Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by Eesha Madan 1) Abstract Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. ADHD symptoms vary by sub-type — inattentive, hyperactive, or combined — and are often more difficult to diagnose in girls and adults. Here, we review the symptoms, causes, types, and treatments associated with ADHD.  2) Understanding Attention-deficit/hyperactivity  disorder: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a developmental condition of inattention and distractibility, with or without accompanying hyperactivity. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children. The signs of ADHD start early in childhood. But some people don’t find out they have it until they are older. Individuals suffering from this disorder show patterns of developmentally inappropriate levels of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Scientists have discovered there are differences in the brains, nerve networks and neurotransmitters of people with ADHD. It can limit a person’s ability to study or work, and it can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. This disorder includes Autism Spectrum, Intellectual Disability and Specific Learning Disorders. These disorders if not attended to can lead to more serious and chronic disorders in adulthood.  An article published in “India Today” mentioned that it is estimated that 10 million Indian children are diagnosed with ADHD annually.    3) Signs of ADHD All kids struggle at times to pay attention, listen and follow directions, sit still, or wait their turn. But for kids with ADHD, the struggles are harder and happen more often. Kids with ADHD can show signs in different areas. They might be: Inattentive: Kids who are inattentive (easily distracted) have trouble focusing their attention, concentrating, and staying on task. They may not listen well to directions, may miss important details, and may not finish what they start. They may daydream or dawdle too much. They may seem absent-minded or forgetful and may lose track of their things. Hyperactive: Hyperactive Kids are fidgety, restless, and easily bored. They may have trouble sitting still, or staying quiet when needed. They may rush through things and make careless mistakes. They may climb, jump, or roughhouse when they shouldn’t. Without meaning to, they may act in ways that disrupt others. Impulsive: Kids who are impulsive act too quickly before thinking. They often interrupt, might push or grab, and find it hard to wait. They may do things without asking for permission, take things that aren’t theirs, or act in ways that are risky. They may have emotional reactions that seem too intense for the situation. Sometimes parents and teachers notice signs of ADHD when a child is very young. But it’s normal for little kids to be distracted, restless, impatient, or impulsive — these things don’t always mean that a child has ADHD. Attention, activity, and self-control develop little by little, as children grow. Kids learn these skills with help from parents and teachers. But some kids don’t get much better at paying attention, settling down, listening, or waiting. When these things continue and begin to cause problems at school, home, and with friends, it may be ADHD. Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD aren’t aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger. Adult ADHD symptoms may include: Impulsiveness Disorganization and problems prioritizing Poor time management skills Problems focusing on a task Trouble multitasking Excessive activity or restlessness Poor planning Low frustration tolerance Frequent mood swings Problems following through and completing tasks Hot temper Trouble coping with stress 4) What causes ADHD? Despite how common ADHD is, doctors and researchers still are not sure what causes the condition. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families. While there is growing evidence that genetics contribute to ADHD and several genes have been linked to the disorder, no specific gene or gene combination has been identified as the cause of the disorder. However, some research suggests that the following factors may play a role in developing ADHD: Genetics: Around 3 out of 4 children with ADHD have a relative with the condition. Premature birth: Infants born even 1 month prematurely may face an increased risk of developing ADHD. Low birth weight: Results of one meta-analysisTrusted Source suggest a small but significant link between low birth weight and the development of ADHD. Stress and other lifestyle factors during pregnancy: Findings of a study from 2012 support a previously established connection between maternal stress during pregnancy and the development of ADHD. The authors of this study conclude that smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol during pregnancy may also increase the child’s risk of developing the disorder. Traumatic brain injury: In 2015, researchers found a possible linkTrusted Source between mild traumatic brain injury and ADHD in student athletes. However, the causal relationship was unclear. ADHD is not caused by too much screen time, poor parenting, or eating too much sugar. 5) Types of ADHD: According to DSM-5, the 3 types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are (1) predominantly inattentive, (2) predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and (3) combined. The specific criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are as follows: 5.1 Inattentive:    This must include at least 6 of the following symptoms of inattention that must have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level: Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or