• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition associated with several characteristic symptoms including distractibility, poor impulse control, forgetfulness, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that is beyond what is normal or average for a given age.
• Usually, ADHD is first identified during childhood; but, it often persists into adulthood.
• Although adult-ADHD is more common than once believed, not all children with ADHD will become adults with ADHD.
• Symptoms of ADHD change across the lifespan.
• Although ADHD is referred to as a single disorder, there are different types.

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Common symptoms of ADHD in children include:

• Failure to pay attention or a failure to retain learned information
• Fidgeting or restless behavior
• Excessive activity or talking
• The appearance of being physically driven or compelled to constantly move
• Inability to sit quietly, even when motivated to do so
• Engaging in activity without thinking before hand
• Constantly interrupting or changing the subject
• Poor peer relationships
• Difficulty sustaining focused attention
• Distractibility
• Forgetfulness or absentmindedness
• Continual impatience
• Low frustration tolerance
• When focused attention is required, it is experienced as unpleasant
• Frequent shifts from one activity to another
• Careless or messy approach to assignments or tasks
• Failure to complete activities
• Difficulty organizing or prioritizing activities or possessions

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Common symptoms of ADHD in adults include:

• A history of poor school performance - lower grades, criticism from teachers, as well as parents, and sometimes, the need to repeat a grade.
• Career difficulties - problems with concentration and task completion that affect school performance continue to be problems in a job setting.
• Adults with ADHD will likely benefit from predictable, consistent work routines, flexible deadlines, and projects that allow for creative involvement. One surprising research finding regarding this group is that they appear to be more likely to own their own small business.
• As a result of various ongoing problems, adults with untreated ADHD tend to have a lower socioeconomic status, and money is often a serious concern. Frequent job changes and poor job performance may leave the finances of many ADHD adults in disarray.
• Individuals with adult ADHD may appear as one of two extremes: withdrawn and antisocial, preferring to spend their time alone; or overly social and unable to easily endure even brief periods of solitude.
• Relationships of all kinds are difficult for the adult with ADHD. Impulsive comments and behaviors in combination with a notoriously short temper can cause extreme problems.

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• Despite this large body of research, the specific cause of this disorder remains uncertain.
• The vast majority of researchers conclude that ADHD is primarily a neurological or brain-based disorder. It is either present at birth, or it develops early on in childhood.
• Research has established that genetics play a powerful role in many behavioral symptoms.
• The estimated heritability of ADHD (i.e., the proportion of a trait that can be attributed to genetics) ranges from 75 to 91%.
• Research has determined that ADHD is actually a result of reduced brain functioning (particularly frontal lobe) and decreased levels dopamine.
• At present, there is no scientific evidence that demonstrates media exposure causes ADHD.
• Research has clearly demonstrated that nutrition and eating habits do not cause ADHD. However, that said, there are some indications that children with this disorder are metabolically different from others.

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Diagnosing ADHD in Children:

• To meet the diagnostic requirements, the symptoms must affect someone's functioning in a variety of settings (home, school, playground, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
• Clinical guidelines suggest a multistage assessment with a team of multidisciplinary professionals. This team may include teachers, healthcare providers, psychologists, and school counselors.
• The evaluation includes three main steps: 1. An assessment of academic, social, and emotional functioning; 2. Clinical interviews; and 3. A complete medical evaluation and history.
• Self-report instruments are questionnaires and checklists that identify ADHD symptoms in both children and adults.
• The initial evaluation usually begins with interviews about personal, family, and educational history. Caregivers, teachers, and child all participate.
• A psychiatric and/or medical exam is necessary to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults:

• Adults are diagnosed with ADHD using the same criteria as for children and ADHD. However, the symptoms look different in adults and children.
• ADHD is a diagnosis that requires symptoms be present before age 12. This diagnostic requirement means there must be evidence that symptoms were present before age 12.
• ADHD has symptoms shared by other disorders called, differential diagnosis; and, other disorders commonly occur in addition to ADHD called, co-occurring disorders. Teasing ADHD apart from these other disorders can be complex.
• Teasing ADHD behaviors apart from normal variations in adult behavior often requires specialized
skills.
• Cultural expectations, stereotypes, and life-long coping skills can conceal the disorder.

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Common treatments for ADHD in Childhood:

• The goal is to arrive at the best mix of treatment 'ingredients' for each individual person.
• Medication is the single most effective treatment for ADHD.
• Psychoeducation provides patients and their families essential information about a mental health condition affecting them. Its goal is to empower them to cope with their condition in an optimal manner.
• The family therapist helps the family to build and strengthen positive relationships.
• The goal of individual therapy varies according to each child. One rather universal goal is for the child to recognize, and accept ADHD-related symptoms and behaviors.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a particular type of psychotherapy where therapists pay special attention to thoughts and behaviors that interfere with school, family, and social functioning.
• Skills training focuses on techniques that change the surroundings of a child to improve behavior.
• Social skills training classes are designed to improve peer relationships.
• Coaching is aimed at helping people set and achieve realistic goals.

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Common Treatments for ADHD in Adulthood:

• Research has demonstrated the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination that includes medication, education, and skills training.
• Nearly 70% of adults with ADHD benefit from stimulant medication.
• One of the first therapeutic tasks of a clinician is to help newly diagnosed individuals understand and accept their disorder.
• ADHD coaches work with individuals to improve work and study habits, organizational abilities, relationship skills, and self-management techniques.
• Social skills training is a well-researched and effective therapeutic intervention. It is usually taught in small groups by clinicians who specialize in social skills training.
• Psychoeducation offers people the information and other resources they need to understand the causes, symptoms and, possible treatments options of a disorder.

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• Learn and utilize effective disciplinary techniques.
• Find out as much as you can about ADHD and available resources.
• Evaluate your own potential for ADHD.
• Be proactive to prevent ADHD-related accidents and injuries.
• Manage stress.
• Learn and teach the skill of self-regulation.
• Provide order and structure in the home.
• Develop routines.
• Demonstrate and teach organizational skills.
• Identify expectations, establish consistent rules, and provide clear instructions.
• Communicate and collaborate with schools.
• Express confidence in your child's abilities.
• Help children improve social skills and peer relationships.
• Avoid homework battles.
• Participate in the administration and monitoring of medications.

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