Overview
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- also referred to as ADD or ADHD -- is a biological, brain-based condition that is characterized by poor attention and distractiblity and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. Symptoms can continue into adolescence and adulthood. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to poor schoolwork performance, poor social relationships and a general feeling of low self-esteem.
Prevalence
It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of preschool and school age children have ADHD or approximately two million children in the United States. This means in a class of 25 to 30 students, it is likely that at least one student will have this common condition.
ADHD begins in childhood, but it often lasts into adulthood. Studies estimate that 30-70 percent of children with ADHD will continue to have symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.
Cause
The exact cause of ADHD has not been determined, however the condition is thought to have a genetic and biological component. ADHD tends to occur among family members. Many research studies currently focus on identifying which genes, or combination of genes, may cause a person to be more susceptible to ADHD. Physical differences in parts of the brain are also thought to be linked to ADHD.
Risk Factors
Many studies have found that the greatest risk factor for ADHD is being male. Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as compared to females. Genetics and heredity are also major risk factors, as ADHD tends to run in families. Brain abnormalities or structural differences have also been found in individuals with ADHD.
Additional suspected risk factors include maternal use of cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy which may affect brain development. Children who have been exposed to high levels of lead also may display ADHD symptoms.
ADHD vs. ADD
Do you wonder what the differences are between ADD and ADHA? ADD or attention deficit disorder is a general term frequently used to describe individuals that have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder without the hyperactive and impulsive behavios. The terms are often used interchageably for both those who do and those who do not have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
The most prevalent symptoms of ADD/ADHD are inattention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. Difficulties with concentration, mental focus, and inhibition of impulses and behaviors are chronic and pervasive and impair and individual's daily functioning across various settings -- home, school or work, in relationships, etc.
Symptoms are typically seen early in a child's life, often when he or she enters school. In order to meet diagnostic criteria for ADD/ADHD, symptoms must be more excessive than what would be appropriate for an individual's age and developmental level. Problematic behaviors associated with ADD/ADHD may continue into adolescence and adulthood. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies three major symptoms for the diagnosis of ADHD.
Three Major Symptoms
Inattention
-often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in
schoolwork, work, or other activities,
-often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities,
-often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly,
-often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores,
or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to
understand instructions).
-often has trouble organizing activities,
-often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental
effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework),
-often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school
assisgnments, pencils, books, or tools),
-is often easily distracted,
-is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity
-often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat,
-often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected,
-often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate
(adolescents or adults may feel very restless),
-often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly,
-is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor."
-often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
-often blurts out answers before questions have been finished,
-often has trouble waiting one's turn,
-often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., pushes into conversations
or games).
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Web Links
ADDandADHD
ADD&ADHD (Wrightslaw)
CHADD
Family Education
The ADHD Information Library
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