Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)

What Is Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD) is a prevalent childhood disorder, which can continue into adulthood, affecting approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age and approximately 4% of the adult population. The average age of onset is age 7, but children reported by their parents as having more severe ADHD are typically diagnosed earlier. Boys are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. The American Psychiatric Association states in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that 5% of children have ADHD. However, studies in the US have estimated higher rates in community samples. These studies show that the rate of ADHD diagnosis has been steadily increasing for the past several years. ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006 to 5% per year from 2003 to 2011. The increase in diagnosis is joined by an increase in the percentage of children with ADHD, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 to 11.0% in 2011. Prevalence of ADHD diagnosis also varies substantially by state, from a low of 5.6% in Nevada to a high of 18.7% in Kentucky.

The rate of prescription for ADHD medication has also increased over the past years, from 4.8% in 2007 to 6.1% in 2011. More US children were receiving ADHD treatment (medication and or therapy/counseling) in 2011 compared to 2007; however, as many as 17.5% of children with current ADHD were not receiving either medication for ADHD or mental health counseling in 2011. Rates of medication prescriptions vary by state, from a low of 2% in Nevada to a high of 10.4% in Louisiana.

ADHD has three subtypes:

  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive. This person will be restless, have difficulty being quiet – blurting out answers before hearing the entire question, constantly needing to move.
  • Predominantly Inattentive. This person is easily distracted, can’t focus on details, makes careless mistakes, is forgetful.
  • Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive. This is the most common form of ADHD, and is a combination of the above types.

What Causes Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)

Risk Factors For Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)

Diagnosing Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)

Prognosis

Living With Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)

Screening

Prevention

Medication And Treatment

Complementary and Alternative Treatment

Care Guide

When To Contact A Doctor

Questions For A Doctor

Resources