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Is ADHD in Babies a Thing?

Is ADHD in Babies a Thing?

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Most babies have an abundance of energy, and that’s well and good. They can even cry a lot but that’s normal too. But did you know that these outbursts of crying and tantrums are better predictors of ADHD rather than hyperactivity? So the real question is, are these meltdowns and tantrums early signs of ADHD in babies? That’s what we are here to discuss today. If you are concerned about if symptoms like these are indicating your toddler might have ADHD then we are here to help you eliminate these concerns fully. Let’s begin with the words below before we also dwell on ADHD symptoms in toddlers.

Defining ADHD

Before we go into the discussion of ADHD in babies, we need to focus on ADHD initially. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which is abbreviated as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that predominantly affects children, from as early as the age of 2 or 3 years of age. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep the focus on one thing or task), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting or mood), and impulsivity (hasty and spontaneous acts that occur at the moment without any thought process), which are highly capable of hurting the day to day functioning of the affected individual, which in the case of the topic, happens to be under the age of 4. Around 4% and 12% of children have ADHD and it’s way more likely to be seen in boys than girls (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children, n.d.). So how can parents and practitioners identify ADHD in babies’ red flags? That forms the point of discussion in the next section!

Read More: Let’s Talk About The Relationship Between ADHD and Anxiety

ADHD in Babies

While we always knew about ADHD in children that there is the possibility of ADHD in babies kind of blows my mind. ADHD babies are not easily recognizable as many toddlers tend to throw tantrums and have meltdowns of the slightest of hiccups but these are also reigning symptoms that help us identify ADHD in babies such as yours really exists. These symptoms are what make a diagnosis at that point of their lives, so much more tricky as many do go on to find out that they have ADHD in their later years. It is always so much better to have the diagnosis from the get-go as it is not something as simple as anxiety.

Earlier Signs of ADHD in Babies

As per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), usually, children who are around at least the age of 4 are diagnosed with ADHD. This does not at all mean that ADHD symptoms in toddlers are not a real phenomenon (Wolraich et al., 2011). The thing is, it essentially is a real deal. Let’s take a look at a table (Buzanko, 2025) on how the difference in ADHD symptoms in toddlers can help us differentiate them from babies with normal neurodevelopmental (neurotypical) brains.

Behavior Neurotypical Possible ADHD 
Tantrums 2-3 times/week for less than 15 minutes; frequency and intensity lessens over 6 months 3+/week for more than 15 minutes at a time; frequency and intensity persist for 6 or more months
Aggressive behaviors (e.g., biting) 1-2 times a month (between 12-36 months) and/or with little expressive language 36+ months, occurring more than once or twice (i.e., often during tantrums), and/or possessing good language skills
Self-injury (e.g., bite or hit self, head-banging) Not applicable Occurs at any time

 

If you look at the table above, you will notice the differences. One noticeable one is that the symptoms where ADHD seems plausible have extended time periods. In addition to that, there is also a probability of self-injury if you think your baby is one of the ADHD babies. Affected babies are also the ones who are extremely active and spontaneous and seem to need less sleep than their peers. All of this makes it possible to even induce ADHD in a 1 year old baby.

Read More: Let’s Discuss Ring of Fire ADHD

Causes of ADHD in Children (And Toddlers)

As in older children and adults, there is no single cause behind the diagnosis of ADHD in babies. When it comes to causes of ADHD in children, there’s usually a multitude of factors at play, which makes the diagnosis of ADHD in kids and babies, a reality. Let’s see what are these (Causes of ADHD: What We Know Today, n.d.):

Genetics

ADHD is a genetic and hereditary condition. It means if there is a family history (genetic disposition) and one of the other factors comes true (an environment where the genetic disposition comes into motion) then it is likely that your baby is going to have it.

Brain Functionality

How your brain functions also contributes to the existence of ADHD. People who have ADHD tend to have disparities in the areas of the brain that control attention and focus, especially when their brain mapping is compared to that of neurotypical brains.

Read More: Child Psychiatrist – A Guide For Parents & Guardians

Presence of Lead and Other Toxins

While it is rare, lead and other toxins like it can find their way to your child from the environment. Lead especially, can cause ADHD in babies and children of older age.

Issues at the Prenatal Stage and Premature Birth

If any of the parents were dwelling in self-destructive behaviors such as drinking alcohol or abusing recreational substances, especially if these people were mothers at the prenatal stage, it had led to ADHD in babies and therefore, obviously signs of ADHD in toddlers. Likewise, premature births have often led to ADHD diagnoses later in life.

Critical Injury to the Head

If your baby or child suffered a critical head injury, there is a more prominent likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis in them.

Duly note that food allergies, food dyes, and sugar are not known to cause ADHD as per the AAP.

Read More: Bipolar Disorder Vs ADHD: Learn The Symptoms

Treating ADHD in Babies

To diagnose ADHD in babies and children, they have to be monitored. This is because babies and children due to the sheer differences in symptoms (when compared to adults) and the difficulty of diagnosing them (because they tend to always be in motion), it’s rather easier to monitor them directly. After careful monitoring, an expert ensures if there is ADHD in babies or in children or not and then a treatment plan is devised accordingly, most of the time involving:

  • Complementary support for parents helps create an environment that caters to their child’s needs.
  • Psychostimulant medications (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine), are highly effective at treating ADHD. Use these in such a way that children can take them but do remember that babies should not be prescribed these medicines.
  • An academic setting that encourages children and babies who have ADHD to learn properly.

Read More: ADHD vs Depression: Finding The Link Between Them

Conclusion

Now you know ADHD in babies is actually a thing and you also know the symptoms of ADHD in toddlers, in addition to what it does to children. It’s not the time to ask questions like, “Can babies have ADHD?”. Now it’s time to get treatment for it, say for example, through psychotherapy or medication management. You can get it at Orange Coast Psychiatry as they are adept at treating issues like ADHD and even others such as depression in adults. Let’s make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Participating in repetitive or boring tasks that require a lot of effort and focus. 

There are a couple of ways: Therapy, exercise, a balanced diet, teaching them organization, and motivating them to practice mindfulness. 

To answer the question properly, you have to establish a structured routine, provide opportunities for physical activity, create a calm environment, and offer positive reinforcement and clear expectations. 

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd
  2. Subcommittee on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Steering Committee on Quality Improvement and Management, Wolraich M, et al. ADHD: clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2011;128(5):1007‐1022. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-2654 
  3. Buzanko, C. (2025, March 18). When Toddler Tantrums Are Actually ADHD: Early Signs of ADD and Emotional Dysregulation. Attitude Mag. https://www.additudemag.com/toddler-tantrums-adhd-emotions-early-signs/
  4. Causes of ADHD: What we know today. (n.d.). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Causes-of-ADHD.aspx

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.

“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.