Conditions InDepth: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

ADHD is a chronic behavioral disorder of childhood onset (by age seven). ADHD affects children, adolescents, and adults. It is characterized by behavior that is hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive. There are several different types of ADHD. Some children are primarily inattentive and don't display signs of hyperactivity. Others, however, are hyperactive and/or impulsive. The rest exhibit a mixture of these symptoms.

The cause of ADHD is not known at this time, but brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors may all play roles in the development ADHD.

It is estimated that almost 8% of American children have ADHD (about 1-3 children in every classroom of 30 children). About 60% of children with ADHD will continue to experience trouble related to their disorder into adulthood.

Because so many cases of ADHD are diagnosed in childhood, the information provided here is geared toward children.

REFERENCES:

ADHD. American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/adhd.cfm . Accessed March 31, 2007.

Adult ADHD. Attention Deficit Disorder Association website. Available at: http://www.add.org/ . Accessed March 31, 2007.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/adhdmenu.cfm . Accessed March 31, 2007.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder website. Available at: http://www.chadd.org . Accessed March 31, 2007.

Last reviewed December 2009 by Ryan Estevez, MD, PhD, MPH
Last Updated: 12/2/2009