Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, abbreviated as ADHD, affects between 3 and 5 percent of children in school, according to the National Institutes of Health. The disorder impacts the patient's attention and behavior, which affect his school work and social interactions. Although ADHD is associated with childhood, symptoms continue into adulthood. The National Institute of Mental Health states that 4.1 percent of adults in the United States between the ages of 18 and 44 have ADHD. The symptoms are managed with medication and non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as behavior therapy, which focuses on developing positive behaviors.
Subtypes
ADHD has three subtypes, which differ based on the presentation of symptoms. For example, a patient with predominantly inattentive ADHD has six or more inattention symptoms. Examples of inattention symptoms are making careless mistakes, having organizational problems, losing items and not finishing school work. A patient with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD has six or more symptoms in that category. Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting, problems playing quietly and excessively talking. Blurting out answers and problems waiting for a turn are examples of impulsive behavior symptoms in ADHD. The NIMH notes that most children have combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD, in which the patient has six or more symptoms from each category.
Risk Factors
Some people have an increased risk of developing ADHD. The Mayo Clinic states that risk factors include the mother being exposed to toxins during pregnancy and the child being born prematurely. The risk of ADHD is increased if the mother uses alcohol, cigarettes or drugs during her pregnancy. ADHD also runs in families, so a person has increased risk if a relative has ADHD.
Coexisting Conditions
The NIH states that most children with ADHD also have another disorder. The patient may have a learning disorder or a behavioral problem, such as oppositional defiant disorder, a conduct disorder in which the patient disobeys parents and has anger problems. ADHD may also occur with other conditions, such as tics or hyperthyroidism. Not all coexisting conditions are negative. The Mayo Clinic notes that some individuals with ADHD are gifted learners.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the patient must display the symptoms in more than one setting, according to the NIH. For example, the patient may display problems paying attention at school and at home. The clinical evaluation for ADHD involves psychologically testing the child, and noting any developmental, behavioral and psychological issues that could indicate another disorder. The parents and teacher may also fill out questionnaires about the child's behavior, which gives the psychologist insight into how the child acts in these different situations.
Treatment
The best results for ADHD treatment are seen with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy, according to the NIH. Medication options are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, and nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine. Behavioral therapy establishes a reward system to reinforce good behavior and consequences to discourage bad behavior. Treatment for ADHD is also done in the classroom, such as the teacher creating a daily report card with behavioral goals for the child.
References
- NIMH: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- NIMH: The Numbers Count -- Mental Disorders in America
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) -- Risk Factors
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Oppositional Defiant Disorder
