ADHD is one of
the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and can persist through
adolescence and into adulthood. Currently the causes are unknown.
A person with ADHD has a chronic level of inattention, impulsive hyperactivity,
or both such that daily functioning is compromised. The symptoms of the
disorder must be present at levels that are higher than expected for a person's
developmental stage and must interfere with the person's ability to function
in different settings (e.g., in school and at home). A person with ADHD
may struggle in important areas of life, such as peer and family relationships,
and school or work performance.
Three types of ADHD have been established according to which symptoms
are strongest in the individual. These types are described below:
1. Predominantly Inattentive Type: It is hard for the individual to
organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow
instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or
forgets details of daily routines.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: The person fidgets and
talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or
while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly.
The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone
who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people,
or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait
their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may
have more accidents and injuries than others.
3. Combined Type: Symptoms of the above two types are equally predominant
in the person.
As many as half of those with ADHD also have other mental disorders.
These comorbidities of ADHD (other disorders that occur along with
ADHD) can make it harder to diagnose and treat ADHD. They may also
present further challenges to the individual with ADHD.
Used by mental health professionals, the DSM-IV-TR provides criteria
for diagnosing ADHD. This diagnostic standard helps ensure that
people are appropriately diagnosed and treated for ADHD. Using
the same
standard across communities will help determine the public health
impact of
ADHD.
Treating ADHD can be done through medical or behavioral therapies,
or a combination of the two.
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