10 ADHD facts

10 ADHD facts

Key Points

• Prevalence: Approximately 1.5% of children and 2.5% of adults in the UK have ADHD.
• Multimodal treatment: Combination of medications, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
• Comorbidities: Commonly co-occurs with autism, anxiety, and depression.
• Early diagnosis: Essential for improved outcomes and intervention.

1. Definition

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus and attention.
• Hyperactivity: Excessive restlessness, fidgeting, or impulsivity.
• Impulsivity: Difficulty controlling impulses, leading to interrupting others or acting impulsively.

• Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADHD-PI): Mainly symptoms of inattention.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD-PH): Mainly symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Combined Type (ADHD-C): Combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

• Prevalence: Estimated 1.5% of children and 2.5% of adults in the UK.
• Male-to-female ratio: 3-4:1 in children, 1.5-2:1 in adults.
• Age: Symptoms typically appear before 7 years.

• Genetic predisposition: Family history of ADHD.
• Preterm birth: Increased risk.
• Low birth weight: Increased risk.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders: Co-occurring conditions (e.g., autism, learning disabilities).

• Genetic mutations: Associated with ADHD.
• Neurobiological abnormalities: Altered brain structure and function, particularly in dopamine and norepinephrine systems.
• Environmental factors: Prenatal exposure to toxins, nutritional deficiencies.

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, following instructions, or completing tasks.
• Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, restlessness, or excessive running/climbing.
• Impulsivity: Interrupting others, blurting answers, or acting impulsively.
• Emotional dysregulation: Mood swings, irritability.

• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation: Multidisciplinary assessment.
• Diagnostic criteria: DSM-5 and ICD-11 guidelines.
• Screening tools: Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) and Vanderbilt Assessment Scale.

• Physical examination: Rule out underlying medical conditions.
• Developmental assessments: Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
• Psychological assessments: Neuropsychological tests (e.g., attention, executive function).

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; or autism): Overlapping symptoms.
• Anxiety disorders: Similar symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep deprivation can mimic ADHD symptoms.
• Thyroid disorders: Hyperthyroidism can present with similar symptoms.

• Medications: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine).
• Behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral modification.
• Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, balanced diet, sleep hygiene.

• Concerns about development: Delayed speech, social interaction difficulties.
• Symptoms persisting: Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.
• Co-occurring conditions: Anxiety, depression, substance abuse.

• Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety.
• Substance abuse: Increased risk.
• Social relationships: Difficulty maintaining relationships.
• Educational/occupational difficulties: Underachievement, job instability.

• Variable outcomes: Depending on severity and intervention.
• Improved outcomes: With early diagnosis and multimodal treatment.
• Supportive care: Ongoing therapy and accommodations.

• Genetic counseling: For families with a history of ADHD.
• Prenatal care: Folic acid supplementation, avoiding toxins.
• Early screening: Regular developmental assessments.