ADHD is a developmental disorder whose formal name is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is characterized by the co-occurring behaviors of attentional problems and hyperactivity. These behaviors normally occur infrequently and separately. The symptoms of ADHD typically appear prior to the age of seven years. This psychiatric disorder affects roughly 3% to 5% of all children on a worldwide basis and is the most commonly diagnosed and researched disorder in children.
The number of school aged children that are affected by ADHD ranges from 2% to 16% depending on what part of the world you are in. As a chronic disorder, once it is diagnosed it can last well into the person’s adult years which usually happens in about 30% to 50% of the cases. When the adult or child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is not uncommon for them to develop coping mechanisms to enable them to compensate for some of the impairments. Today, it is estimated that around 5% of all adults and children are living with ADHD.
Facts and statistics regarding ADHD
One of the better screening scales that is oftentimes used to screen for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale developed and standardized by the World Health Organization or WHO. This diagnosis tool is very effective and is more commonly used than other methods to screen for ADHD. It is estimated that the disorder occurs two to four times more frequently in boys than girls although it is felt that there is some bias displayed by the teachers referring these students.
The management of ADHD usually entails some combination of behavior modifications, counseling, lifestyle changes, and medications. At times, the symptoms of the disorder can be hard to differentiate from others, which increases the likelihood of the diagnosis being missed. Unfortunately, most clinicians are not specialists in the disorder and have not received the proper training necessary to assess and treat the disorder, especially in cases involving adults.
Controversies regarding diagnosis and treatment
Since the 1970’s, the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have been a constant source of numerous controversies. Clinicians, the media, parents, policymakers, and teachers have all been involved in these controversies at one time or another. The controversial topics involved are:
o the actuality of the disorder o the causes of the disorder o the use of certain stimulants for treating the disorder
The majority of the health care professionals and provides do agree that the disorder is indeed genuine although the debate within the scientific community centers primarily around its diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, in 1998, the AMA (American Medical Association) concluded that the criteria for diagnosis where ADHD is concerned are based in some very extensive research and when they are applied in appropriate fashion, it can lead to a highly reliable diagnosis. The bottom line is that if you suspect that your child or loved one has succumbed to ADHD, it is important that you have them examined and diagnosed as soon as possible.