Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifests at an early age, is a chronic condition, and can be diagnosed in adulthood as well. It affects 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide. The symptoms interfere with functioning in at least two typical environments: home and school. With age, ADHD symptoms often decrease, but impulsivity, restlessness, and attention deficits frequently remain. Adults with ADHD commonly experience anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other issues. [1][2]

In the hyperactive form, restlessness is evident during rule-bound activities such as play or learning, often expressed with movements of the limbs, experienced by significant emotional distress.

In the attention deficit form, maintaining a single focus is challenging, and the ability to concentrate could be better, quickly shifting to external stimuli. Impulsivity is common, such as answering before a question is completed.

Symptoms in Adults:

• Impulsivity
• Difficulty with organisation
• Difficulty with time management
• Difficulty focusing on specific tasks
• Restlessness
• Difficulty with planning
• Frequent mood swings
• Low-stress tolerance
• Irritability
• Decreased patience
• Losing things
• Difficulty following tasks and instructions and completing them

Symptoms in Children (Attention Deficit Form):

• Frequent mechanical errors in tasks
• Difficulty concentrating on a single topic
• Difficulty listening
• Difficulty following instructions
• Difficulty with organisation
• Frequent loss of small items
• Easy distraction
• Forgetfulness

Symptoms in Children (Hyperactive Form):

• Difficulty remaining still during lessons
• Constant movement
• Excessive talking
• Difficulty waiting for one's turn
• Answering before a question is finished
• Difficulty playing quietly or completing tasks
• Fidgeting in a chair
• Restlessness in limbs

Treatment:

• Pharmacotherapy
• Psychotherapy

Related: generalized anxiety disorder · depression · psychiatrist consultation

Source: NIMH — ADHD.

References

1. Polanczyk G, de Lima MS, Horta BL, Biederman J, Rohde LA. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: a systematic review and metaregression analysis. Am J Psychiatry. 2007;164(6):942–948. doi:10.1176/ajp.2007.164.6.942

2. Simon V, Czobor P, Bálint S, Mészáros A, Bitter I. Prevalence and correlates of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: meta-analysis. Br J Psychiatry. 2009;194(3):204–211. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.107.048827