ADD / ADHD

ADD / ADHD in Children

Introduction:--

ADD:- Attention deficit disorder :-

** ADD is one of three types of ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a neurobehavioral developmental disorder primarily characterized by "the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone" and symptoms starting before seven years of age.
** While the term ADD is still used by laymen, it was formally changed to ADHD predominantly inattentive (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I) in 1994 with the publication of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).
** The other two types of ADHD are ADHD Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and ADHD Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.

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ADHD:- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder :-
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, similar to hyperkinetic disorder in the ICD-10):--
** ADHD is a psychiatric disorder of the neurodevelopmental type in which there are significant problems of attention and/or hyperactivity and acting impulsively that are not appropriate for a person's age.
** These symptoms must begin by age six to twelve and be present for more than six months for a diagnosis to be made. 
** In school-aged individuals the lack of focus may result in poor school performance
ADHD is of 3 types:--
(1) ADHD-I (erstwhile ADD);
(2) ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type;
(3) and ADHD, , Combined Type: Inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive

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Recent steps forward in our understanding of ADHD include:-

• ADHD is about three times more common among boys than girls.
• The symptoms of ADHD do not always go away – up to 60 percent of child patients retain their symptoms into adulthood. Many adults with ADHD have never been diagnosed, so may not be aware they have the disorder. They may have been wrongly diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or a learning disability.
• ADHD has been identified in every nation and culture that has been studied.

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ADHD is often accompanied by:

• Anxiety
• Learning disabilities (in children & teens)
• Speech or hearing problems (in children & teens)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Tics
• Behavioral problems such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD) (in children & teens)

Exactly what causes ADHD has not been pinpointed, though many practitioners believe neurobiological or genetic elements play a role. In addition, numerous social factors such as family conflict or poor child-rearing practices, while not causing the condition, may complicate the course of ADHD and its treatment.

The main features of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD) are inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. But because most young children display these behaviors from time to time, it is important not to assume that every child you see with these symptoms has ADHD.

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