ADHD: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Steven A. King, M.D.
- ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder.
- ADHD is a set of chronic conditions marked by an inability to
pay attention, hyperactivity and a tendency to engage in impulsive
acts.
- Children with ADHD often struggle academically and may have
difficulty establishing friendships and other relationships. As a
result, they may develop poor self-esteem.
- There are three different forms of ADHD that affect children:
predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive and
combined.
- Predominantly inattentive ADHD is marked by difficulty paying
attention.
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is marked by
difficulty controlling behavior.
- Combined ADHD combines symptoms of the other two forms of
ADHD.
- Combined ADHD is the most common form of ADHD.
- Between 3 and 5 percent of school-aged children - or about 2
million children in the United States - have ADHD, according to the
National Institute of Mental Health.
- Boys are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD,
but the condition affects girls as well.
- The exact cause of ADHD remains unknown.
- Scientists now believe that changes in brain structure are a
leading cause of ADHD.
- Heredity also appears to play a role in the development of
ADHD.
- Poor parenting or disruptions at home or school cannot cause
ADHD, although they may exacerbate the condition.
- Diagnosis of AHD usually involves a variety of tests and
interviews with parents, teachers and other adults who can describe
the child's behavior.
- Medications called psychostimulant drugs are the most common
treatment for ADHD and appear to be extremely effective.
- Psychotherapy is also helpful, particularly in children who are
diagnosed with other disorders associated with ADHD.
- Specialized learning techniques can help children with ADHD to
perform better in school.
- Parents can help their children to better deal with ADHD by
providing additional structure to the child's life and making
expectations clear.
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