What is ADHD and What are the Symptoms?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 4.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 17. It is estimated that 3 to 7 percent of children have ADHD. Boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often than girls, but the gap between genders is narrowing. Although the onset of ADHD occurs in childhood, the condition continues into adolescence and adulthood.

Cause

• The cause of ADHD is uncertain, but there is evidence that genetics play a role. Scientists are studying possible links between environmental exposure to chemicals and lead, alcohol or drug use during pregnancy, low birth weight, premature births and brain injury. Evidence does not verify a connection between ADHD symptoms and the consumption of sugar, television viewing, poor parenting or the playing of video games.

Characteristics

• ADHD is characterized by inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity. Although a child may demonstrate characteristics that fall into all three categories, the presence of significant disruption in one area may signal a diagnosis of ADHD. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM IV) a diagnosis of ADHD requires six or more characteristics in either the category of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Inattention and Distraction

• Inattention symptoms include failure to concentrate, failure to maintain focus, a lack of follow-through on instructions, difficulty organizing activities, avoidance of tasks that require mental effort for sustained periods, easy distraction by outside sources and forgetfulness.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

• Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms include fidgeting or squirming; getting up at inappropriate times; excessive running, climbing or restlessness; difficulty playing quietly; the need to always be moving; constant talking; difficulty waiting for a turn; and interrupting others.

Onset of Symptoms

• At least some ADHD symptoms must have onset before the age of 7 and must not be isolated to one particular setting such as school or home. Symptoms must impair the person's ability to function appropriately in school, work or social settings.

Types

• Diagnosis falls into three categories. ADHD Combined type means the person exhibits characteristics of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, ADHD Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive type shows signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity without symptoms of inattention, ADHD Predominately Inattentive type shows signs of inattention without hyperactivity-impulsivity.