
- Methylphenidate – A stimulant that boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
- Atomoxetine – A non-stimulant that helps regulate attention and impulse control by affecting norepinephrine.
These medications don’t “cure” ADHD, but they can dramatically reduce symptoms, especially when combined with behavioral support.
New Developments: Antioxidants and Brain Health
A new and promising area of treatment involves antioxidants—substances that protect brain cells from damage.
One such medication, called Mexidol® (ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate), is an antioxidant drug that’s been studied for use in children with ADHD. It works by:
- Protecting brain cells from harmful free radicals
- Improving dopamine and serotonin function
- Boosting the brain’s natural defense systems
A recent clinical study called the MEGA trial looked at 333 children with ADHD over a 6-week period. It found that children taking Mexidol® twice a day showed a 29% reduction insymptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. These results were measured using a tool called the SNAP-IV scale, which is commonly used to track ADHD progress. According to the results of measuring using subscale “hyperactivity/impulsivity” of the SNAP-IV scale Mexidol at a dosage of 125 mg 2 times a day is most effective in relieving symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity in patients with ADHD.
Mexidol® may be especially helpful for children who can’t take stimulants or who need additional support alongside behavioral therapy.
What About the Long Term?
ADHD doesn’t just disappear when a child gets older. In fact, many people with ADHD continue to face challenges into their teenage and adult years. These might include:
- Trouble keeping a job
- Relationship issues
- Emotional ups and downs
- Risky behaviors or poor decision-making
- Addiction or substance use problems
That’s why long-term management is so important. It’s not just about getting through elementary school, it’s about helping individuals succeed throughout life. This includes:
- Continued behavioral support
- School and workplace accommodations
- Mental health counseling
- Ongoing medication or antioxidant therapy, if needed
Some children may need extra help transitioning to adulthood, such as learning to manage their own medication, time, and responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
ADHD is a complex condition—but with the right understanding and treatment, it can be managed successfully. Scientists now know that ADHD is not a result of poor parenting or lack of discipline. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder rooted in brain chemistry, genetics, and in some cases, structural changes.
As research continues, especially in areas like oxidative stress and non-stimulant therapies, the hope is to offer even more personalized and effective care. Whether through medications like methylphenidate, support systems at school, or innovative new treatments like Mexidol®, there are more options than ever before to help people with ADHD reach their full potential.
Box Out
“How to Spot ADHD: Key Signs by Age”
| Age Group | Common Signs of ADHD |
| Preschool (3–5 yrs) | Trouble sitting still, frequent tantrums, very impulsive behavior |
| School-age (6–12 yrs) | Difficulty following instructions, losing focus, forgetting tasks, interrupting often |
| Teens (13–17 yrs) | Poor time management, risky behavior, mood swings, academic struggles |
| Adults | Disorganization, trouble focusing at work, restlessness, emotional regulation issues |
Head, Department of Childhood Neurology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
