ADHD

ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. Both adults and children can have ADHD.Ad

ADHD in Adults

ADHD can last into adulthood. Some adults have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships. Symptoms may look different at older ages, for example, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms can become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase. A

causes of ADHD.a

The cause and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD.

In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including Brain injury, Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age, Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature delivery, low birth weight. A

Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.A

Signs and Symptoms

A child with ADHD might: Daydream a lot, Forget or lose things a lot, Squirm, talk too much, make careless mistakes, or take unnecessary risks, have a hard time resisting temptation, have trouble taking turns, have difficulty getting along with others.Af

Types

There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:A

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.fA

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump, or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.f

Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.A

Diagnosis

Deciding if a child who has ADHD is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD usually includes a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, the child.A

Treatment

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way.A

Medication is another option that proves as helpful when you are living with ADHD. ADHD medications are designed to affect brain chemicals in a way that enables you to better control your impulses and actions.A

ADHD is one of the most neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.AA

People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time.A