Which condition is primarily characterized by difficulty in managing attention and impulse control?

The condition characterized primarily by difficulty in managing attention and impulse control is Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Individuals with ADHD often experience challenges such as a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that interferes with functioning or development. This can manifest as difficulty focusing on tasks, being easily distracted, and having trouble organizing activities. Impulsivity may lead to challenges in waiting turns or holding back in social situations.

The symptoms of ADHD typically present during childhood and can continue into adulthood, affecting academic and occupational performance and interpersonal relationships. Understanding the core symptoms of ADHD helps differentiate it from other mental health disorders that do not primarily focus on attention and impulse control, such as generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which have distinct characteristics and symptom profiles.