ADHD is the abbreviation commonly used for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a developmental disorder that involves persistent hyperactivity and trouble focusing on tasks.http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/adhd.html Nearly all people have problems with these symptoms at times, but sufferers of ADHD will show difficulty in concentration and focus in many situations.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=symptoms ADHD can begin in early childhood and continue into adulthood. Without treatment, ADHD can cause problems with normal activities like school, work, and relationships.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=symptoms

In a June 2009 study published by the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers found that there may be an association between rare cases of sudden death in children and the use of stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall for the treatment of ADHD. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/reprint/appi.ajp.2009.09050619v1 Estimates claim that roughly 2.5 million children in the U.S. are on such drugs. However, due to the limitations of the study, the FDA has told parents that there is not enough information to warrant discontinuing the use of these drugs at this time. Further studies are being done.http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm165858.htm

Symptoms may be more apparent during times when more focus is required. ADHD signs and symptoms normally appear before the age of 7. However, they can often be noticed in some children as early as infancy. Boys and girls may also have different symptoms. Girls may be less attentive or day-dreamy, while boys will often exhibit more hyperactivity.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=symptoms

Inattention (lack of focused attention)

• 1. Inability to follow directions. Wandering mind.
• 2. Lack of focus or ability to listen to certain things.
• 3. Becoming easily distracted from a given task.
• 4. Trouble caring about small details.
• 5. Loss of interest and follow through.
• 6. Disorganization.
• 7. Easily losing items that are important.
• 8. Lacks of ability to handle mental challenges.http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/symptoms-197137-5_2.html

Hyperactivity (excessive movement)

• 1. Constant moving.
• 2. Frequent need to get up and out of seat.
• 3. Spinning around in seat.
• 4. Inability to be quiet.
• 5. Frequent, unnecessary physical activity.
• 6. Unnecessary noise while playing a game.http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/symptoms-197135-5.html

Impulsivity (lack of self-control)

• 1. Speaking or acting without thinking.
• 2. Putting self or others in danger without thinking of the consequences.
• 3. Always wanting to go first, unwilling to take turns with others.
• 4. Impatience.
• 5. Blurting out/interrupting during conversations.http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/c/1443/14788/adhd-symptoms

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but researchers believe it may be linked to structural changes that happen in the brain. Brain imaging in people suffering from ADHD shows a deficit in activity in the regions of the brain which deal with activity and attention control.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=causes

There may also be a genetic link to ADHD. One in four children with ADHD has a relative who is also diagnosed with the disorder.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=causes Exposure to environmental toxins might also play a role, as well as maternal drug use during pregnancy.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=causes

Treatment for ADHD usually involves medications and behavior therapy. Psychotherapy may also be helpful. Psychostimulants are the most common drugs prescribed for ADHD. These types of medications help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD; however, they tend to wear off quickly.

There is concern over the side effects produced by phychostimulants. Some of these side effects include decreased appetite, weight loss, nervousness and problems sleeping. Some people, both children and adults, smoke marijuana (where legal) to help with ADHD. This helps reduce some of the side effects, such as decreased appetite, weight loss, and sleeping problems. http://adhd.emedtv.com/adhd/adhd-treatment.html

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.