About ADHD - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment - CHADD

Understanding ADHD: Overview and Key Facts

• Definition: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
• Prevalence: Affects 11% of school-age children; symptoms persist into adulthood in over 75% of cases.
• Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5):
  • Symptoms must be present before age 12.
  • Children require 6+ symptoms; adolescents (17+) and adults require 5+ symptoms.
  • Three presentations: Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined.
  • Clinicians must specify severity: Mild, Moderate, or Severe.
• Executive Function: A critical area of impairment involving the brain's ability to prioritize, manage thoughts, and consider long-term consequences.
• Co-occurring Conditions: More than two-thirds of children with ADHD have at least one other condition, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, or oppositional defiant disorder.
• Causes:
  • Genetic: Strong hereditary link; involves multiple interacting genes.
  • Environmental Factors: Potential links to premature birth, low birth weight, brain injury, and exposure to lead or pesticides.
  • Misconceptions: Sugar, excessive television, and parenting styles are not causes of ADHD, though they may exacerbate symptoms.
• Risks of Untreated ADHD: Without identification and treatment, individuals face higher risks of school failure, job loss, relationship problems, substance abuse, depression, and accidental injuries.
• Terminology Note: While "ADD" is still commonly used, the official medical term for all presentations is "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD).