What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood and results in overactive behavior, inattentiveness, and impulsiveness that goes beyond normal expected behavior for a child’s age level. According to the National Institute of Mental Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), three main types of ADHD are identifiable. Children may be either predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, or they may have a combination of both types. Most children with ADHD have the combined condition.

ADHD affects approximately three to five percent of school children, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the NIH; boys are more often diagnosed than girls. The exact causes for ADHD are unknown.

Symptoms vary based on the type of ADHD. Hyperactivity symptoms may include fidgeting with hands or feet; running around more than usual; and having difficulties playing quietly. Inattentive symptoms may include having difficulty staying focused during school tasks or play time; avoiding schoolwork; and excessive forgetfulness. Impulsivity symptoms may include trouble waiting one’s turn and interrupting others. A medical professional can help distinguish these symptoms from normal childhood behavior.

Because of the common nature of individual symptoms, ADHD is often misdiagnosed. Additionally, many children who do have the condition are incorrectly diagnosed as having another problem, such as learning disabilities and behavioral problems. The NIH adds that most children with an attention disorder also have other developmental or behavioral problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided guidelines to reduce the number of missed or incorrect ADHD diagnoses. Children diagnosed with ADHD must have at least six attention symptoms or six hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms; these must be present before age seven and observable for a minimum of six months. Symptoms should be relatively severe and should be evident in more than one setting.

Though there is no cure for the condition, treatment for ADHD can help control symptoms. Treatments may include medications, such as psychostimulants which can calm people with ADHD. Behavior therapy can be helpful for families as they learn to work with a child’s overactive or impulsive actions.

Sources:

National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health. (2011, April). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/

National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. (2008). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/adhd_booklet.pdf

By Nicole Stewart

Reviewed by Karen Schmidt, RN