ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, focus, organization, time management, impulse control, and activity level. ADHD is more than occasionally feeling distracted or overwhelmed.

For people with ADHD, symptoms typically occur across multiple settings and can interfere with daily life. ADHD may affect academic performance, work responsibilities, relationships, self-care, and other important areas of functioning.

ADHD symptoms vary from person to person. Some individuals primarily experience challenges with attention and organization, while others experience more hyperactivity, restlessness, or impulsivity. Many people experience a combination of these symptoms.

Key Takeaways

  • ADHD affects attention, organization, time management, and impulse control
  • Symptoms: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, distractibility, restlessness, and impulsive behaviors
  • ADHD can affect school, work, relationships, and daily routines
  • Treatment may include skill-building, counseling, academic supports, and medication
  • Many students with ADHD are successful when they have the right tools and support
Think you might have ADHD?

Common symptoms of ADHD may include:

Inattention

  • Difficulty paying attention for long periods
  • Frequent distractability
  • Trouble following through on tasks
  • Forgetfulness
  • Losing important items
  • Difficulty organizing responsibilities
  • Poor time management
  • Trouble prioritizing assignments and deadlines

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

  • Feeling restless or unable to sit still
  • Difficulty relaxing quietly
  • Interrupting others during conversations
  • Acting before fully thinking through consequences
  • Difficulty waiting your turn
  • Feeling driven to stay busy or active

ADHD is more than occasionally feeling distracted, disorganized, or restless. For individuals with ADHD, symptoms can create meaningful challenges in one or more areas of life. Symptoms may interfere with:

  • Academic performance
  • Work responsibilities
  • Relationships
  • Daily routines
  • Emotional regulation
  • Self-confidence

Understanding how symptoms affect daily functioning is an important part of ADHD assessment and treatment planning.

What causes ADHD?

ADHD is believed to result from differences in brain development and functioning. Genetics play an important role, and symptoms often begin during childhood, although some people are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.

Symptoms may become more noticeable during:

  • Stressful periods
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Substance use
  • Major life transitions
  • Increased academic or work demands

Good to Know

ADHD is not caused by laziness, lack of motivation, or poor intelligence. Many people with ADHD are highly capable and successful. Understanding how ADHD affects your brain can help you develop strategies that support your goals

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. Healthcare providers diagnose ADHD through a comprehensive clinical assessment that may include:

  • Review of current symptoms
  • Discussion of how symptoms affect school, work, relationships, and daily life
  • Medical, mental health, and educational history
  • Review of childhood and developmental history
  • Screening questionnaires or assessment tools
  • Review of previous ADHD evaluations or treatment records when available
  • Evaluation for other medical or mental health conditions that may affect attention and concentration

Many conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep disorders
  • Learning differences
  • Substance use
  • Medical conditions
  • Stress and burnout

At CSU Health Network, ADHD screening and assessment are individualized. Not all evaluations result in an ADHD diagnosis.

Formal neuropsychological testing is not offered through CSU Health Network. When appropriate, providers can help connect students with community resources for more comprehensive testing.

How is it treated?

Treatment is individualized and may include one or more approaches.

Education and Skill Building

  • Learning about ADHD and symptom management
  • Developing organization and planning strategies
  • Improving time management skills
  • Building effective study habits and routines

Counseling and Behavioral Health Services

  • Developing coping strategies
  • Managing stress and anxiety
  • Addressing co-occurring mental health concerns
  • Improving executive functioning skills

Academic Supports

  • Academic coaching
  • Tutoring
  • Study skills resources
  • Student Disability Center accommodations when appropriate

Medication Management

  • Non-stimulant medications
  • Stimulant medications
  • Monitoring for effectiveness and side effects

Medication may be helpful for some individuals but is not necessary or appropriate for everyone with ADHD.

Are there any harmful effects?

Untreated or poorly managed ADHD can contribute to:

  • Academic difficulties
  • Missed deadlines and incomplete work
  • Relationship challenges
  • Lower self-esteem
  • Increased stress and frustration
  • Anxiety or depression symptoms
  • Difficulty maintaining healthy routines
  • Driving or safety concerns related to inattention

Many individuals experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment and support.

What does follow-up care look like?

ADHD treatment is an ongoing process. Follow-up visits may be recommended to:

  • Monitor symptoms and progress
  • Assess treatment effectiveness
  • Adjust treatment plans when needed
  • Monitor medication benefits and side effects
  • Address new concerns or life changes

If you are prescribed a stimulant medication, you are required to sign a Controlled Substance Agreement.

Depending on your individual treatment plan and safety needs, follow-up care may include:

  • Periodic office visits
  • Review of prescription histories through the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
  • Medication monitoring
  • Additional assessment when clinically indicated
How can I take care of myself?

Strategies that may help manage ADHD symptoms include:

  • Use a planner, calendar, or reminder system
  • Break large tasks into smaller steps
  • Create structured daily routines
  • Use timers and alarms to stay on task
  • Prioritize adequate sleep
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit distractions while studying or working
  • Practice stress-management techniques
  • Attend recommended appointments and follow treatment recommendations
  • Seek support when challenges arise
What can I do to prevent this from getting worse?
  • Maintain a consistent daily routine
  • Prioritize adequate sleep
  • Use organizational systems that work for you
  • Address stress, anxiety, depression, or other health concerns early
  • Avoid relying on last-minute work habits when possible
  • Follow treatment recommendations from your healthcare provider
  • Attend follow-up appointments as recommended

Seek help if symptoms begin interfering with school, work, relationships, or daily functioning

How to help a friend or loved one?

You can:

  • Learn about ADHD and how it affects daily functioning
  • Offer encouragement and support
  • Avoid judgment about attention, organization, or productivity challenges
  • Help with planning, reminders, or organization when invited
  • Encourage healthy habits such as sleep, exercise, and stress management
  • Encourage professional support when symptoms affect academic, work, or personal functioning
Campus Resources

Resources that may support students with ADHD include:

To schedule an appointment with CSU Health Network, call (970) 491-7121.