ADHD is a common childhood disorder, and it may affect children differently. It makes it hard for a child to focus and pay attention. Some kids may be hyperactive or have trouble being patient. ADHD can make it hard for a child to do well in school or behave at home.

ADHD can be treated. Doctors and specialists can help.

Children of all backgrounds can have ADHD. Teens and adults can have ADHD too.

No one knows for sure. ADHD probably comes from a combination of things. Some possibilities are:

Some people think refined sugar causes ADHD. But most research does not support the idea that sugar causes ADHD.

ADHD has many symptoms. Some symptoms at first may look like normal behaviors for a child, but ADHD makes them much worse and occur more often. Children with ADHD have at least six symptoms that start in the first five or six years of their lives.

Children with ADHD may:

Your doctor may make a diagnosis. Or sometimes the doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist who is more experienced with ADHD to make a diagnosis. There is no single test that can tell if you have ADHD.

How do children with ADHD get better?

Children with ADHD can get better with treatment, but there is no cure. There are three basic types of treatment:

Being a teenager isn't always easy. Teens with ADHD can have a tough time. School may be a struggle, and some teens take too many risks or break rules. But like children with ADHD, teens can get better with treatment.

Many adults have ADHD and don't know they have it. Like ADHD in children and teens, ADHD in adults can make life challenging. ADHD can make it hard for adults to feel organized, stick with a job, or get to work on time. Adults with ADHD may have trouble in relationships. The disorder can also make adults feel restless.

ADHD in adults can be diagnosed and treated. For some adults, finding out they have ADHD can be a big relief. Being able to connect ADHD to longtime problems helps adults understand that they can get better. If you're an adult and think you may have ADHD symptoms, call your doctor.

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Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Program
Strong Memorial Hospital
315 Science Parkway
Rochester, NY 14620
Inpatient Services: (585) 279-9200
Partial Hospitalization: (585) 279-7850
Outpatient Services: (585) 279-7800
Web site: www.urmc.rochester.edu
Hospital patient unit serves children, adolescents, and family in need of psychiatric care by providing a medically-supervised secure setting. Visiting patient services include group and individual therapy and
medication assessment and treatment.

Compeer of Livingston County

1 Genesee St.

Avon, NY 14414

(585) 226-8220

Fax: (585) 226-8256

Contact: Barb Mestler

Email: compeerliv@juno.com

Not-for-profit organization that matches volunteers in supportive friendships with Livingston County adults receiving mental health treatment. Flexible, fun opportunities available.

DePaul - Operation Friendship

110 Court St. Suite 1
Geneseo, NY 14454
(585) 243-3083
Email: EOBrien@depaul.org

Web site: www.Depaul.org

Contact: Elleen O'Brien
Supports independent and productive lives for people recovering from mental illness. Helps members to become more independent, improve vocational skills, develop leadership abilities, function more effectively in the community.

DePaul Problem Gamblers Program

339 East Ave., Suite 303

Rochester, NY 14604

(585) 426-8000

Fax: (585) 423-0821

Web site: www.nydas.org

Contact: Ray Scott, Program Director

Email: rscott@depaul.org

Counseling services for gamblers and their loved ones.