Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention,
Although ADHD symptoms are usually present from an early age (and must occur prior to age 12), the disorder often is not diagnosed until someone is in school. This may be because the home environment is often less restrictive than a classroom, where hyperactive and impulsive behavior is more disruptive and noticeable. However, children with ADHD will experience many difficulties at home or in social situations prior to beginning school.
What causes ADHD and who is at risk?
ADHD is one of the most common disorders in childhood. Approximately 5 percent of children have ADHD, 65 percent of whom will also have ADHD as teenagers. In adults, approximately 2.5 percent of the population has ADHD. Thus, although some people grow out of it, a large percentage of people with ADHD as children will have the disorder for their whole life.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it’s a disorder caused by problems in the growth or development of the brain. This is why some children may “grow out” of ADHD. Their brain growth and development improves. What causes these problems? From what we understand today, ADHD has an important genetic component. It tends to run in families, which means that the immediate family members of someone with ADHD are much more likely to also have ADHD than the general population. Environmental factors may also play a role. Of particular concern are those that impact brain growth and development in the womb, during birth or in early childhood. A person’s environment can also influence the extent to which ADHD causes problems in his or her life.
ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys than girls. Girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty paying attention, but they often don’t demonstrate as much hyperactivity as boys. Girls who have trouble paying attention often daydream, whereas inattentive boys are more likely to move around constantly or fiddle aimlessly.
How can you tell if someone you know might have ADHD?
ADHD, and other mental disorders, should only be diagnosed by a medical doctor, clinical psychologist or a trained health provider who has spent time with the teenager and has conducted a proper mental health assessment. Diagnoses are complicated with many nuances. Please do not attempt to diagnose someone based on the symptoms you read about in magazines or on the internet. If you are concerned, speak to a trained health professional. Remember, the presence of ADHD symptoms does not equal the diagnosis of ADHD. Many very active children may seem hyperactive but do not have ADHD. There are three types of ADHD, which are diagnosed based on the type of symptoms the person is experiencing:
- Predominantly Inattentive
- Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive
- Combined Presentation (both Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms)
Some things to watch for:
Inattention
- Frequently starts many activities without finishing any
- Doesn’t pay close attention to detail (messy & distractible)
- Difficulty following things through (i.e.. instructions, order of activities)
- Easily distracted by environment (such as noise) and will avoid tasks that need a lot of attention
- Difficulty maintaining attention (parents may often hear ‘this kid doesn’t listen’)
- Rushes into things such as games or other activities without taking the time to learn the rules
- Organizational problems (such as spacing between each word when writing, or doing math problems in order)
- Loses things (can’t keep track of possessions)
- Forgets things (appears forgetful but it’s usually because he or she was not paying attention to instructions)
- Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity
- Difficulty staying in one place (such as sitting in a desk or in a group)
- Runs around the room or climbs on furniture instead of focusing on group activities (if younger)
- Fidgets, talks a lot, makes noises during quiet activity and generally seems wound up
- Often ‘on the go’, as if driven by a motor
Impulsivity
- Seems impatient or has low tolerance for frustration
- Often interrupts others
- Fails to listen to instructions
- Rushes into situations without thinking about the consequences
- Does not seem to learn from negative experiences or mistakes
- Difficulty waiting his or her turn
- Interrupts or blurts out answers to questions
At least some of these symptoms must be present before age 12, and they must have occurred for at least 6 months in two or more settings (i.e., at home, at school, in social settings).
*In accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
Remember, you cannot diagnose someone with ADHD without a proper mental health assessment conducted by a properly trained health provider.