Psychology Facts

▲ Classic ADD / ADHD ▲

》Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

》ADHD symptoms may include:

Impulsiveness

Disorganization and problems prioritizing

Poor time management skills

Problems focusing on a task

Trouble multitasking

Excessive activity or restlessness

Poor planning

Low frustration tolerance

Frequent mood swings

Problems following through and completing tasks

Hot temper

Trouble coping with stress

》Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.
Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood.

》Some possible coexisting conditions include:

learning disabilities

conduct disorders and difficulties, including antisocial behavior, fighting, and oppositional

defiant disorder

anxiety disorder

depression

bipolar disorder

Tourette's syndrome

substance abuse

bed-wetting problems

sleep disorders

》Males are almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females.

》ADHD affects children of all races, including:

Whites: 9.8%
Blacks: 9.5%
Latinos: 5.5%
Asians: 0.35%

》An estimated 6.4 million American children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.
The incidence of ADHD is higher in some states than others.

》Lowest rates of ADHD:

Nevada: 4.2%
New Jersey: 5.5%
Colorado: 5.6%
Utah: 5.8%
California: 5.9%

》Highest rates of ADHD:

Kentucky: 14.8%
Arkansas: 14.6%
Louisiana: 13.3%
Indiana: 13.0%
Delaware and South Carolina: 11.7%

》While the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, research efforts continue. Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

Genetics. ADHD can run in families, and studies indicate that genes may play a role.

Environment. Certain environmental factors also may increase risk, such as lead exposure as a child.

Problems during development. Problems with the central nervous system at key moments in development may play a role.

》Risk of ADHD may increase if:

You have blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental health disorder

Your mother smoked, drank alcohol or used drugs during pregnancy

As a child, you were exposed to environmental toxins — such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings

You were born prematurely

》Treatment can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and reduce their difficulties, particularly those related to work or school, where focus is required. Treatment options include medication and therapy.