ADHD at a Glance

ADHD at a Glance

Although we frequently hear about ADHD in school-aged children and the medication debates surrounding it through the news media, for many of us, the basics of ADHD remain unclear. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is a medical condition that affects areas of the brain responsible for controlling behavior, memory, thinking, and planning and organization, or "executive functioning". Those living with the condition usually feel easily bored, distracted and unable to sit still. They may find it difficult to concentrate, plan ahead or finish simple assignments, creating problems with academic performance, social activities, and/or behavior. This in turn can lead to problems in school such as lowered self-esteem and depression due to being unable to perform at the same level as their peers. Many of us experience these issues from time to time, but that does not mean that we are all living with ADHD. The behavior will become marked and out of control, and can add stress to the individual and those around him/her, particularly parents, siblings, and teachers.

ADHD is most common among children and young teens in numbers as high as 5 percent or 2 million American children. Many children who have ADHD will express symptoms as early as nine or ten years old. ADHD is reportedly more common among young boys in rates as high as three times that found in girls. While it is more common among children, cases of ADHD in adults have been estimated at about 3 percent of the American population. Studies have shown that children with ADHD continue to display symptoms of the condition into their adult lives. Even though ADHD has been recognized as a disorder in adults for over ten years, there are still only a few studies of its impact in the adult population. Treatment options available for children are often extended to adults as well.