Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is ADHD? " пїЅ ADHD is a condition that can make it hard to sit still, pay attention, or make good decisions. ADHD often begins in childhood. ADHD can cause a child to have trouble in school, at home, or with friends. ADHD is more common in boys than girls. ADHD stands for "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. " пїЅ Some people call it just ADD (attention deficit disorder). пїЅ пїЅ

There is no cure for ADHD, but different treatments can help improve a childs symptoms and behavior. пїЅ пїЅ

What are the symptoms of ADHD? " пїЅ Children with ADHD have 1 or more of the following symptoms: пїЅ пїЅ

Increased activity, also called "hyperactivity " пїЅ " пїЅ A child might have trouble sitting still or playing quietly.
Poor decision-making " пїЅ A child might interrupt others or do things without thinking them through.
Trouble paying attention " пїЅ A child might be forgetful, lose things, or have trouble finishing a project.

Symptoms often begin by the time a child is 4 years old and can change over time. Children often continue to have symptoms as teenagers or adults. пїЅ пїЅ

Is there a test for ADHD? " пїЅ No. There is no test. If you suspect your child has ADHD, talk to your doctor or nurse. He or she will ask about your child's symptoms and behavior at home and at school. To find out about your child's behavior at school, you will need to ask his or her teacher. пїЅ пїЅ

A doctor can make a diagnosis of ADHD only if a child's symptoms: пїЅ пїЅ

Are seen in more than 1 place, for example, at home and in school
Last at least 6 months
Start before age 12
Affect his or her friendships or school work

Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For example, children who have trouble learning to read can also have a tough time in school. Your doctor or nurse will try to figure out what is causing your child's symptoms. But this might involve a few visits to the doctor. пїЅ пїЅ

Is ADHD a condition that needs to be treated? " пїЅ Most doctors recommend that ADHD be treated. Children with untreated ADHD are more likely than children whose ADHD is treated to have a hard time in school, become depressed, or have accidents. пїЅ пїЅ

How is ADHD treated? " пїЅ ADHD can be treated in different ways. Treatment can improve symptoms and help children do better at school, at home, and with friends. Children with ADHD might have 1 or more of the following treatments: пїЅ пїЅ

Medicines " пїЅ Doctors can prescribe different medicines to help children pay attention and concentrate better. ADHD medicines are often very effective at improving the condition, but they can cause side effects. Tell your doctor if your child has any problems while taking ADHD medicine. Some children need to try more than 1 medicine to find the 1 that is right for them.
Behavior treatment " пїЅ You might find that you can improve your child's behavior by making changes at home. For instance, you can make a checklist for your child to use every morning so that he or she remembers what to do. Or you can have your child keep homework in the same place so he or she doesn't lose it.
Changes at school " пїЅ Teachers can make changes in the classroom to help children with ADHD do better in school. For example, a teacher might write down what the homework is every day so the child does not forget. Or a teacher might allow a child to have extra time to finish school work. Parents should work with the teacher and school to create a "school plan " пїЅ that is right for their child. Keep in mind that a school plan might need to change over time as a child gets older or if symptoms change.

You might hear or read about treatments for ADHD that include things like special vitamins or diets. Experts do not know if these help improve symptoms. Check with your doctor before trying any of these treatments. пїЅ пїЅ

Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD? " пїЅ Yes. ADHD can run in families. Some adults figure out that they have ADHD only after their child is diagnosed with it. For example, a man might see that he has the same symptoms as his son. ADHD can also cause adults to have trouble at work or with relationships. пїЅ пїЅ

If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD, talk with your doctor or nurse about treatment. Some people also find it helpful to talk to a counselor or go to a self-help group to learn ways to manage symptoms. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 15361 Version 5.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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