Previously known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that disrupts functioning or development. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder, a brain condition, and one of the most common childhood disorders.
Some evidence suggests that ADHD is more prevalent in the United States than in other developed countries. According to the 2018/2019 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), 8.7 percent (5.3 million) of American children aged 3 to 17 years were estimated to have been diagnosed with ADHD.
