Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurobehavioral disorder that is characterized by impulsivity, inattentiveness and hyperactivity. Approximately 3 to 7 percent of children in the United States suffer from this condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no cure for ADHD, but patients can be helped with medication and behavioral modification.
ADHD Causes
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ADHD has a strong genetic component, and there seem to be several genes involved with this disorder. Genetics alone does not cause ADHD, however. Certain environmental triggers are needed in order for a person to get ADHD. Among these are such environmental toxins as lead and polychlorinated biphenyls. Exposure to alcohol or nicotine during pregnancy increases the risk as well.
Diagnosis
ADHD is classified as a mental disorder and is diagnosed according to the guidelines of the DSM-IV. In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, he needs to have shown symptoms before the age of 7. The symptoms must have lasted for more than six months, and they must significantly interfere with the patient's life.
Co-Morbid Conditions
It is common for ADHD patients to suffer also from other conditions. Among the most common ones is substance abuse. According to Dr. Martin D. Ohlmeier and colleagues, approximately 35 percent of adults with ADHD are alcoholics. The study was published in the "Alcohol and Alcoholism" Journal in August 2007. Also, such mental disorders as depression and bipolar disorder are common among ADHD patients, says Dr. W. Burleson Daviss in a study published in the "Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology" in December 2008.
Treatment
ADHD cannot be cured, but the patient's symptoms can be diminished with medication and behavioral modification. Most medicines for ADHD are stimulants. By increasing the level of such neurotransmitters as dopamine and norepinephrine, these medicines are supposed to decreases the hyperactivity and increase the focus of the patient. The only FDA-accepted non-stimulant is called Strattera. It is a good alternative for patients who have other conditions along with ADHD, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Behavioral therapy aims at teaching the patient how to stay focused, keep organized and interact with other people.
Prognosis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of the children diagnosed with ADHD continue having ADHD-related symptoms as adults. The symptoms tend to get less severe with treatment, however. Yet, even as adults, ADHD patients typically continue having problems at work and in their personal life. For example, they are more likely to get fired and get divorced than people without this condition, states Dr. Richard Weisler and Dr. David Goodman in a study published in the "Primary Psychiatry" journal in 2008.
References
- "Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology"; A review of co-morbid depression in pediatric ADHD: Etiology, phenomenology, and treatment; Daviss; December 2008
- "Pediatrics"; Clinical Practice Guidelines; American Academy of Pediatrics; vol. 105, 2000
- "Primary Psychiatry"; Assessment and Diagnosis of Adult ADHD; Richard H. Weisler, MD., David W. Goodman, MD; 2008
- MSU: DSM-IV (Text Revision) Definition Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Partners Resource Network: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
