What Is ADHD

Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problematic mental health condition that usually begins in childhood. The essential features of ADHD include a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interferes with a child’s daily functioning or development. A diagnosis of ADHD is broken down into different subtypes depending upon the specific symptoms that a child is struggling with. For example, a child or adolescent can experience predominantly hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms, predominantly inattentive symptoms, or a combination of both types. Children and adolescents with ADHD may experience a number of difficulties including poor school performance, trouble obtaining and maintaining interpersonal relationships, and low self-esteem. However, there are a number of treatment options available to help children with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms.

Statistics

Studies have indicated that approximately 5% of children struggle with the symptoms of ADHD. It has also been concluded that men are more susceptible to developing symptoms of this illness, and tend to present with symptoms that are more hyperactive in nature. On the other hand, women with ADHD are more likely to present with more inattentive-type symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Multiple factors have been identified as contributing to the development of ADHD; however, the exact cause has still not been determined. For example, genetic influences, environmental factors, and a number of other risk factors have been known to make a child or adolescent more susceptible for the development of this disorder. Consider the following:

Genetic: As is the case for many other mental health conditions, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is more likely to occur in individuals who have a first-degree relative who have been diagnosed with this disorder. There have been multiple studies conducted that have confirmed the presence of a genetic link to the onset of ADHD.

Environmental: It is a commonly held belief that certain environmental factors can impact a person’s susceptibility to developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. For example, some studies have shown that being the victim of abuse or neglect, experiencing traumas, or being exposed to chronically stressful environments can place individuals at risk for developing symptoms of ADHD.

Risk Factors:

Being male
Certain temperamental traits
Low birth rate
Mother smokes during pregnancy
Exposure to toxins, infections, or alcohol in utero
Family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions
Personal history of mental illness
Chronic exposure to violence or crime
Being subjected to abuse and/or neglect

Signs of ADHD

Signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The symptoms of ADHD are classified into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The symptoms that a child with ADHD experiences will depend upon which characteristics are predominant. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of ADHD, which have been broken down into each category:

Inattentive symptoms:

Doesn’t pay attention to details
Makes careless mistakes
Is easily distracted
Has trouble staying focused
Doesn’t seem to listen when being spoken to
Has a hard time remembering things
Finds it difficult to follow directions
Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
Becomes easily bored with a task
Frequently loses homework, toys, or other items

Impulsivity symptoms:

Acts without thinking
Blurts out answers in class without being called on
Has a hard time waiting his or her turn
Often interrupts
Intrudes on other people’s conversations
Says the wrong thing at the wrong time
Is unable to control emotions
Guesses instead of trying to figure out answer

Hyperactivity symptoms:

Constantly squirms or fidgets
Frequently leaves his or her seat in situations when sitting still is required
Is constantly moving around
Talks excessively
Has a hard time playing quietly or relaxing
May have a quick temper

Effects of ADHD

Effects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can lead to the development of many problems in various aspects of a young person’s life. Some of these difficulties can include:

Poor school performance
Social rejection
Elevated interpersonal conflict
Development of conduct disorder or antisocial personality disorder
Engagement in drug and/alcohol abuse
Higher risk for being involved in accidents
Low self-esteem

Co-Occurring Disorders

It is fairly common for children and adolescents who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD to experience co-occurring mental health disorders. In fact oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) occurs in about 40 percent of children with ADHD. Some examples of additional disorders that are known to occur alongside ADHD include: