Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurological disease that affects an individual's behavior and ability to focus on tasks. Both children and adults have ADHD. ADHD is often managed with medication and therapy.
Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 4.5 million American children aged 5 to 17 are diagnosed as having ADHD. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder than girls. Although usually diagnosed starting around age 7, children with ADHD exhibit symptoms as early as ages 3 or 4. About 2.5 million children ages 4 through 17 take medication for relief from attention and hyperactivity disorders. While some children outgrow ADHD, 60 percent continue to have symptoms in adulthood.
Causes
According to the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, heredity is an important component of ADHD causality. Contributing factors that have been documented are difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, low birth weight, high levels of lead in the body and injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain.
Symptoms
Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors and appear to be overly active. They are often fidgety, in constant motion, have trouble listening or staying on one task, can be quite talkative, interrupt or intrude on others or have difficulty playing quietly.
Adults with ADHD are often late or forgetful, exhibit anxiety, have poor self-esteem and poor organization skills, have difficulty maintaining employment, have a substance addiction or be plagued with depression. They can experience restlessness, appear agitated, have frequent mood swings or temper outbursts, have difficulty concentrating, be unable to handle stress effectively or have poor peer relationships.
Treatment
Treatment of ADHD includes finding the right medication and participating in behavioral therapy. In managing children with ADHD, therapists may combine behavioral therapy and medication. Medication can be in the form of stimulants or nonstimulants. Some common stimulants used in treating ADHD are Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and Vyvanse. Strattera is a nonstimulant drug. Other medications used are Wellbutrin, Effexor, Catapres and Tenex.
Misdiagnosis
ADHD can be misdiagnosed. Many of the symptoms of ADHD are similar to other illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder or even chronic ear infections. An ADHD child and a bipolar child both exhibit an extremely high energy rate; both may exhibit disruptive classroom behavior. A depressed child will be withdrawn, have poor concentration, difficulty sleeping or loss of appetite, thus, displaying common inattentiveness. A child suffering from a trauma, called post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, will appear agitated, nervous, have outbursts of rage or intense mood swings. A parent who is a PTSD survivor can pass his symptoms to his child by the mere display of behaviors. A hearing condition known as central auditory processing disorder, which affects about 1 in 20 children, causes a child to have trouble remembering or concentrating on verbal cues. These children are easily distracted by and sensitive to noise.
