what is adhd, its treatment and prevalance

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As for any other condition affecting brain function, in order to find an adequate treatment for ADHD, it is important to first understand its physiological basis. As with other NDDs, the causes of ADHD are aberrant neural development, affecting neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination, and neuronal and glial proliferation and migration.

Is there an adequate treatment for ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most frequent disorders within child and adolescent psychiatry, with a prevalence of over 5%.

What is the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Just under half (47%) received any behavioral treatment for their ADHD in the past year. Among the youngest children (2-5 years of age), the number increased to over half (60%); Nearly two-thirds (64%) also had another mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, such as conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, autism, and Tourette syndrome.

How many children with ADHD receive behavioral treatment?

6 out of 10 (62%) were taking medication for their ADHD, and represent 1 out of 20 of all U.S. children; Just under half (47%) received any behavioral treatment for their ADHD in the past year. Among the youngest children (2-5 years of age), the number increased to over half (60%);

How common is ADHD medication in the US?

What is the current prevalence of ADHD?

ADHD Prevalence in Adults One 2019 study estimates an adult ADHD prevalence of 0.96 percent – doubling from 0.43 percent a decade prior. Prior studies have placed adult ADHD prevalence rates in the U.S. between 2.5 percent1 and 4.4 percent8, with a 5.4 percent diagnosis rate in men compared to 3.2 percent in women.

What is the prevalence of ADHD worldwide?

By adjusting for the global demographic structure in 2020, the prevalence of persistent adult ADHD was 2.58% and that of symptomatic adult ADHD was 6.76%, translating to 139.84 million and 366.33 million affected adults in 2020 globally.

What is the most common treatment for ADHD?

Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.

Why is ADHD prevalent?

Today many sociologists and neuroscientists believe that regardless of A.D.H.D.'s biological basis, the explosion in rates of diagnosis is caused by sociological factors — especially ones related to education and the changing expectations we have for kids.

What is the prevalence of ADHD in youth?

5.1 million children (8.8% or 1 in 11 of this age group 4–17 years) have a current diagnosis of ADHD: 6.8% of children ages 4–10 (1 in 15) 11.4% of children ages 11–14 (1 in 9) 10.2% of children ages 15–17 (1 in 10)

Where is ADHD most prevalent?

Generally, states in the Western parts of the United States have the lowest rates of ADHD. Nevada has the lowest rates. States in the Midwest seem to have the highest rates. Kentucky has the highest rates....Highest Rates:Kentucky: 14.8%Arkansas: 14.6%Louisiana: 13.3%Indiana: 13.0%Delaware and South Carolina: 11.7%

Are there any treatments for ADHD?

Treatment. Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, behavior therapy, counseling and education services. These treatments can relieve many of the symptoms of ADHD , but they don't cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child.

What is the first line of treatment for ADHD?

Stimulant medicines are the first-line ADHD treatment for school-aged children.

What kind of therapy is used for ADHD?

There are two types of therapy that people with ADHD commonly do:Behavior therapy: The main goal is to change negative behaviors into positive ones. ... Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of talk therapy. ... Social skills groups: For some people, ADHD symptoms can make it hard to socialize.

What is ADHD disorder?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

What do u mean by ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Is ADHD more prevalent in males or females?

Background. ADHD is diagnosed and treated more often in males than in females. Research on gender differences suggests that girls may be consistently underidentified and underdiagnosed because of differences in the expression of the disorder among boys and girls.

My Child Has been Diagnosed With Adhd – Now What?

When their child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents often have concerns about deciding the best way to help their child. It is important for parents t...

Behavior Therapy, Including Training For Parents

Research shows that behavior therapy is an important part of treatment for children with ADHD. ADHD affects not only a child’s ability to pay atten...

Parent Education and Support

CDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) The NR...

What Every Parent Should Know…

Children with ADHD might be eligible for special services or accommodations at school under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDE...

What are the best ways to treat ADHD?

To find the best options, it is recommended that parents work closely with others involved in their child’s life —healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other family members. Types of treatment for ADHD include. Behavior therapy, including training for parents; and. Medications.

How old do you have to be to get ADHD treatment?

Treatment recommendations for ADHD. For children with ADHD younger than 6 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior management as the first line of treatment, before medication is tried. For children 6 years of age and older, the recommendations include medication and behavior therapy together — ...

Why is behavior therapy important for ADHD?

For young children with ADHD, behavior therapy is an important first step before trying medication because: Parent training in behavior management gives parents the skills and strategies to help their child. Parent training in behavior management has been shown to work as well as medication for ADHD in young children.

What is the CDC's ADHD program?

CDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The NRC provides resources, information, and advice for parents on how to help their child. Learn more about the services of the NRC#N#external icon#N#.

How does ADHD affect children?

Behavior Therapy, Including Training for Parents. ADHD affects not only a child’s ability to pay attention or sit still at school, it also affects relationships with family and other children. Children with ADHD often show behaviors that can be very disruptive to others.

How to help ADHD kids with homework?

Manage distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and provide a clean workspace when your child is doing homework. Some children with ADHD learn well if they are moving or listening to background music. Watch your child and see what works.

How long does a stimulant last?

Nonstimulants were approved for the treatment of ADHD in 2003. They do not work as quickly as stimulants, but their effect can last up to 24 hours.

What percentage of children take ADHD medication?

Many children taking ADHD medication did not meet the study’s case definition for ADHD. The total percentage of children taking ADHD medication was 10.1% in SC and 7.4% in OK. Of those children taking ADHD medication, only 39.5% (SC) and 28.3% (OK) met the case definition.

How to treat ADHD in children?

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. No single treatment is the answer for every child and good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-up, and take into account any changes needed along the way.

What is the most common neurobehavioral disorder in childhood?

ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. ADHD causes problems in how well children do in school, in their ability to make and keep friends, and in their ability to function in society.

How many children were screened for ADHD?

Teachers from four school districts in the two states screened over 10,000 elementary school-aged children for ADHD. Ultimately, 855 families participated in an interview that used a single, rigorous DSM-IV-based case definition to identify children who met the study’s ADHD case definition at the time of the interview.

Can ADHD medication be inappropriately treated?

Some children taking ADHD medication and not meeting study criteria were probably appropriately treated; some may have been inappropriately treated. The large portion of children taking ADHD medication who did not meet the ADHD case definition had more ADHD symptoms, on average, than the other comparison children.

How many types of ADHD are there?

Types. There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations.

How to treat ADHD in preschool?

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy , particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family.

Why is ADHD worse?

Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people.

What is a hyperactive-impulsive presentation?

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

A child with ADHD might: daydream a lot . forget or lose things a lot. squirm or fidget. talk too much. make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks. have a hard time resisting temptation. have trouble taking turns. have difficulty getting along with others.

What are the causes of ADHD?

Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD. 1. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury.

Is it normal for kids to have ADHD?

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

What is the AAP guideline for ADHD?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a clinical practice guideline that provides recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This guideline is based on the best available evidence, and is intended for use by primary care providers, ...

What is the AAP for ADHD?

The AAP guidelines for treatment of ADHD recommend that. The primary care provider adjusts the patient’s medication dose as needed to achieve the most benefit with the least amount of tolerable side effects. For adolescents, medications should be used with patient approval. Read more about this recommendation.

What are the conditions that can coexist with ADHD?

Screen for other conditions that might coexist with ADHD, including emotional or behavioral disorders (such as anxiety, depression, and behavior problems), developmental disorders (such as learning and language disorders or autism spectrum disorder ), and physical conditions (such as tics, sleep disorders, or apnea ).

What behavior therapy is best for young children with ADHD?

The behavior therapy with best evidence with young children with ADHD is Parent Training in Behavior Management.

When to use methylphenidate for children?

Children ages 4-6 years. The first line of treatment should include. Parent training in behavior management; and/or. Behavioral classroom interventions (if available). Methylphenidate may be used if behavioral interventions do not provide significant improvement and the child continues to have serious problems.

Can medication be used for adolescents?

For adolescents, medications should be used with patient approval.

What is the prevalence of ADHD?

With a prevalence of over 5% , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent disorders within child and adolescent psychiatry. Despite an overwhelming body of research, approximately 20,000 publications have been referenced in PubMed during the past 10 years, assessment and treatment continue to present a challenge for clinicians. ADHD is characterized by the heterogeneity of presentations, which may take opposite forms, by frequent and variable comorbidities and an overlap with other disorders, and by the context-dependency of symptoms, which may or may not become apparent during clinical examination. While the neurobiological and genetic underpinnings of the disorder are beyond dispute, biomarkers or other objective criteria, which could lead to an automatic algorithm for the reliable identification of ADHD in an individual within clinical practice, are still lacking. In contrast to what one might expect after years of intense research, ADHD criteria defined by nosological systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases, editions 10 and 11 (ICD-10/11) have not become narrower and more specific. Rather, they have become broader, for example, encompassing wider age ranges, thus placing more emphasis on the specialist's expertise and experience. 123

What is ADHD in psychiatry?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most frequent disorders within child and adolescent psychiatry, with a prevalence of over 5%. Nosological systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases, editions 10 and 11 (ICD-10/11) continue to define ADHD according to behavioral criteria, based on observation and on informant reports. Despite an overwhelming body of research on ADHD over the last 10 to 20 years, valid neurobiological markers or other objective criteria that may lead to unequivocal diagnostic classification are still lacking. On the contrary, the concept of ADHD seems to have become broader and more heterogeneous. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD are still challenging for clinicians, necessitating increased reliance on their expertise and experience. The first part of this review presents an overview of the current definitions of the disorder (DSM-5, ICD-10/11). Furthermore, it discusses more controversial aspects of the construct of ADHD, including the dimensional versus categorical approach, alternative ADHD constructs, and aspects pertaining to epidemiology and prevalence. The second part focuses on comorbidities, on the difficulty of distinguishing between “primary” and “secondary” ADHD for purposes of differential diagnosis, and on clinical diagnostic procedures. In the third and most prominent part, an overview of current neurobiological concepts of ADHD is given, including neuropsychological and neurophysiological researches and summaries of current neuroimaging and genetic studies. Finally, treatment options are reviewed, including a discussion of multimodal, pharmacological, and nonpharmacological interventions and their evidence base.

What is the ICD-10 classification for ADHD?

In contrast, the ICD-10 classification distinguishes between hyperkinetic disorder of childhood (with at least six symptoms of inattention and six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, present before the age of 6 years) and hyperkinetic conduct disorder, a combination of ADHD symptoms and symptoms of oppositional defiant and conduct disorders (CD). 3In the ICD-11 (online release from June 2018, printed release expected 2022), the latter category has been dropped, as has the precise age limit (“onset during the developmental period, typically early to mid-childhood”). Moreover, the ICD-11 distinguishes five ADHD subcategories, which match those of the DSM-5: ADHD combined presentation, ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation, ADHD predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation and two residual categories, ADHD other specified and ADHD nonspecified presentation. For diagnosis, behavioral symptoms need to be outside the limits of normal variation expected for the individual's age and level of intellectual functioning. 2

What kind of doctor is needed for ADHD?

There is consensus that the diagnosis of ADHD requires a specialist, that is, a child psychiatrist, a pediatrician, or other appropriately qualified health care professionals with training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD. 97

Is emotional dysregulation a symptom of ADHD?

Emotion dysregulation is another associated feature that has been discussed as a possible core component of childhood ADHD, although it is not included in the DSM-5 criteria. Deficient emotion regulation is more typically part of the symptom definition of other psychopathological disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), CD, or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DSM-5; for children up to 8 years). 11However, an estimated 50 to 75% of children with ADHD also present symptoms of emotion dysregulation, for example, anger, irritability, low tolerance for frustration, and outbursts, or sometimes express inappropriate positive emotions. The presence of these symptoms increases the risk for further comorbidities, such as ODD and also for anxiety disorders. 1213For adult ADHD, emotional irritability is a defining symptom according to the Wender Utah criteria, and has been confirmed as a primary ADHD symptom by several studies (e.g., Hirsch et al). 51415

Is ADHD a neurodevelopmental disorder?

ADHD is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Its diagnostic classification is based on the observation of behavioral symptoms. ADHD according to the DSM-5 continues to be a diagnosis of exclusion and should not be diagnosed if the behavioral symptoms can be better explained by other mental disorders (e.g., psychotic disorder, mood or anxiety disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication, or withdrawal). 1However, comorbidity with other mental disorders is common.

Is subthreshold ADHD a dimensional disorder?

Recent research on subthreshold ADHD argues in favor of a dimensional rather than categorical understanding of the ADHD construct, as its core symptoms and comorbid features are dimensionally distributed in the population. 161718Subthreshold ADHD is common in the population, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 10%. 19According to Biederman and colleagues, clinically referred children with subthreshold ADHD symptoms show a similar amount of functional deficits and comorbid symptoms to those with full ADHD, but tend to come from higher social-class families with fewer family conflicts, to have fewer perinatal complications, and to be older and female (for the latter two, a confound with DSM-IV criteria cannot be excluded). 20

What is the prevalence of ADHD?

ADHD has a global prevale nce of 5.9% to 7.1% in children and 1.2% to 7.3% in adults [ 3 ].

What is the most common medication for ADHD?

Methylphenidate is one of the most used drugs for ADHD treatment. It has been present in the market for 50 years and it reduces excessive hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in children and adolescents with ADHD. In the United States, it is prescribed to 8% of children and adolescents under 15 years of age and to around 3% to 5% of the same population in Europe [ 135 ].

What is mindfulness for ADHD?

Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention to the present, an activity that implies sustained attention. A systematic review on the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on ADHD found that such approaches were popular among adults with ADHD, finding improvements in attention, although the effects of such approaches in children and adolescents are still unclear [ 173 ]. A recent meta-review reported a large effect size of mindfulness on ADHD [ 174 ]. A review on the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on ADHD adults reported good effects of this therapeutic approach, especially when used in conjunction with pharmacological therapy [ 175 ], while a systematic review analyzing the effects of meditation-based techniques (either on parents and children or on children only) on ADHD children could not draw a clear conclusion regarding beneficial effects [ 176 ].

What is parent training for ADHD?

The goal of parent training is to equip parents with techniques that will be useful in managing ADHD-related behavior presented by their children . A systematic review published on 2011 found no reliable effect of ADHD children’s behavior, although it may lead to increased confidence and decreased stress in parents [ 162 ]. Later studies found an effect of behavioral parent training on ADHD symptoms, which is not increased by previous working memory training, although this combination did produce positive effects on working memory storage and processing [ 163 ]. It is noteworthy that cognitive functioning of both parents and children influences the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach on ADHD symptoms. Better working memory in children and higher parental response caution presented an association with improvements in inattention. As for conduct problems, better parental self-regulation was associated with a better result in this area. However, none of the measured cognitive functions in children or parents were associated with improvements in hyperactivity [ 164 ]. Moreover, behavioral parent training improves coexistence at home, since a reduction in the frequency and severity of problematic situations is produced, along with a reduction of stress in parents [ 165 ].

What is the diagnosis of ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) presenting with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can be classified in three subtypes, depending on the intensity of the symptoms: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive–impulsive, and combined [1,2].

What is the etiology of ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which patients present inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The etiology of this condition is diverse, including environmental factors and the presence of variants of some genes. However, a great diversity exists among patients regarding the presence ...

Is ADHD a long term disease?

Long-Term Therapeutic Effect . Given that ADHD is a chronic disorder and that many of the children presenting ADHD will still present symptoms in adulthood, it is particularly important to determine the long-term effectiveness of pharmacological treatments.

How many people have ADHD?

In the United States, around 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. In some children, ADHD characteristics begin as early as 3 years of age.

What are the best ways to treat ADHD?

Ways of treating ADHD include medication, behavioral management techniques, and other practical strategies.

What are the characteristics of ADHD?

A doctor may find that the disorder has: a predominantly hyperactive and impulsive presentation. a predominantly inattentive presentation. a combined presentation. People with ADHD experience hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in varying degrees.

Why are males more likely to have ADHD than females?

In females. Females with ADHD may be more likely to have difficulty paying attention, while males may be more likely to experience hyperactivity and impulsivity. This may be one reason why more males than females receive diagnoses of ADHD. Hyperactivity can be easier to spot than inattention.

What is ADHD in the workplace?

What is ADHD? People with ADHD have difficulty focusing on tasks and controlling their attention, which can make completing a project, for example, challenging. ADHD can limit a person’s ability to study or work, and it can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Some people with ADHD also find it hard to sit still.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

They may speak with the individual, members of their family, and any other caregivers, such as teachers. Many children experience hyperactivity and inattention. For a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must meet specific criteria, including having a significant impact on daily life and schoolwork.

How to help parents with ADHD?

establishing and following rules. planning and completing tasks. developing and following a schedule. monitoring ADHD symptoms. Therapists can also help parents develop constructive ways to respond to the behaviors that can result from ADHD.

Main Study Findings

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. ADHD causes problems in how well children do in school, in their ability to make and keep friends, and in their ability to function in society. A previous national survey of parents found that 7.2% of school-aged...

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ADHD and CDC’s Work

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Signs and Symptoms

Types

Causes of ADHD

Diagnosis

Treatments

• In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family. Good treatment plans w...

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Managing Symptoms: Staying Healthy

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ADHD in Adults

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