Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 4.4% of adults and 11% of children aged 4-17. Males have a higher prevalence of ADHD than females. There is also an increasing trend in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis among children.1
ADHD is characterized by inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. You might think, “Most young children can have difficulty sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulses. Even adults may have the same struggles sometimes. What is the big deal?” But for people diagnosed with ADHD, these symptoms are developmentally inappropriate. Moreover, the symptoms can be so pervasive and persistent that they interfere with daily life.
There are three main types of ADHD:
- Impulsive/Hyperactive Type
Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences. A person with impulsiveness tends to have more accidents and injuries. Hyperactivity indicates excessive movement and energy. Individuals presenting hyperactivity fidget and talk a lot. They cannot sit still for long (e.g., for a meal, in a classroom, or workplace) and have difficulty waiting for their turn. Young children with hyperactivity may run, jump, or climb when and where it is inappropriate.
- Inattentive/Distractible Type
Inattentiveness pertains to challenges of staying on task, paying attention to details, or following instructions. People with inattentive presentations are easily distracted and forget daily routines and tasks. Individuals may also have a hard time focusing and staying in a conversation.
- Combined Type
The combined type of ADHD is diagnosed when the individual meets the criteria for both inattentive and impulsive-hyperactive presentations.
Though one of the most researched areas in childhood and adolescent mental health, the precise causes of ADHD have not yet been identified. Available studies suggest that several factors may contribute to ADHD:
- Genes and heredity
- Brain anatomy and function
- Brain injury
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Exposure to toxins at an early age
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Because ADHD is a group of symptoms, diagnosis depends on evaluating results from several different sources, including physical, neurological, psychological, and behavioral testing.2
Learn more about the diagnosis of ADHD
ADHD treatment usually involves a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. For children diagnosed with ADHD, treatment components include parental support and education, proper school placement, behavioral therapy, and medication. Parents become the child’s advocate in communicating with the school teachers, healthcare professionals, and therapists to help the child lead a productive life.
Learn more about the treatment of ADHD
It is easy to focus on the negative aspects of ADHD. However, there are reported benefits that come with the condition, such as creativity, hyperfocus, and resilience. Discovering and making the most of the strengths while managing the symptoms with proper treatment can help your loved ones reach their full potential.
Resources
Fact Sheets
Data and Statistics About ADHD
State-based Prevalence of ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Shareable Resources
ADHD in Children and Teens: What You Need to Know
Digital Shareables on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Research and Data
Articles: This webpage contains journal articles on ADHD-related topics from MedLine/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Data: This webpage provides statistics about ADHD prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment among children, adolescents, and adults.
More Information
National Resource Center on ADHD
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you have concerns about ADHD, you can take your child to a specialist such as a child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician. Or, you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older).3
References
1 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
2 Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd
3 CDC. (2021, January 26). What is ADHD? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html