Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (add, adhd)

[Little_Girl]

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The 3 types of ADHD are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. Diagnosis is made by clinical criteria. Treatment usually includes drug therapy with stimulant drugs, behavioral therapy, and educational interventions.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. Neurodevelopmental disorders are neurologically based conditions that appear early in childhood, typically before school entry, and impair development of personal, social, academic, and/or occupational functioning. They typically involve difficulties with the acquisition, retention, or application of specific skills or sets of information. Neurodevelopmental disorders may involve dysfunction in one or more of the following: attention, memory, perception, language, problem-solving, or social interaction. Other common neurodevelopmental disorders include autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders (eg, dyslexia), and intellectual disability.
Some experts previously considered ADHD a behavior disorder, probably because children typically exhibit inattentive, impulsive, and overly active behavior, and because comorbid behavior disorders, particularly oppositional-defiant disorder and conduct disorder, are common. However, ADHD has well-established neurologic underpinnings and is not simply quot;misbehavior.quot;
ADHD affects an estimated 8 to 11% of school-aged children (1). However, many experts think ADHD is overdiagnosed, largely because criteria are applied inaccurately. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), there are 3 types:

Predominantly inattentive
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive
Combined

Overall, ADHD is about twice as common in boys, although the ratios vary by type. The predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type occurs 2 to 9 times more frequently in boys; the predominantly inattentive type occurs with about equal frequency in both sexes. ADHD tends to run in families.
ADHD has no known single, specific cause. Potential causes of ADHD include genetic, biochemical, sensorimotor, physiologic, and behavioral factors. Some risk factors include birth weight lt; 1500 g, head trauma, iron deficiency, obstructive sleep apnea, and lead exposure, as well as prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine. Fewer than 5% of children with ADHD have evidence of neurologic injury. Increasing evidence implicates differences in dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems with decreased activity or stimulation in upper brain stem and frontal-midbrain tracts.