ADHD Information Library

ADHD : What is "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" ?

ADHD is a neuro-biological disorder that impacts nearly10% of children and teens today. ADHD is not the result of bad parenting, or too much T.V., or a lack of either discipline or love by parents. While any or all of these may be problems, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" is a genetically based condition.. "ADHD" has neurological and biological roots. There are very strong genetic factors that influence both brain function and development. There are also other potential contributing factors that might cause one to acquire ADHD problems, such as brain injuries received either in utero, or after birth, or high fevers from infections, and so on.

ADHD impacts individuals in four main areas of their life:

Inattention - ADHD causes people to have problems paying attention to routine or boring tasks, or to stay focused on a task long enough to finish the task, especially if the task is not very interesting. The person might be able to focus on interesting projects or entertainment such as video games for long periods of time, but it is the boring tasks of life that are very difficult.

Impulsivity - Often ADHD causes a lack of self-control. Impulsive behaviors or choices can cause havoc in relationships, work, school, or life. Saying things, or doing things without thinking first is a pretty classic symptom of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in both children and adults.

Hyperactivity - About half of those with ADHD are "bouncy" like Tigger, hyperactive, always "on the go," and restless. The standard line is that they act as if they are "driven by a motor." Another good description is "excessive, non-goal directed, motor activity."

Easily Bored - Unless the task is very stimulating, like a video game or TV program or outside playing, those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are often easily bored by a task - especially bored by homework, math tests, balancing checkbooks, or doing taxes, and many of these tasks just never get done.

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ADHD : How Many People Have Attention Deficit Disorder ?

"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" impacts somewhere between 5% and 9% of children and teenagers, and about 4% of adults, according to recent studies in the U.S. World-wide studies estimate the prevalence of ADHD at about 5%, as do older U.S. studies. The higher estimated prevalence rates may be due to a better understanding of what ADHD is, and to better diagnostic tools. But it is also possible that the higher rates are due to some with similar disorders, such as Aspergers or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome being mis-diagnosed with ADHD.

Less than half of the children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ever "out-grow" it in adolescence or adulthood. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects into adolescence and adulthood, and it can certainly impact an adult's employment and relationships.

ADHD in children ADHD has different "looks" or "types." This is discussed in great detail under the section the different types of ADHD which we encourage you to read through. For some it severely impacts behavior, and for others it mostly impacts learning, concentration, or information processing speed. For the group in the middle, it just impacts their attention, focus, concentration, and getting the job done. Read more about ADHD : How Prevalent is ADHD?

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ADHD Medications, ADHD Diet, and Alternative Treatments

ADHD : What is "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" ?

ADHD : How Prevalent is ADHD?

ADHD : How Many People Have Attention Deficit Disorder ?

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ADHD : What is "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" ?

ADHD : How Many People Have Attention Deficit Disorder ?

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