Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is generally considered to be a developmental disorder, largely neurological in nature, affecting between 3 and 5% of the population. The disorder typically presents itself during childhood, and is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity, as well as forgetfulness, poor impulse control or impulsivity, and distractibility. Although often referred to in conjunction with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), ADD is, in fact, not a documented diagnosis, and this common misuse of the terminology actually refers to ADHD predominantly inattentive type.

Diagnosis:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), the following criteria must be met for a person to be diagnosed with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder.

A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

• 1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• 2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
• 3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• 4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
• 5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
• 6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
• 7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
• 8. Is often easily distracted.
• 9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

• 1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
• 2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
• 3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
• 4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
• 5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
• 6. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

• 1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
• 2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
• 3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

IV. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

History:

Some sources claim to have identified historical and literary references to ADHD before 1900, however, the condition we refer to as "ADHD" dates to the mid-twentieth century, when physicians developed a diagnosis for a set of conditions variously referred to as "minimal brain damage", "learning/behavioural disabilities" or "hyperactivity".

In 493 BC, physician-scientist Hippocrates described a condition that seems to be compatible with what we now know as ADHD. He described patients who had "quickened responses to sensory experience, but also less tenaciousness because the soul moves on quickly to the next impression". Hippocrates attributed this condition to an "overbalance of fire over water”. His remedy for this "overbalance" was "barley rather than wheat bread, fish rather than meat, water drinks, and many natural and diverse physical activities."

Taken from Wikipedia