adhd

Introduction

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects both children and adults, with significant implications for academic, social, and occupational functioning.

Key Insights

Prevalence and Diagnosis:
- ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and adolescents globally, with a lower prevalence in adults at around 2.5% .
- ADHD is often underdiagnosed, particularly in girls and older children.
- Diagnosis in adults can be challenging due to symptom overlap with other psychiatric disorders.
Neurobiological Basis:
- ADHD is associated with structural and functional differences in the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum .
- Genetic factors play a significant role, although no single gene has been identified as causative .
Symptoms and Comorbidities:
- Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can persist into adulthood .
- ADHD often coexists with other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities .
Impact on Life Outcomes:
- ADHD is linked to poor academic performance, lower rates of high school graduation, and difficulties in employment and relationships .
- It increases the risk of other mental health disorders and negative outcomes, including criminality and social disability .
Treatment Approaches:
- Stimulant medications, particularly those that act on dopamine pathways, are the most effective in reducing core symptoms .
- Non-pharmacological treatments, including behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, and cognitive remediation, are valuable adjuncts to medication .

Conclusion

ADHD is a complex and multifaceted disorder with significant implications for individuals across their lifespan. It is characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, with a strong genetic component and identifiable neurobiological markers. Effective management typically involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, aimed at reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for mitigating the long-term negative outcomes associated with ADHD.

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Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

ADHD in children and young people: prevalence, care pathways, and service provision.

ADHD in children and adolescents is under-recognized and underdiagnosed, with a global prevalence of 2% to 7%, but timely recognition and treatment can improve long-term outcomes.

ADHD: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents

ADHD in children and adolescents should be diagnosed and treated using the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

Adults with ADHD

Adult ADHD can be diagnosed and effectively treated with dopamine agonist stimulants and multimodal psychosocial treatment.

Brain development in ADHD

ADHD is associated with structural and functional brain differences, and therapeutic doses of psychostimulants can normalize many measures of brain anatomy and function.

Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD symptoms are similar to those in children, but age-appropriate presentation is crucial, and potential symptom overlap with other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and personality disorder should be considered.

Brain development and ADHD.

ADHD is linked to dysfunction in frontal-striatal-cerebellar circuits, with MRI studies examining differences in brain structure and function.

Academic and educational outcomes of children with ADHD.

ADHD in children leads to poor grades, poor standardized test scores, increased grade retention, and low rates of high school graduation and postsecondary education.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ADHD is a multifactorial disorder caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors, with effective treatments available to reduce symptoms and impairments.

What Is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD may not be a distinct disease, but rather a group of symptoms representing a common behavioral pathway for emotional, psychological, and learning problems in children.

Neurobiology of ADHD

ADHD may be linked to altered reinforcement mechanisms, particularly sensitivity to delay, and methylphenidate may help compensate for this deficit.

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