attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects both children and adults, and is marked by difficulties with sustaining attention, following instructions, and completing tasks.

Symptoms of ADHD:

• Inattention: Difficulty paying attention to details, making careless mistakes, struggling to stay organized, and avoiding tasks that require mental effort.
• Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, restlessness, feeling constantly "on the go," and having trouble engaging in quiet leisure activities.
• Impulsivity: Blurting out answers, interrupting others, difficulty waiting one's turn, and acting on impulse without considering consequences.

Types of ADHD:

• Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADHD-PI): Characterized by symptoms of inattention, such as difficulty paying attention to details.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD-PH): Marked by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as fidgeting or interrupting others.
• Combined Type (ADHD-C): A combination of symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Risk Factors:

• Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
• Brain Structure and Function: Research suggests that individuals with ADHD may have differences in brain structure and function compared to those without the disorder.

References:

• [1] Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and ...
• [3] Cited by 2 — Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), ...
• [5] Jun 25, 2019 — ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
• [6] Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some ...
• [8] Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based, or neurodevelopmental, disorder. It's also called attention deficit disorder.

Understanding ADHD Signs and Symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, characterized by persistent problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The symptoms can vary across different age groups and genders.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Inattention: Difficulty paying attention to details, following instructions, or completing tasks. [1][2][4]
• Hyperactivity: Excessive restlessness, fidgeting, or feeling constantly "on the go." [3][5][8]
• Impulsivity: Acting on impulse without considering consequences, interrupting others, or blurting out answers. [6][7][12]

Additional Symptoms:

• Daydreaming or being easily distracted
• Forgetting things or losing items
• Difficulty with organization and time management
• Restlessness or feeling constantly "on the go"
• Impulsive behaviors, such as interrupting others or blurting out answers

Age-Specific Symptoms:

• In children: difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can be severe and cause difficulties at school, home, or with friends. [2][12]
• In adults: symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include difficulty paying attention, restlessness, and impulsivity. [4][10]

It's essential to note that: ADHD symptoms can vary across different age groups and genders, and some people may experience more severe or persistent symptoms than others.

References:

[1] Signs and symptoms of ADHD in children. [2] Symptoms of ADHD in adults. [3] Hyperactivity symptoms in ADHD. [4] Inattention symptoms in ADHD. [5] Restlessness symptoms in ADHD. [6] Impulsivity symptoms in ADHD. [7] Age-specific symptoms of ADHD. [8] Difficulty with organization and time management. [9] Daydreaming or being easily distracted. [10] Forgetting things or losing items. [11] Identifying signs and symptoms of ADHD can help lead to a diagnosis. [12] A child with ADHD might have trouble paying attention, daydream, or forget things.

Diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Comprehensive Approach

ADHD diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation to ensure accurate identification and treatment. While there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD, a combination of assessments and evaluations can help establish a diagnosis.

• Diagnostic Criteria: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) provides the standard criteria for diagnosing ADHD. Symptoms must be present in at least two settings (e.g., school, home, church) and have persisted for six months or more [13].
• Comprehensive Evaluation: A qualified clinician will perform a comprehensive evaluation using multiple tests, including diagnostic interviews and standardized behavior surveys [15]. This may involve:
  • Diagnostic interviews to assess symptoms and behaviors
  • Standardized behavior surveys, such

Medications Used to Treat ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be effectively managed with various medications, which are prescribed based on the individual's symptoms and medical history.

• Stimulants: These are the most common type of prescription medication used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which help regulate attention and impulse control. Examples of stimulant medications include methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) [1][2].
• Non-stimulants: These medications do not contain amphetamines or other stimulants, but still help manage ADHD symptoms. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant medication that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain [3]. Other non-stimulants approved to treat ADHD include guanfacine (Intuniv), viloxazine (Qelapavir), and clonidine (Kapvay) [4].
• Antidepressants: Certain antidepressant medications, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), may also be prescribed off-label to help manage ADHD symptoms in some individuals [5].

Effectiveness of Medications

Medications are a safe and effective way to relieve ADHD symptoms for most children. Stimulants, in particular, have been shown to reduce symptoms by 70-80% in children with ADHD [6]. However, it's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for each individual.

References

[1] Context: 1 - Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. [2] Context: 7 - Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine); Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine); Evekeo, Adzenys, Dyanavel (amphetamine). How stimulant medications work for ADHD. [3] Context: 8 - Other medications used to treat ADHD include the nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine and ... [4] Context: 9 - Four non-stimulants are approved to treat ADHD: atomoxetine, guanfacine, viloxazine, and clonidine. Non-stimulants may also be prescribed for ... [5] Context: 8 - Other medications used to treat ADHD include the nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. [6] Context: 4 - May 16, 2024 — Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking ...

Understanding Differential Diagnosis in ADHD

Differential diagnosis is a crucial aspect of diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It involves distinguishing between ADHD and other conditions that may present similar symptoms, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Conditions to Consider in Differential Diagnosis

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), there are 16 conditions or groups of conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis for ADHD. These include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Specific Learning Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Mood Disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Sleep Disorders
• Substance Use Disorders

Key Factors to Consider

When conducting a differential diagnosis for ADHD, it's essential to consider the following factors:

• Symptom presentation: The presence and severity of symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Contextual factors: The context in which symptoms occur, including environmental influences and co-occurring conditions.
• Developmental perspective: Considering the child's developmental stage and potential impact on behavior.

Diagnostic Criteria

To accurately diagnose ADHD, clinicians must assess for the presence of at least 6 symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that have been present for at least 6 months (or 12 months in individuals over 17 years). Additionally, symptoms must be present in two or more settings (e.g., school, work, home).

References

• [2] Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition of inattention and distractibility, with or without accompanying hyperactivity.
• [5] Differential Diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD are common in other mental health disorders and non-psychiatric conditions.
• [6] As with many complex presentations, the differential diagnosis for ADHD can be narrowed considerably by a skillful history and physical examination.
• [7] Differential Diagnosis. A number of conditions have symptoms similar to those of ADHD and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the context search results provided.