Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD) is one of
most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and unfortunately most of its causes are unknown. It can persist through adolescence and into adulthood. According to estimation of American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV-TR) 3%-7% of children suffer from ADHD. Some studies have estimated higher rates in community samples. Surprisingly, ADHD is diagnosed approximately three times more often in boys than in girls.ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common core features include:
· Distractibility (less concentration and poor sustained attention to tasks)
· Impulsivity (impaired impulse control and delay of gratification)
· Hyperactivity (excessive activity and physical restlessness)
ADHD does not often come alone and there are many other conditions that are commonly associated with ADHD like depression, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorders and learning disabilities. These are just some of conditions that can appear with ADHD. Some studies have indicated that between 50% and 70% of individuals with ADHD also have some other conditions.
Early diagnosis and treatment can often times prevent problems later. According to studies, anywhere from 24% to 30% of patients with ADHD also suffer from depression. In past it was thought that depression might have been result of constant failures due to ADHD symptoms. Therefore, if ADHD was successfully treated, depression should disappear. Based on this assumption, ADHD was considered to be primary diagnosis and depression was ignored. However, a study by Pediatric Pharmacology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston indicated that depression and ADHD are separate and both should be treated one after other or sometimes simultaneously (depending upon individual case).
Clinical experience has shown that most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication (when necessary), therapy or counseling to learn coping skills and adaptive behaviors, and ADD coaching for adults.
Indeed, diagnosis can be very difficult. Stimulant medications, commonly used to treat ADHD, can sometimes cause side effects that mimic depressive symptoms. These medications can also increase symptoms of depression and bipolar disorders, making it hard to distinquish what are true symptoms and which are caused from medication. Many physicians will, therefore, treat depression first, and, once that has been controlled will begin to treat ADHD.
