According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a type of psychological disorder. Patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have either inattention symptoms or hyperactive and impulsiveness symptoms; these symptoms can have a severe impact on the patient's life. According to the National Institutes of Health, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children. In addition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder occurs in boys more often than it does girls.
Causes
According to the National Institutes of Health, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often occurs within families. In addition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is thought to be caused by an imbalance in the brain's chemicals. Neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline, regulate mood and attention; patients with ADHD have lower levels of these neurotransmitters in their brains compared to normal brains. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder commonly begins early in the patient's life when her brain is still developing.
Diagnosis
According to the National Institutes of Health, the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The patient must have either six inattention symptoms or six hyperactivity or impulsiveness symptoms. In addition, these symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and have a negative impact on the patient's life.
Inattention Symptoms
Inattention is one of the cornerstone issues with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients can have only inattention symptoms without any hyperactivity disorder. Symptoms include attention problems, careless mistakes, not listening, not following directions, difficulty with organization, avoidance of schoolwork or other responsibilities that require mental activity. Patients are easily distracted and forgetful.
Hyperactivity Symptoms
Patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will be more unruly compared to other children, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms include fidgeting with the hands or feet, squirming or not staying in a seat, unable to play quietly and talking excessively.
Impulsiveness Symptoms
Patients with ADHD also exhibit impulsiveness symptoms. Symptoms include blurting out, difficulty waiting in turn and constantly interrupting. Patients who display impulsiveness symptoms also display many of the hyperactivity symptoms. It is possible for patients only to have hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms.
