Introduction:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is
- The most common neurobehavioural disorder of childhood
- One of the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting school-aged children and
- The most extensively studied mental disorder of children.
- The prevalence of ADHD is between 3% and 5% among school-aged children.

Characteristics: for ADHD:
The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity as shown in the table below.

Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD

A. Either 1or 2

1.
Six [or more] of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is disturbing normal development : Inattention
a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school work, work or other activities.
b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
d. Often does not follow through an instruction s and fails to finish schoolwork or duties in the workplace.
e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort [such as schoolwork or homework]
g. Often looses things necessary for tasks or activities [e.g toys, school work, pencils, books or tools]
h. Is often easily distracted
i. Is often forgetful in daily activities


2.
Six [or more] of the following symptoms of hyperactivity impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months that is consistent with development level: Hyperactivity

a. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
b. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
c. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriative [in adolescent or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness].
d. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
e. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
f. Often talks excessively.
g. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
h. Often has difficulty awaiting turn.
i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others [e.g. butts into conversations or games].


B.
Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before 7yrs of age.

C.
The change in the behaviour is present in 2 or more settings [e.g. at school, at work or at home].

D.
There must be clear evidence of significant weakness in serial, academic, or occupational functioning.

E.
The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorders [e.g. mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or personality disorder].

These symptoms are pervasive and interfere with the individual's ability to function under normal circumstances.

Causes:

ADHD is a condition for which no single cause has been identified. However, evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in the emergence of ADHD.:


Impact of ADHD on patients lives and consequences if left untreated
Almost without exception, every study of the impact of ADHD on people with the condition has shown compelling evidence that ADHD has a detrimental effect upon the individual's must repeat at least one class in spite of adequate academic ability.
Adolescent s with ADHD have much higher risk for self-inflicted injuries than do adolescents without ADHD [1 - 3 % or 0 - 1%].

Despite similar IQ scores and educational attainment, individuals with untreated ADHD have lower occupational attainment and job satisfaction.

Treatment:
Psychosocial interventions, behaviour management training and meditation are effective in treating the various components of ADHD.

Psychosocial interventions
Once the diagnosis has been established, parent [s] and child should be educated about the ways in which ADHD can affect learning, behaviour, self esteem, social skills and family function. Goals should be set to improve the child's relationship's with parents, siblings, teachers and peers; decrease disruptive behaviours; increase independence in completing home work and improve self-esteem. Behaviour therapy should include a broad plan for modifying the physical and social environment as well as the child's behaviour.

Behaviour management training
Psychologists, school personnel, community mental health therapists, or primary care clinicians can provide behaviour therapy. Training may consist of 8 - 12 weekly individual or group sessions. Parents learn principles of behaviour managements with emphasis on consistency, while children work on improving peer relationships and self-esteem. Specific "target" behaviours are identified that impair the child's daily life functions [e.g. violating home or school rules, disruptive behaviour, not completing homework assignments etc.].

Medication:
Stimulants are the most effective drugs inteating ADHD Stimulants have been used for over 60 yrs and have an excellent safety record. Research shows that of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
It is becoming more clear as time goes on that the risk lies in not treating ADHD, rather than in using stimulant class medications.

As the patient begins to have small successes in his new ability to bring organization out of the complexities of his or her life, he or she can begin to appreciate the characteristics of ADHD that are positive-boundless energy, warmth and enthusiasm.

More information: on ADHD: Not just children's disease

Although ADHD is usually associated with children, it can be a life long disorder. Studies uncover statistically significant numbers of adults with ADHD.

Several studies show that 80% of ADHD children grow into ADHD adolescents. The profile of an adult with ADHD can vary from that of a child. Most experts agree that pure hyperactive behavior usually diminishes with maturity. Adults usually have problems with time managements, self- control, planning for the future and being able to persist towards goals.

Tips for adults with ADHD:

- Get evaluated. You need a clinician experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD.
- Get medication. For many adults, medications lesson the disorders internal noise and outward chaos,   helping them to gain some sense of self-control.
- The same drugs used for ADHD children can be used for adults
- Get educated. There is large and helpful body of literature on adult ADHD you can tap into.
- Get educated. There is large and helpful body of literature on adult ADHD you can tap into.
- Get organized Get a calendar or personal organizer to help you build a schedules and routines.
- Get counseling. Adult ADHD can put tremendous strain on a marriage, a relationship or an entire   family. Talking it out can help.
- Get moving for ADHD adults, exercise is a healthy way to burn off excess energy.