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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD affects people’s behavior. Adults or children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will be restless, act impulsive, and have trouble concentrating. 

ADHD symptoms often start at an early age and become more noticeable when the child’s circumstances change, such as when they begin school. 

Most cases of ADHD are diagnosed when children are three to seven years old, but for some, it’s diagnosed later in childhood. The symptoms usually improve with age, but many adults have been experiencing the problem since their childhood. They might also have additional issues, such as insomnia and anxiety disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD causes

The exact reason for ADHD is unknown, but it usually runs in genetics. The research also suggests several differences in people’s brains with ADHD compared to those without the condition. 

Other factors are:

  • Having a low birth weight
  • Premature birth 
  • Smoking, drug abuse, or alcohol poisoning during pregnancy

ADHD occurs in people of any intellectual ability, but it’s common among people with learning difficulties. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD symptoms

The symptoms of ADHD can be in two categories of behavioral problems:

      Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD causes
      • Inattentiveness 
      • Hyperactivity and impulsiveness

      Many people with the condition have symptoms that fall into both categories, which is not always the case. 

      Boys are more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than girls. 

      Girls are likely to have inattentiveness symptoms and less likely to show disruptive behavior, making the condition more noticeable. This indicates that girls may not be diagnosed with the condition but have one. 

      Inattentiveness symptoms:

      • Short attention span or easily distracted
      • Making careless mistakes
      • Forgetful or losing things 
      • Unable to carry out instructions or listen 
      • Constantly change tasks
      • Difficulty in organizing tasks

      Hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms:

      • Unable to sit still, especially in quiet or calm situations
      • Constant fidgeting 
      • Unable to concentrate on tasks
      • Excessive physical movements
      • Excessive talking 
      • Unable to wait for their turn
      • Interrupting conversations
      • Acting without thinking
      • No or little sense of danger

      ADHD related conditions

      • OCD
      • Bipolar disorder
      • Personality disorder
      • Anxiety disorder
      • Conduct disorder
      • Dyspraxia
      • Epilepsy
      • Dyslexia
      • Tourette’s syndrome
      • Depression

      ADHD treatments

      There is no cure for children with ADHD, but appropriate education support, support from parents, advice, and prescribed medications can help to manage ADHD. 

      Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other psychological therapies are the primary treatments for adults with ADHD.

      Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
      Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022