What is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refers to a constellation of inappropriate behaviors found in many children and adults. The essential feature of ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These features are more frequently displayed and more severe than typically observed in a child at a comparable level of development.

A child with ADHD may be unusually active and/or impulsive for their age and has trouble sustaining attention in various settings like at school, at home or at work. He often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes, does not wait for his term during sports, is talkative and does not sit quiet for long at places where he is expected to (for e.g., in a classroom). These behaviors may contribute to significant problems in social relationships and learning. For this reason, children with ADHD are sometimes seen as being "difficult" or as having behavior problems.

The symptoms should be inconsistent with developmental level and should have persisted for at least six months, to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level and causes impairment.

Diagnosis and management of children with ADHD have been controversial but behavioraltherapy, medications and counseling are usually attempted.

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatments & Therapies