Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental and
behavioral disorder that affects 8% to 12% of all school-age children.
Although the condition usually manifests in childhood, it can persist into
adulthood, causing difficulties at home, at school and at work if not recognized
and treated.
In fact, experts now estimate that ADHD affects about 60% of adults who had ADHD in childhood.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity
that are inappropriate for a person's age level.
Children who have ADHD often:
- Are easily distracted by sights and sounds in their environment
- Are unable to concentrate for long periods of time on low
stimulation tasks (homework vs. video games)
- Are restless and impulsive
- Have a tendency to daydream
- Are slow to complete tasks
Adults who have ADHD often:
- Miss work deadlines
- Miss appointments
- Appear hectic and disorganized
- Have significant problems prioritizing
Symptoms of ADHD in adults and children vary by individual and range from mild to severe.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD isn't known.
Experts do know that there are changes in the brains of people with the
condition. It is not caused by home or school situations or by poor parenting.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
There is no single test used to diagnose ADHD. It is diagnosed after a child
has shown some or all of symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than 6 months.
The diagnosis of ADHD involves the gathering of information from several
sources, including school, caregivers, and parents. The health care provider
will consider how a child's behavior compares with that of other children the
same age.
The health care provider will also do a physical exam to look for any medical
problems that may affect a child’s behavior.
ADHD in adults is diagnosed using a similar process.
How is ADHD treated?
Although there is no cure for ADHD, treatment can help control symptoms. There are several types of treatments available.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications (or psychostimulants) have been used to successfully
treat ADHD symptoms for many years. Stimulants are used to treat both moderate
and severe ADHD in adults and children over age 6.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD include:
- Adderall, Adderall XR
- Concerta
- Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule Capsules, Dextrostat
- Focalin, Focalin XR
- Metadate CD, Metadate ER
- Methylin, Methylin ER
- Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin SR
Nonstimulant therapy
In November 2003, the FDA approved Strattera as the first nonstimulant
treatment for ADHD. It is the first treatment approved to control ADHD symptoms
in children, adolescents, and adults. In September 2005, the FDA issued a
warning about the increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and
adolescents taking Strattera. Doctors are advised to watch for this behavior and
alter medications as needed.
Antidepressant therapy
Several types of antidepressant drugs can be used to treat ADHD.
Antidepressant therapy for ADHD is sometimes used as the initial treatment in
children or adults who also suffer from significant depression. Antidepressants,
however, are generally not as effective as stimulants or the newer nonstimulant
treatments at improving attention span and concentration. It also may take 2-4
weeks for the full benefits of antidepressants to appear.
Note: In October 2004, The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications
increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents
with depression and other psychiatric disorders. If you have questions or
concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.
Other drugs
Two drugs, Catapres® and Tenex®, normally taken to treat high blood pressure, have been shown to be of some benefit for ADHD when used alone or in combination with stimulant drugs.
Behavior management
Learning behavior management techniques is considered to be an essential
part of any successful ADHD treatment program. Most experts agree that combining
medication treatments with extended behavior management is the most effective
way to manage ADHD in children and adolescents.
In adults with ADHD, experts agree that a combination of medication and
socialization training and/or behavior management can help most patients.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/11/2008…#11768
