Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopment disorder in childhood, which in most cases also persists in adulthood, causing a functional burden. ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder of childhood and its prevalence is estimated at 3%-10% of school-age children. Studies involving teenagers and adults suggest that about 50% of children with ADHD will have symptoms in adolescence and some in adulthood.
The main symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are inattention, hyperactivity and Impulsiveness, to an unexpected extent from the developmental level of the child, adolescent or adult.
The disorder occurs more often in boys than in girls, and the onset of symptoms varies by gender, and is modified with adulthood.
The diagnosis of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is based on specific clinical criteria and requires a specialized methodology. The onset of symptoms in childhood, their continuation in adulthood and their effect on major areas of functionality are indicative features of the disorder.
ADHD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) requires the presence of 6 or more symptoms from at least one sector of behavior (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness). DSM-IV, also describes five subtypes of ADHD, depending on the symptom prevalent.
ADHD is not an isolated disease and is often presented with other accompanying psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, somatosis, Tourette's disorder, adversative-provocative disorder, learning disorders, and behavioral disorder.
Understanding co-morbid disorders is important for diagnosis, especially because co-morbidity can affect the main symptoms of ADHD.
Although the disorder is not as studied as in children, it is considered that adults with ADHD suffer from the same symptoms of inattention and adversity. Adults with ADHD report similar problems with children, such as difficulty to concentrate on a particular job and distraction of attention.
Other problems include impulsive waste of money, driving difficulties, difficulty in stopping the emotional response, and a significantly increased risk of substance abuse and related disorders. Adults generally have less intense hyperactivity than children, but they insist on unnecessary movements and excessive speech.
Although the exact etiology of ADHD remains unknown, the data supports neurological and genetic factors as the main responsible for the disorder.
The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may affect both the academic, social and emotional functionality of the individual.
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