Other names: ADD; Attention Deficit Disorder; Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Childhood Hyperkinesis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder diagnosed in roughly 10 percent of school-aged children and adolescents. There are three main subgroups of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive ADHD: inattention is the main characteristic, daydreaming is common
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD: hyperactivity and impulsiveness predominate
- Combined ADHD: all three behaviors (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness) are present.
What are the Symptoms of ADHD?
Each person varies in the severity and frequency of their symptoms. Originally it was thought that ADHD was more common in boys; however, experts believe girls are more likely to present with inattentive characteristics and are more likely overlooked. ADHD occurs across all races and socioeconomic groups.
Symptoms can be grouped depending on the predominant behavior.
Examples of inattentive behavior include:
- Being easily distracted
- Daydreaming
- Disorganization
- Making silly mistakes
- Often late
- Short attention span.
Examples of hyperactive behavior include:
- Constantly moving
- Fidgeting
- High energy levels
- Restlessness
- Trouble sitting still
- Trouble switching off/sleeping.
Examples of impulsive behavior include:
- Acting without thinking
- Blurting out answers/secrets
- Interrupting
- Prone to accidents.
Other symptoms that are common to people with ADHD include:
- Creativity
- High Intelligence
- Delayed social maturity
- Enthusiasm
- Sensitivity.
What Causes ADHD?
The causes of ADHD are not fully known, but research is actively ongoing. There does appear to be a link between a family history of ADHD (genetics) with over 25% of relatives of families with a child with ADHD who also had the condition. There is also an 82% chance that identical twins will both have ADHD if at least one of them has the condition compared to a 38% chance among fraternal twins.
Other factors that have been identified as possibly contributing to ADHD include:
- Brain injury from a traumatic event (eg, stroke, head trauma, tumor)
- Exposure to lead after birth
- Low birth weight
- Fetal exposure to alcohol or cigarette smoke
- Herbicides
- Pesticides.
There is no evidence that poor parenting, certain foods, sugar, or vaccinations cause ADHD.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
If your child has symptoms suggestive of ADHD then talk with your doctor or pediatrician. They will talk with you, your child, and possibly your child’s school and ask questions that focus on:
- Ability to control emotions
- Attentiveness
- Focus
- Home and school relationships
- Hyperactivity.
They will ask if your family has any other family members with ADHD. Most cases of ADHD are diagnosed at age 7 or 8, but symptoms may begin sooner. ADHD usually still persists into adulthood; however, some people have learned how to manage their symptoms better so it may not be as noticeable.
How is ADHD Treated?
Behavioral education should be considered as first-line treatment for any case of ADHD, particularly in children aged less than 6 years of age, with mild symptoms, or if the family prefers this option over drug therapy.
Pharmacological treatments for ADHD include:
- Atomoxetine
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts
- Methylphenidate
- Other treatments, such as clonidine or guanfacine.
