Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that begins in childhood, can affect a person's entire life and can lead to academic, social and psychiatric problems.

Prevalence

It is reported as 8% in childhood, 6% in adolescence and 4% in adulthood.

How is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosed?

Its core symptoms are:

1- Inattention
2- Hyperactivity and impulsivity

These symptoms affect functioning or development. The symptoms appear before the age of 12. They are present in two or more settings (at home, at school or work, with friends or relatives…). The symptoms last for at least 6 months.

1) Inattention:

• Fails to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes.
• Has difficulty staying focused while listening in class, playing, or during conversations or lengthy reading.
• Seems not to listen when spoken to directly.
• Fails to complete school assignments, responsibilities or ordinary daily tasks.
• Has difficulty organizing activities.
• Cannot keep materials and personal belongings in order; works in a messy, disorganized way; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines.
• Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort and dislikes them (such as filling out forms, preparing reports or reviewing long documents).
• Often loses things such as school supplies, pens, books, keys, wallet, glasses and phone.
• Is easily distracted by external stimuli.
• Is forgetful in ordinary daily activities.

2) Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:

1- Fidgets or taps hands and feet, cannot stay still in the seat.

2- Often leaves their seat in situations where they are expected to remain seated, such as in the classroom, office or workplace.

3- Runs about or climbs on things in inappropriate situations (in adolescents and adults, this may appear as a feeling of restlessness).

4- Cannot take part in activities or play quietly.

5- Is often constantly on the go.

6- Talks excessively.

7- Blurts out answers before a question has been completed, finishes other people's sentences and cannot wait for their turn to speak.

8- Often has difficulty waiting their turn.

9- Interrupts or intrudes on conversations, games and activities. May start using other people's things without asking permission. May suddenly take over what others are doing.

Treatment

Medication is fundamental in treating ADHD, which has a neurobiological basis. Medications should be planned taking into account any additional medical and psychiatric diagnoses. Structured, problem-focused cognitive behavioral psychotherapy may need to be added to the treatment.

When left untreated, ADHD is a persistent condition that can lead to losses (poor school and work performance, legal problems, smoking and substance abuse, etc.). For this reason, it is important that it is diagnosed correctly and that appropriate treatment is started.