Watch + Learn: ADHD
"An estimated 8.8% of children aged 4-17 have ADHD. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, it does not only affect children. An estimated 4.4% of adults aged 18-44 have ADHD." -- National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but it can occur in both children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD are similar to typical behavior in most young children. Often, it is the teachers who first notice ADHD in children in the classroom.
Children with ADHD often find school difficult, but with treatment, people with ADHD can be successful in school, work, and lead productive lives. Today, researchers are using brain imaging and other tools to better understand ADHD and find new, more effective ways to treat it.
Risk Factors
Scientific research supports that causes of ADHA may be:
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Genetics. Genes may be a large factor in ADHD. It often runs in families, affecting specific brain areas that contribute to attention.
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Environmental factors. Studies show a link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and children who have ADHD. Exposure to lead as a child has also been shown to increase the likelihood of ADHD in children.
Diagnosis
It is often times difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD, because its symptoms are very similar to typical behavior in most young children. There is no one single test that will diagnose a child with ADHD. In order to make a diagnosis, a doctor or mental health professional will conduct an interview to gather the necessary information. The goal is to first rule out any outside causes for symptoms, such as environmental changes, difficulty in school, or medical problems, and ensure that the child is otherwise healthy.
Treatment
ADHD can be managed and treated in several ways:
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Medications, including stimulants, nonstimulants and antidepressants
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Behavioral therapy
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Self-management, education programs and assistance through schools or work or alternative treatment approaches
ADHD/ADD
Related disorders
Around two-thirds of children with ADHD are also diagnosed with another condition. Many adults are also impacted by the symptoms of another condition. Common conditions associated with ADHD include the following.
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Learning disabilities
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Oppositional defiant disorder: refusal to accept directions or authority from adults or others
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Conduct disorder, persistent destructive or violent behaviors
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Anxiety and depression
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Tourette's syndrome
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Bed-wetting
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Substance use disorders/ Dual Diagnosis
Want to learn more?
Here are some downloadable articles and white papers you might like:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
National Institute of Mental Health
Adult ADHD
American Academy of Family Physicians