What is ADHD?
ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's not yet understood why.
Kids
with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing.
They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through
because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.
The
Good News is that with proper treatment, kids with ADHD can learn to
successfully live with and manage their symptoms.
Who Gets ADHD?
About 9% of kids have ADHD. Kids who have ADHD usually start having problems in preschool.
Boys have ADHD more often than girls. In fact, three times as many boys have ADHD.
Causes of ADHD
ADHD
has biological origins that aren't yet clearly understood. NO single cause has
been identified, but researchers are exploring a number of possible genetic and
environmental links. Studies have shown that many kids with ADHD have a close
relative who also has the disorder.
Although
experts are unsure whether this is a cause of the disorder, they have found
that certain areas of the brain are about 5% to 10% smaller in size and
activity in kids with ADHD.
Chemical changes in the brain also have been found.
The
chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine are of special interest.
Dopamine and
norepinephrine are neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, that affect both
mental and emotional functioning.
Research
also links smoking during pregnancy to later ADHD in a child. Other risk
factors may include premature delivery, very low birth weight, and injuries to
the brain at birth.
