What is ADHD, The Prevalence, Signs, And The Risks?

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (also known as ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  (ADHD) are terms used to describe chronic patterns of behavior that are associated with learning disorders.  ADHD is quickly becoming the preferred term to use according to the  Mayo Clinic because the term ADHD is inclusive of the ADD symptoms.

“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood,” according to the CDC. There is usually a combination of problems such as difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity and an unusual amount of inappropriate movement. 

The primary difference between ADD and ADHD is the absence or presence of hyperactive behaviors.  ADD is characterized more by lack of attention. 

ADHD might include demonstrating hyperactive behaviors such as excessive body movement, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, and difficulty regulating or monitoring behavior in terms of becoming easily excited.  Developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention and hyperactivity are often exhibited resulting in functional impairment in scholastic, family and social settings i.e., feelings of low self-esteem, poor performance at school and/or trouble in family and other relationships.
 
The Prevalence of ADHD
 
An ever increasing amount of children are being reported to have ADHD, almost one in every 10 children are now being reported as having ADHD.  These behaviors may persist through adulthood.
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 “ADHD Statistics: How Common is ADHD? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 11 percent of all children in the U.S. aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) — that was roughly 6.1 million American children in 2016, a 43 percent increase since 2003.”

In 2019, the CDC reports that ADHD numbers are still rising and now affecting more than 6.4 million US children aged 4–17 years. 

One out of every 20 U.S. children is now taking medication for ADHD.

• Nearly two-thirds (64%) also had another mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, such as conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, autism, and Tourette syndrome.

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neural developmental disorder that can be present life-long and affects children, teens, and adults. 

Children and adults with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking or not understanding what will be the outcome of their action), or be overly active.

Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. Often symptoms are noticeable by the age of 12, but not always.  Sometimes the signs may even show before the age of 3.
Sometimes the symptoms will not be as noticeable as someone becomes an adult.  

Why? Is the brain functioning better or is the person better able to compensate and hide the symptoms?  The adult is able to better compensate and hide the symptoms.

Some of the Possible Symptoms 

These problems are persistent and usually cause difficulties
in one or more major life areas:
home, school, work, or social relationships.
 
Inattention

• Difficulty staying on task.
• Makes careless mistakes.
• Difficulty following instructions for chores, schoolwork or other tasks.
• Often has trouble organizing things (desk, closet, etc.) or activities.
• Fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks.  Does not complete projects.
• Frequently loses items (books, keys, phone, pens, tools).
• Avoids or dislikes having to sustain mental effort such as reading a book.
• Can be easily distracted.
• Appearing not to listen when spoken to.
• Forgets frequently.

 
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Tends to be restless or impatient.
• Always seems “on the go”.
• May have difficulty waiting to take their turn.
• Often interrupts others.
• May talk excessively.
• Often leaves seat or area where they are expected to remain.
• Might remain quietly inattentive.

According to the Mayo Clinic there are 3 subtypes of ADHD:

• Predominantly inattentive: The majority of symptoms fall under inattention.
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive: The majority of symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive.
• Combined: This is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

RISKS . . .

What is the effect on a person’s daily life?

The effect of ADHD behaviors associated with the daily functioning of a person’s life can be very costly.  The overall effects are multi-dimensional and can increase over time.
 
Significant Costs May Include  . . .

• Greater health care needs
• Psychiatric conditions
• Frequent, unintentional injury
• Risky/reckless behaviors resulting in personal and/or property damage
• Work loss
• Damaged relationships
• Harmful side effects from medications

 
Early response can make a big difference in the outcome.
 
ADHD medications can reduce symptoms, but might be associated with side effects and might not completely address functional impairment.
 
Check out the article on WebMD, about “Startling Side-Effects of Children’s ADHD Medications”.  Some of the side-effects are horrific.
 
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ADHD DRUGS?
 
Misuse of stimulants can cause euphoria as the dopamine levels rise.  The real problem is that this easily and often leads to long-term addiction.

Due to problems of misuse leading to addiction (or worse) the government puts restrictions on the dispensing of these drugs, but they are still widely available.
 
For more information, options, and resources click here.