What is ADHD?
Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are
neurological syndromes, found in children as well as adults. Attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological syndrome that is
estimated to affect as many as 1 in 10 children globally. Common
ADD and ADHD symptoms include poor concentration and organizational skills,
easy distractibility, low tolerance for frustration or boredom, a greater
tendency to say or do whatever comes to mind (impulsiveness) and a predilection
for situations with high intensity. The name Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder reflects the importance of the inattention/distraction aspect of the
disorder as well as the hyperactivity/impulsivity aspect. ADHD diagnosis often
occurs in early childhood, unless it is caused by some type of brain injury
later in life.
Occasionally
we may all have difficulty sitting still, paying attention or controlling
impulsive behavior. However, for a person with attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), these problems become so pervasive and persistent that their
ability to function effectively in daily life is compromised.
ADHD
is a chronic developmental neurobehavioral disorder, found in children as well
as adults, that’s characterized by poor concentration and organizational skills,
easy distractibility, low tolerance for frustration or boredom, a greater
tendency to say or do whatever comes to mind (impulsivity), and a predilection
for situations with high intensity.
The
name “attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder” reflects the importance of the
inattention/distraction aspect of the disorder, as well as the hyperactivity/impulsivity
aspect.
ADHD
may be diagnosed at any age, but symptoms are usually identified in early
childhood. The condition is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of
childhood.
ADHD
affects children in their home and school environment, and in social
situations, and may have a negative impact on their cognitive, academic, behavioral
and emotional functioning.
In most people with attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), symptoms will never
completely go away.
Research shows that, if a child is diagnosed with
ADHD, he or she is likely to experience symptoms into early and middle adolescence,
and potentially into adulthood. In fact, between 40% and 50% of children
continue to experience ADHD symptoms as adults. The rates tend to be similar
for males and females.
Even though hyperactivity tends to improve as an
ADHD child becomes a teenager, academic and social functioning may still be
affected – mostly due to poor planning and organizational skills, and impulsive
behavior. Unfortunately, this may affect the child’s self-esteem and social
skills. Some children develop antisocial behavior, become impulsive, abuse
substances and/or drop out of school.
The good news is that most children with ADHD
grow into well-functioning adults who are gainfully employed. Many achieve
higher-level education and go on to build successful careers. Research also
indicates that two thirds of children with ADHD show no evidence of a mental
disorder in adulthood.
Sources:
Reviewed by Prof André Venter, Head: Clinical Department of Paediatrics and
Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State.
MB ChB, MMed, PhD (Canada), DCH, FCP (Paed) SA. July 2018.
