Topics include ADHD's causes and the use of stimulant medications in its treatment. The controversies have involved clinicians, teachers, policymakers, parents, and the media. ĪDHD, its diagnosis, and its treatment have been considered controversial since the 1970s. For children and adolescents older than 5, treatment with stimulants is effective for at least 24 months however, for some, there may be potentially serious side effects. Canadian and American guidelines recommend medications and behavioral therapy together, except in preschool-aged children for whom the first-line treatment is behavioral therapy alone. If symptoms persist, then parent-training, medication, or psychotherapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy) can be recommended based on age. The British guideline emphasises environmental modifications and education for individuals and carers about ADHD as the first response. The condition can be difficult to tell apart from other conditions, as well as from high levels of activity within the range of normal behavior.ĪDHD management recommendations vary by country and usually involve some combination of medications, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Adults often develop coping skills which compensate for some or all of their impairments. In adults, inner restlessness, rather than hyperactivity, may occur. About 30–50% of people diagnosed in childhood continue to have symptoms into adulthood and between 2–5% of adults have the condition. ADHD is diagnosed approximately two times more often in boys than in girls, although the disorder is often overlooked in girls or only diagnosed in later life because their symptoms often differ from diagnostic criteria. Rates are similar between countries and differences in rates depend mostly on how it is diagnosed.
As of 2019, it was estimated to affect 84.7 million people globally. It affects about 5–7% of children when diagnosed via the DSM-IV criteria and 1–2% when diagnosed via the ICD-10 criteria. It does not appear to be related to the style of parenting or discipline. Toxins and infections during pregnancy and brain damage may be environmental risks. Genetic factors are estimated to make up about 75% of the risk. The precise cause or causes are unknown in the majority of cases. Although it causes impairment, particularly in modern society, many people with ADHD have sustained attention for tasks they find interesting or rewarding, known as hyperfocus. Additionally, it is associated with other mental disorders and substance use disorders.
In children, problems paying attention may result in poor school performance. For a diagnosis, the symptoms have to be present for more than six months, and cause problems in at least two settings (such as school, home, work, or recreational activities). Some individuals with ADHD also display difficulty regulating emotions, or problems with executive function. Hinshaw and others, Knowable MagazineĪttention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is a behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which are pervasive, impairing, and otherwise age inappropriate. "Women and girls with ADHD",, with Stephen P. Stimulants (i.e., methylphenidate, mixed amphetamine salts), atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine Psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, medications Normally active young child, conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, learning disorder, bipolar disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder People with ADHD may find focusing on and completing tasks such as schoolwork more difficult than others do.ĭifficulty paying attention, excessive activity, executive dysfunction, difficulty controlling behaviorīased on symptoms after other possible causes ruled out Medical condition Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder