What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (also known as ADHD) is behavioral disorder that often occurs in children. It is one of the most common childhood behavioral disorders. However, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can also occur in teenagers and adults. With attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it is very hard for a person to concentrate, control their impulses, and act in a calm manner. Even though it is most common among children, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is often not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.

·         The average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old.

·         Symptoms of ADHD typically first appear between the ages of 3 and 6.

·         About 10 percent of children, or more than 5 million children, have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

·         Males are almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females.

·         It is estimated that 12.9 percent of men will be diagnosed with the ADHD, and 4.9 percent of women will be diagnosed.

·         About 4 percent of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.

·         ADHD affects children of all races, but it is most common among White children (9.8%), followed by African-American children (9.5%) and Latino children (5.5%)

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often having difficulty behaving and concentrating. These issues often last into adolescence and adulthood. They can cause a person to have trouble in school, socializing with friends, or at home. Signs and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children may include daydreaming a lot, forgetting or losing things a lot, having trouble sitting still which leads to constant fidgeting, talking too much, making careless mistakes or taking unnecessary risks, having a hard time resisting temptation, having trouble taking turns, or having difficulty getting along with others.

There are three different types of ADHD. Each depends on which types of symptoms are strongest in the person.

1)    Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is difficult to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. It is easy to become distracted or forgets details of daily routines.

2)    Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Involves lots of fidgeting and talking. Difficult to sit still for long periods of time. Feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Difficult for a person to wait their turn or listen to directions. May have more accidents and injuries than others.

3)    Combined Presentation: This is when a person experiences all symptoms of the above two types of ADHD.