ADHD[ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER]

BY KELLIE BIRTCH

ADHD: WHAT IS IT?

• “a lifelong, persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development across time and settings”

- American Psychological Association

• “a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development”

- National Institute of Mental Health

HOW WIDESPREAD IS ADHD?

• 5% or 11,000,000 people in the U.S. have ADHD

• 40-60% of children born to a parent with ADHD will also have ADHD

• ADHD was originally thought to be seen in predominantly males, but women have it as well. Although a defined ratio does not exist, data does seem to indicate that ADHD is more common in males than females

WHY DO PEOPLE GET ADHD?

• Although scientists are still unsure of the exact cause for ADHD, there are several risk factors that have shown a strong correlation with the disorder:

• GENETICS• high hereditary factor passed on from parents

• CHEMICAL IMBALANCES IN THE BRAIN• Abnormal connectivity and communication between neuron pathways

• Abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine

• Impacts brain function, activity level and regulation of attention

• STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE BRAIN• Continuous research shows differences in brain development, metabolism and

volume in those with ADHD

OTHER RISK FACTORS

• Exposure to toxins during pregnancy• smoking, alcohol or drug use

• environmental toxins

• Low birth weight

• Brain injuries

MAJOR SYMPTOMS

• IMPULSIVITY: inability to control behavior, impaired social skills, desire for immediate rewards, socially intrusive, excessively interruptive, does not consider long-term consequences, acts out without thinking

• INATTENTION: difficulty focusing, lack of concentration, disorganized, frequently goes off-task, misses details, easily distracted, difficulty with sustained mental efforts, forgetful, loses things often

• HYPERACTIVITY: inability to sit still for longer periods of time, fidgety, moves about constantly, talks excessively, restlessness

*Symptoms appear in early childhood, but often persist throughout one’s lifetime

REFERENCES

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (2016). ADHD: The facts. [Data file]. Retrieved from https://add.org/adhd-facts/

National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml