Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorderin which an individual consistently shows certain behaviors over time. Thethree categories for these behaviors are inattention, hyperactivity, andimpulsivity.

What is going on in the body?

In people who have ADHD, the areas of the brain that controlattention use less glucose than the brains of other people. This indicates thatthe areas are less active. The lower activity level seems to cause inattention.No one knows for sure why these brain areas are less active.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

No one knows the exact cause of ADHD. Most experts believe thatthe following factors may play a role in causing ADHD:

environmental toxins, such as lead

genetics

smoking oralcohol use by themother during pregnancy

use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, by the mother during pregnancy

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

People with ADHD may show the following signs of inattention:

being easily distracted by sights, sounds, and other stimuli

losing or forgetting tools and materials needed for a job

making careless mistakes because of poor attention to details

Someone who has ADHD may also show signs of impulsivity andhyperactivity, such as:

feeling restless much of the time

fidgeting or squirming

having trouble waiting in line

interrupting while another person is speaking

moving around when quiet behavior is expected

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of ADHD begins with a medical history and physical exam.The healthcare provider will look for behaviors that are typical of ADHD. Inorder to diagnose ADHD, the provider must determine that the behaviors havecertain characteristics:

They are more frequent or severe than in other people of the same agegroup.

They create significant disability in at least two areas such as school,home, work, or social settings.

They started early in life, before the age of 7.

They have been constant for at least 6 months.

The healthcare provider may order tests to rule outother disorders. These tests may include:

allergy tests

blood and urine tests

cranial CT scan

cranial MRI

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Many times, ADHD cannot be prevented. The following measures maybe helpful:

obtaining good prenatal care beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy

avoiding pregnancy risk factors, such as drugs, alcohol, and smoking

taking steps to avoid leadpoisoning in the environment

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Without effective treatment, ADHD can cause serious problems atschool, home, work, and social settings.

What are the risks to others?

ADHD is not contagious. It poses no risk to others. There may be agenetic component to the disorder.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment for ADHD usually involves medicine along with one ormore other strategies. The most common medicine for ADHD is a stimulant calledmethylphenidate. This medicine is known as Ritalin, Concerta, or Metadate.Other medicines used to treat ADHD include the following:

amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine, or Dextrostat

antidepressants, such as desipramine or bupropion

other stimulants, such as pemoline, or Cylert

medicines normally used to treat high blood pressure, such asclonidine

Medicines are often used together with other treatment strategies,such as:

anxiety \ \ depression \ \eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia \ \ alcohol and drug abuse problems\ cognitive behavioraltherapy

emotional counseling

practical support for activities of daily living

psychotherapy

social skills training for the individual

stress managementtraining

support groups

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects from medicines can include the following:

headache

involuntary muscle movements

loss of appetite

mood changes as medicine wears off

sleep disorders

weight managementproblems

A person who is receiving any form of therapy may show an initial increase innegative behavior. This may last until new behaviors become routine.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Treatment and monitoring of ADHD is lifelong.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcareprovider.