Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Definition

Definition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder. It is characterized primarily by "the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone" and symptoms starting before seven years of age. ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting about 3 to 5 percent of children globally and diagnosed in about 2 to 16 percent of school aged children. It is a chronic disorder with 30 to 50 percent of those individuals diagnosed in childhood continuing to have symptoms into adulthood. Adolescents and adults with ADHD tend to develop coping mechanisms to compensate for some or all of their impairments. It is estimated that 4.7 percent of American adults live with ADHD. Standardized rating scales such as the World Health Organization's Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale can be used for ADHD screening and assessment of the disorder's symptoms' severity.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are especially difficult to define because it is hard to draw the line at where normal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity end and clinically significant levels requiring intervention begin. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be observed in two different settings for six months or more and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.

The symptom categories of ADHD in children yield three potential classifications of ADHD-predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, or combined type if criteria for both subtypes are met.

Predominantly inattentive type symptoms may include:

1. Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
2. Have difficulty maintaining focus on one task
3. Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable
4. Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new or trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
5. Not seem to listen when spoken to
6. Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
7. Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
8. Struggle to follow instructions.

Causes

Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Parents may blame themselves when a child is diagnosed with ADHD, but the causes likely have more to do with inherited traits than parenting choices. At the same time, certain environmental factors may contribute to or worsen a child's behavior. Although there's still a lot that isn't known about ADHD, several factors may cause it:

1. Altered Brain Function And Anatomy: While the exact cause of ADHD remains a mystery, brain scans have revealed important differences in the structure and brain activity of people with ADHD. For example, there appears to be less activity in the areas of the brain that control activity levels and attention.
2. Heredity: ADHD tends to run in families. Several genes that may be associated with ADHD are currently being studied.
3. Maternal Smoking, Drug Use and Exposure to Toxins: Pregnant women who smoke are at increased risk of having children with ADHD. Alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy may reduce activity of the nerve cells (neurons) that produce neurotransmitters. Pregnant women who are exposed to environmental poisons also may be more likely to have children with symptoms of ADHD.
4. Childhood Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Preschool children exposed to certain toxins are at increased risk of developmental and behavioral problems. Exposure to lead, which is found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings, has been linked to disruptive and even violent behavior and to a short attention span.
5. Food Additives: Substances added to food, such as artificial coloring or food preservatives, may contribute to hyperactive behavior. Although sugar is a popular suspect in causing hyperactivity, there's no reliable proof of this.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
There's no specific test for ADHD. Gathering as much information as possible about your child is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of your child's symptoms.

An appointment to check for ADHD usually begins with a complete medical exam and a number of questions about your child's health, medical problems, difficulties, and issues that occur at school and at home.

Children diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms over a long period of time and have particular trouble in stressful, demanding situations or in activities that require sustained attention, such as reading, doing math problems or playing board games.

In general, a child shouldn't receive a diagnosis of ADHD unless the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life and create significant problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis.

Treatment

Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
There is no cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but treatment can reduce your symptoms and make the condition much less of a problem in day-to-day life. ADHD can be treated using medications or therapy, but it is widely agreed that a combination of both forms of treatment is the best way to treat it.

The different ways of treating ADHD, and how they can be used for children, teenagers and adults, are outlined below. Treatment will usually be arranged by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist (an expert in mental and emotional health), although your condition may be monitored by your GP.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
There is no cure for ADHD, but it can be managed using medication. This will be combined with psychological, educational and social therapies that aim to improve behaviour (see ADHD – Treatment for more information).

ADHD can be a lifelong condition, and many children continue to have symptoms as a teenager and adult. It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of children with ADHD still have some symptoms at the age of 25.

Prevention

Prevention of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Consult with your doctor.