What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized as a disorder that has a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity
§ Persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent displayed and is more severe
than is typically observed in individuals at comparable level of
development
§ Some levels must be present before the age of seven
§ Some impairment from the symptoms must be present in at least two
settings
§ Clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic, or
occupational functioning
§ Disturbance doesn’t occur exclusively during the course of a
pervaise developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and
is not better accounted for by another mental
disorder
§ Persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent displayed and is more severe
than is typically observed in individuals at comparable level of
development
§ Some levels must be present before the age of seven
§ Some impairment from the symptoms must be present in at least two
settings
§ Clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic, or
occupational functioning
§ Disturbance doesn’t occur exclusively during the course of a
pervaise developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and
is not better accounted for by another mental
disorder
Characteristics
o Exact cause is unknown
o Scientific evidence suggests that ADHD is genetically transmitted
and in many cases results from a chemical imbalance or deficiency in certain
neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help the brain regulate
behavior
o Short attention span, distractible
o May experience problems in the area of social skills and
self-esteem
o Difficulty with attention process (picking something to do,
sustaining focus, and shifting focus)
o Scientific evidence suggests that ADHD is genetically transmitted
and in many cases results from a chemical imbalance or deficiency in certain
neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help the brain regulate
behavior
o Short attention span, distractible
o May experience problems in the area of social skills and
self-esteem
o Difficulty with attention process (picking something to do,
sustaining focus, and shifting focus)
Types of ADHD
o There are 3 types of ADHD
§ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly
Inattentive
v Used if six or more symptoms of inattention(but fewer than six of
hyperactivity-impulsivity) have persisted for at least six
months
§ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
v Should be used if six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (but fewer than six of
inattention) have persisted for at least sixth
months
§ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Combined
Type
v Used if six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of
hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least sixth months
§ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly
Inattentive
v Used if six or more symptoms of inattention(but fewer than six of
hyperactivity-impulsivity) have persisted for at least six
months
§ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
v Should be used if six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (but fewer than six of
inattention) have persisted for at least sixth
months
§ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Combined
Type
v Used if six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of
hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least sixth months
Incidence or Prevalence
o 3-7% of the school age
population
o Characteristics arise in
early childhood, typically before age 7
o Rates depend on
population sampled and method of ascertainment
o Data on prevalence in
adolescence and adulthood is limited
population
o Characteristics arise in
early childhood, typically before age 7
o Rates depend on
population sampled and method of ascertainment
o Data on prevalence in
adolescence and adulthood is limited