What is ADHD?

Definition

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed during childhood. People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and exhibit hyperactivity.

ADHD is categorized into three types:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
• Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive presentation

Signs and Symptoms

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three key behaviors of ADHD. It is common for children to exhibit these behaviors but to be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display these symptoms to greater degree and more often than children of the same age.

Symptoms of inattention can include:

• trouble holding attention to details
• trouble holding attention to details
• seeming not to listen when spoken to directly
• trouble organizing tasks and activities
• often easily distracted
• forgetful in everyday activities

Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include:

• Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet
• Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate
• Unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly
• Talks excessively
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others

Treatment

There is currently no cure for ADHD, but there are many treatment options available to successfully manage ADHD. In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Research has shown behavioral therapy to be an effective treatment option that should be started as soon as a diagnosis is made. Medication is an option to help a control some behaviors that led to trouble for family, friends or at school.

Behavioral therapy may include:

• Creating a Routine
• Getting organized
• Avoiding Distractions
• Discipline effectively
• Use Goals and Rewards

Medications generally fall in two categories:

• Stimulants - These are the most widely used and has positive effect in 80-90% of cases. These medications can come as a short-acting, long acting or extended release. The active ingredient is the same in all these varieties, but families and doctors should decide together what is best on a case by case basis.
• Non-stimulants - are now starting more testing and seem to have fewer side effects than stimulants.

Possible Causes

There is no one sole cause of ADHD, however scientists have shown that there may be genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with family members affected by ADHD are significantly more likely to also have ADHD like symptoms. Current research also believes that excessive exposure to lead or polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) could lead to ADHD like symptoms. Furthermore, there is weak evidence that high amounts of artificial food coloring may also contribute to symptoms early in childhood.