– Despite being the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children and adolescents, the cause is unknown in the majority of cases
– It is classified as neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder
– The World Health Organization estimated that it affected about 39 million people as of 2013
– Symptoms of hyperactivity tend to go away with age and turn into “inner restlessness” in teens and adults with ADHD
– ADHD is divided into three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type
– the disorder is often inherited from one’s parents with genetics determining about 75% of cases
– Current models of ADHD suggest that it is associated with functional impairments in some of the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly those involving dopamine and norepinephrine
– The dopamine pathways and norepinephrine pathways which project to the prefrontal cortex and striatum are directly responsible for modulating executive function (cognitive control of behavior), motivation, reward perception, and motor function; these pathways are known to play a central role in the pathophysiology of ADHD
– ADHD psychostimulants possess treatment efficacy because they increase neurotransmitter activity in these systems
– Symptoms of ADHD such as low mood and poor self-image, mood swings, and irritability can be confused with dysthymia, cyclothymia or bipolar disorder as well as with borderline personality disorder
– The management of ADHD typically involves counseling or medications either alone or in combination. While treatment may improve long-term outcomes, it does not get rid of negative outcomes entirely. Medications used include stimulants, atomoxetine, alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, and sometimes antidepressants
– In children ADHD occurs with other disorders about ⅔ of the time. Some commonly associated conditions include: Learning disabilities, Tourette syndrome, Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD), Mood disorders (especially bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder), Anxiety disorders, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Substance use disorders (this is most commonly seen with alcohol or cannabis), Restless legs syndrome and sleep disorders (problems with sleep initiation are common among individuals with ADHD but often they will be deep sleepers and have significant difficulty getting up in the morning)
– It is estimated that between 2–5% of adults have ADHD. Most adults remain untreated
– Adults with ADHD may start relationships impulsively, display sensation-seeking behavior, and be short-tempered. Addictive behavior such as substance abuse and gambling are common
– Those affected are likely to develop coping mechanisms as they mature, thus compensating for their previous symptoms
Goldnwulf 