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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Definition:
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is typically diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescence. Approximately, 3 to 5 percent of children are diagnosed with this disorder, with males being three times more likely to be diagnosed than females. It is not completely understood why males are more prone than females to develop | this condition. In order to be diagnosed, children or adults must have displayed symptoms before the age of 7, and the symptoms caused significant impairment in social and academic settings.
ADHD is a developmental condition that is characterized by inattention and distractibility with or without hyperactivity. Children with ADHD act without thinking and have trouble concentrating, they may also understand what is expected from them but have great difficulties completing tasks because they can not sit still, focus, or attend to details. Naturally, all children behave like this from time to time, but in children with ADHD the intensity and persistence of symptoms is more impairing and present across different settings. There is a significant relationship between a diagnosis of ADHD and other behavioral disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), Anxiety Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Mood disorders, such as depression. Younger children are more likely to develop social phobia, whereas adolescents are at greater risk of depression.
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