Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) facts:

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. Children with ADHD have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects into children and adults.

Signs & Symptoms

Impulsivity -- A child with ADHD:

has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
blurts out answers before the question has been completed
often interrupts others

For in depth information, see WebMD's ADHD in Children.

What are ADHD symptoms in adults?

Adult ADHD symptoms may be different than the symptoms in children. In addition, they may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of behavioral issues. Symptoms include:

chronic lateness and forgetfulness
anxiety
low self-esteem
employment problems
difficulty controlling anger
impulsiveness
substance abuse or addiction
poor organization skills
procrastination
low frustration tolerance
chronic boredom
difficulty concentrating when reading
mood swings
depression
relationship problems

For in depth information, see WebMD's Adult ADHD.

What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including:

Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.
Chemical imbalance: Experts believe an imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that transmit nerve impulses may be a factor in the development of ADHD symptoms.
Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD.
Head injury:There are reports of children with head injuries, particularly with concussions, developing behavioral problems that may mimic ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, and include:

Impulsiveness: a child who acts quickly without thinking first.
Hyperactivity: a child who can't sit still, walks, runs, or climbs around when others are seated, talks when others are talking.
Inattention: a child who daydreams or seems to be in another world, is sidetracked by what is going on around them.

DIAGNOSE

If ADHD is suspected, the diagnosis should be made by a professional with training in ADHD. This includes child psychiatrists, psychologists, developmental/behavioral pediatricians, behavioral neurologists, and clinical social workers. After ruling out other possible reasons for the child’s behavior, the specialist checks the child’s school and medical records and talks to teachers and parents who have filled out a behavior rating scale for the child. A diagnosis is made only after all this information has been considered.

Symptoms+

Inattention -- A child with ADHD: