What is ADHD?

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous neurobehavioural disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.¹
  
  
  •  ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioural disorders of childhood,^2,3 but can continue to cause impairment throughout adolescence and into adulthood.⁴

• ADHD epidemiological data vary between countries,¹ with ADHD prevalence estimates influenced by a number of factors, including population characteristics, methodological features, and ethnic and cultural differences.⁵

• While the exact aetiology of ADHD is unclear, there is evidence for neurobiological, genetic and environmental involvement.^4,6,7

• Diagnosing ADHD is a complex process involving recognition of symptoms, and classifying these into a subtype using approved diagnostic criteria, tools and assessment scales.^8,9

• The treatment of ADHD is guided by policies and guidelines and, following differential diagnosis, generally encompasses behavioural and psychological therapy, and in cases that require additional treatment, drug therapy; comorbid conditions may also impact on the type and success of treatment.^2,10-12

• The impact of ADHD extends across many areas of life, affecting development, social skills, health and healthcare costs from preschool-age children through to adolescents and adults.¹³

References

1. American Psychiatric Association (APA). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (Text Revision): DMS-IV-TR. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing Inc, 2000.
2. Remschmidt H. Global consensus on ADHD/HKD. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2005; 14: 127-137.
3. Kieling R, Rohde LA. ADHD in Children and Adults: Diagnosis and Prognosis. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2011 Apr 16. [Epub ahead of print].
4. Pliszka S, AACAP Work Group on Quality Issues. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2007; 46: 894-921.
5. Skounti M, Philalithis A, Galanakis E. Variations in prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder worldwide. Eur J Pediatr 2007; 166: 117-123.
6. Biederman J, Faraone SV. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Lancet 2005; 366: 237-248.
7. Asherson P, Kuntsi J, Taylor E. Unravelling the complexity of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a behavioural genomic approach. Br J Psychiatry 2005; 187: 103-105.
8. Quinlan DM. Assessment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbidities. In: Brown TE (Ed). Attention-deficit Disorders and Comorbidities in Children, Adolescents, and Adults (1st ed). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press Inc, 2000.
9. Selikowitz M. Diagnosis and assessment. In: Selikowitz M (ed). ADHD: the facts (1st edn). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.
10. Kutcher S, Aman M, Brooks SJ, et al. International consensus statement on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behaviour disorders (DBDs): clinical implications and treatment practice suggestions. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2004; 14: 11-28.
11. Taylor E, Döpfner M, Sergeant J, et al. European clinical guidelines for hyperkinetic disorder – first upgrade. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2004; 13 (Suppl 1): I7-30.
12. Rader R, McCauley L, Callen EC. Current strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Am Fam Physician 2009; 79: 657-665.
13. Harpin VA. The effect of ADHD on the life of an individual, their family, and community from preschool to adult life. Arch Dis Child 2005; 90 (Suppl I): i2-i7.