Overview of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects millions of children. About 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD retain the condition until their adulthood.1 People suffering from this condition are inattentive, hyperactive and show impulsive behavior.2
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder struggle with
If this condition is left untreated, it leads to associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.1 Antipsychostimulant drugs are prescribed to subside the symptoms. These drugs can sometimes have side-effects. Community support, counseling, special accommodations in the classroom and family are other kinds of treatments in treating ADHD.
Occurence of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in different groups (Epidemiology)
The incidence of ADHD in the parents of children, diagnosed with ADHD is 25% indicating a strong genetic predisposition.3 Some studies have shown that boys are affected approximately five times more often than girls. Other studies have suggested that ADHD cannot be diagnosed easily in girls, as girls with ADHD show their symptoms differently.4
Statistical analysis has suggested that heredity is responsible for approximately half of the explainable variance in hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The link between poor family conditions and perinatal factors with hyperactivity is weak.5
Children and teenagers who are suffering from this disorder usually show health-threatening behaviors like smoking, alcohol intake and substance abuse.
Prevention for Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder cannot be prevented. Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking during pregnancy may help to prevent the child from developing behavior similar to ADHD and also other health problems.
Signs and Symptons of ADHD
A child is said to have Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if it shows signs and symptoms of the disease for 6 or more months and its ability to function in two areas, i.e., at school and home.
Causes of ADHD
Researchers believe that a majority of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) arises from the combination of various genes, many of such genes affect dopamine (hormone and a neurotransmitter) transporters.
Riskfactors of ADHD
The risk factors for Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include injury to the brain, environmental toxins, inheritence.
Diagnosis of ADHD
The most important diagnostic tool is the clinical interview, as there are no diagnostic laboratory tests for Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Treatment for ADHD
The medications that seem to be the most effective, are a class of drugs known as stimulants (drugs that temporarily increase alertness and awareness).
Related Topics
Living with ADHD
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 20, 2012