Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Definition
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that appears in early childhood and is characterized by a child’s behavior that consists of difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity).

Causes:
Still the exact cause of ADHD is not known but it is suggested that the genes, environmental factors and nutrition all play some role. Also studies have shown that this disorder can run in families and is also linked to smoking and alcohol during pregnancy.

Clinical Features:
The most obvious sign of ADD/ADHD is hyperactivity. While many children are naturally quite active, kids with hyperactive symptoms of attention deficit disorder are always moving.

Major symptoms of inattention include:

• Difficulty focusing on one thing.
• Easily distracted.
• Trouble completing homework assignments.
• Disorganized work habits.
• Getting bored with a task after a few minutes.
• Not seem to listen when spoken to.

Major symptoms of hyperactivity include:

• Constantly fidgets.
• Trouble sitting still.
• Talks excessively.
• Difficulty in participating in quiet relaxing activities.

Major symptoms of Impulsivity include:

• Acts without thinking.
• Interrupts others.
• Difficulty awaiting one’s turn.
• Says the wrong thing at a wrong time.

Diagnosis:
Children mature at different ages and have different personalities. Sometimes normal child age appropriate behavior could be mistaken for ADHD. No single test can diagnose a child as having ADHD. The child should be examined by a pediatrician and a mental health specialist and the information should be gathered from the parents and close observers. It is important to rule out other possibilities for the symptoms.

Long term Prognosis:
Majority of children ultimately adjust to the disorder but hyperactivity is related to development of certain disorders in later life for example conduct disorder.

Inattention tends to persist through childhood and adolescence and on into adulthood, while hyperactivity tends to diminish with age.

Some children when they grow into their teenage experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.