Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a clinical diagnosis with features of short attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is often initially identified in early part of childhood. The features affect a child’s intelligence, school performance, behaviour and ability to function properly in social situations. This condition persists into adulthood in as many as 20 -50 % individuals.

ADHD is one of the commonest disorder in children and the commonest psychological disorder. Depending on various studies about 8 to 10 % of kids aged 4 -17 years have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Boys are affected two to four times more than girls.

I will first discuss the symptoms of ADHD and in a separate blog I will discuss the treatment options.


Common Causes

The cause(s) of ADHD are unclear, however there are many theories. Most experts believe that ADHD is a clinical or neurodevelopmental condition. Many experts agree that there is imbalance of chemicals in the brain and this imbalance may be transmitted genetically. This theory supported by the improvements generally noted with the use of medications influence the levels of these chemicals.

Exposure to tobacco during pregnancy may worsen the chances of ADHD in the children. In contrast to common belief most experts do not believe that dietary factors (artificial food additives, sugar, food sensitivity or allergies, mineral or Vitamin deficiency) cause ADHD. It is probably reasonable to assume that some lids have some minor behavioural changes when exposed to certain foods or food additives. However, these changes do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.


SYMPTOMS

ADHD is a condition that affects three aspects of behaviour: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Children who have ADHD may have one or more of these symptoms. In most situations, the child has no control over his or her behavior and cannot understand and relate the consequences to his or her misbehavior. The misbehaviour may be totally unintentional.

* Hyperactivity — Hyperactive behavior is defined as excessive fidgetiness or talking, difficulty remaining seated at one spot (depending on child’s age) when required to do so, inability to play quietly, and frequent restlessness or always seeming to be “on the go.”

These symptoms are commonly seen by the time a child is 4 years old and generally get worse over the next 3-4 years. The symptoms may peak in severity when the child is 7 to 8 years of age, after which they generally start to improve. By the teenage years, the hyperactive symptoms may be significantly less obvious, although symptoms of ADHD can persist.

* Impulsivity — Impulsive behavior generally always occurs with hyperactivity in children of younger age group. In other words children are very impatient. It affects their ability to wait for their turns, blurting out answers before you finish the question, disruptive the class, intruding or interrupting if someone is talking. Impulsivity often leads to rejection by friends and unintentional injury.

Like hyperactivity , Impulsive behaviour is also typically seen around 4 years of age and worsen during the next three to four years to peak at 7 to 8 years of age. Impulsive symptoms, however tend to persist throughout the life of the person.

* Inattention — Inattention may present in many different ways, including forgetfulness, getting easily distracted, losing or misplacing things, poor organization skills, poor academic performance in school, poor concentration, and poor attention to detail.

Because of the developmental needs of children (for example: ability to pay attention and sit still), these difficulties may become more apparent in school when the child start grade 2 or 3, although the child may have these features at a younger age when at home. Inattention is most likely to persist through adolescence and potentially through adult life.

Types of ADHD

Three subtypes of ADHD have been identified:

* The predominantly inattentive type, previously known as attention deficit disorder
* The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
* The combined type

The subtype is determined based upon a child’s predominant symptoms, and can change over time.