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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects millions of school-aged children. Though ADHD always begins in childhood, the disorder can persist into adulthood. In fact, approximately 50 percent of all children with ADHD will continue to suffer from the disorder as adults.

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The main symptoms associated with ADHD are:

hyperactivity
impulsive behavior
inattentiveness.

Although an ADHD diagnosis is generally made before the age of seven, a person can be diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager or even as an adult.

It is important to note that not all children who exhibit ADHD symptoms will be diagnosed with ADHD. To be classified as having ADHD, ADHD symptoms must be continuing and persistent and must interfere with daily activities.

In this section, we'll cover all aspects of ADHD, from possible causes and risk factors of ADHD to ADHD symptoms and treatment. We'll also discuss how doctors make an ADHD diagnosis.

ADHD Causes and Risk Factors

While scientists believe that structural changes in the brain are likely the leading cause of ADHD, most also believe that environmental factors can contribute to the disorder or worsen the behavior of someone with the disorder.

Some possible causes of ADHD include:

altered brain function and structure
childhood exposure to toxins
genetics
maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Some risk factors for ADHD include:

being male
experiencing brain trauma in the womb or during delivery
having Tourette's syndrome.

With so many people being diagnosed with ADHD, it is important to understand the causes and risk factors of ADHD.

ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis

ADHD symptoms vary from person to person. Some children experience only a few inattention symptoms, while some children exhibit only a few hyperactivity symptoms.

ADHD symptoms are grouped into two categories:

Inattention

avoids work that requires sustained mental effort
easily distracted
fails to finish work, chores or tasks
fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in work or other activities
forgetful
frequently loses items
has a hard time following instructions
has trouble sustaining attention during tasks
seems to not listen.

Hyperactivity-Impulsive Behavior

doesn't remain seated
feels restless
fidgets or squirms
has a hard time staying quiet and talks excessively
often blurts out answers to questions in class (if applicable)
has a hard time waiting his turn
interrupts or intrudes on others
runs or climbs excessively.

Generally, a child is diagnosed with ADHD only if he shows six or more inattention symptoms and six or more hyperactivity-impulsive behaviors for at least six months. Most children with ADHD do not exhibit all ADHD symptoms.

ADHD symptoms will factor into ADHD diagnosis.

ADHD Treatments

While no cure exists for ADHD, many treatment options can help to lessen symptoms and modify or suppress ADHD behaviors.

If your doctor determines that you or your loved one is suffering from ADHD, he will discuss treatment options with you. While many doctors support the use of psychostimulants for ADHD, counseling, special accommodations in the classroom (if applicable) and support of family and friends are also key parts of ADHD treatment.

Resources

Mayo Clinic (2007). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Retrieved August 2, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=1.

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