Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by:
- Inattention – unable to sustain focus, disorganized, lacking in focus, walks away from incomplete tasks
- Hyperactivity – constantly moving, fidgety in inappropriate situations, lacking patience – constantly moving, fidgety in inappropriate situations, lacking patience
- Impulsivity – doing reckless, socially intrusive, and spur-of-the-moment things without considering consequences
Symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for emotional problems or bad behavior, and this can lead to a delay in diagnosis. However, a number of situations can contribute to a child not getting the attention they need. In cases like this, the child may act out, but it is not the same as having ADHD.
Prevalence
Most cases of ADHD are diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 12. The symptoms of ADHD usually settle with age; however, they can persist into adulthood. ADHD can also develop in adulthood in people who did not experience symptoms in early life.
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
A lack of focus, nonstop movement, and constantly being impulsive are hallmark ADHD behaviors, and most children with the disorder exhibit a combination of these behaviors. In preschool children, hyperactivity is seen more often than inattention and impulsivity.
Symptoms of Inattention
Children with ADHD might:
Symptoms of Impulsivity
Symptoms of Hyperactivity
Hyperactive children with ADHD:
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. While periods of lack of focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity could be considered normal in most people, they are less frequent, less severe, and do not have a profound impact on the individual’s job or studies.
Many theories abound as to what makes children hyperactive. For example, a popular but scientifically unproven theory suggests that sugar leads to hyperactivity.
Diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a wide-ranging evaluation by a licensed pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD, and the administration of authorized scales and questionnaires. As part of the diagnosis, all other medical and psychiatric conditions will be ruled out as causes for the symptoms.
For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must:
Most children will be diagnosed during their elementary school years — signs often appear between the ages of three and six years old. As the years progress, the symptoms can and often do change. Generally, the hyperactivity along with the impulsivity are particularly dominant in younger children, while later in adolescence, the inattention symptoms will be more evident, along with some of the impulsivity.
Diagnosing adults
Diagnosing an adult or adolescent with ADHD can be done when the symptoms were present before the age of twelve. Many times, what is mistaken for discipline or emotional issues are actually symptoms of ADHD, which can remain undiagnosed until much later in compliant and obedient children. Relationship issues, issues in school, problems at work, etc. could all be symptoms in an undiagnosed adult.
Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
There is no cure for ADHD, but some of the following treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning:
Risk Factors for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Exact causes of ADHD are not known. Circumstances that might increase the likelihood of developing ADHD are:
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
A lack of focus, nonstop movement, and constantly being impulsive are hallmark ADHD behaviors, and most children with the disorder exhibit a combination of these behaviors. In preschool children, hyperactivity is seen more often than inattention and impulsivity.
Symptoms of Inattention
Children with ADHD might:
Symptoms of Impulsivity
Symptoms of Hyperactivity
Hyperactive children with ADHD:
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. While periods of lack of focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity could be considered normal in most people, they are less frequent, less severe, and do not have a profound impact on the individual’s job or studies.
Many theories abound as to what makes children hyperactive. For example, a popular but scientifically unproven theory suggests that sugar leads to hyperactivity.
Diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a wide-ranging evaluation by a licensed pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD, and the administration of authorized scales and questionnaires. As part of the diagnosis, all other medical and psychiatric conditions will be ruled out as causes for the symptoms.
For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must:
Most children will be diagnosed during their elementary school years — signs often appear between the ages of three and six years old. As the years progress, the symptoms can and often do change. Generally, the hyperactivity along with the impulsivity are particularly dominant in younger children, while later in adolescence, the inattention symptoms will be more evident, along with some of the impulsivity.
Diagnosing adults
Diagnosing an adult or adolescent with ADHD can be done when the symptoms were present before the age of twelve. Many times, what is mistaken for discipline or emotional issues are actually symptoms of ADHD, which can remain undiagnosed until much later in compliant and obedient children. Relationship issues, issues in school, problems at work, etc. could all be symptoms in an undiagnosed adult.