Almost all children have behavior issues from time to time. But, for children with ADHD, behavior problems are persistent and occur over a long period of time. For a child with ADHD, their symptoms can create challenges all day, every day.

ADHD is a real and treatable neurobehavioral condition that affects 5 million children in the United States. ADHD symptoms fall into 3 basic subtypes, which include inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive behavior, and a combination of both. These symptoms are persistent (in other words, they must be present for at least 6 months) and occur more frequently in children with ADHD than other children their age.

Among other symptoms, a child with ADHD may have trouble sitting still, finishing tasks, or following directions. ADHD can affect your child at school, at home, and at play.

Over the years, ADHD has been called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). While some still refer to the condition as ADD, the term is no longer in widespread use. ADHD is the updated clinical term as it most accurately describes all aspects of the condition.

In the United States, approximately 9% of the school-age population is diagnosed with ADHD. It's the most commonly diagnosed behavioral condition in children today. Twice as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD as girls.

ADHD is not a discipline problem or a reflection of a child's intelligence. Nor is it a result of poor parenting. ADHD is thought to be a biological condition that affects certain types of brain functioning. While the exact cause of the condition is still unknown, scientists have focused their research on chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, in the brain. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Much like height or eye color, ADHD can be inherited. Studies suggest that 76% of ADHD is linked to family genetics. So the condition is more common among people who have a close relative with ADHD. Adults with ADHD have a 50% chance of passing it on to their children.

While there's no cure for ADHD, the symptoms of the condition can be effectively managed with treatments like CONCERTA^®. CONCERTA^® is a once-a-day prescription medication that can help your child focus at school and at home.

If you think your child has ADHD, take the ADHD symptom screener, then schedule an evaluation with a healthcare professional. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, ask about managing the everyday challenges of ADHD symptoms with CONCERTA^®.