on how children develop and how families function.
This disorder affects how information in the brain is
processed and is currently diagnosed in 3 to 5 percent
of school-aged children. Children with ADHD are
easily distracted, impulsive, have difficulty focusing
and sustaining attention, and can be easily oversti-
mulated. In addition to these characteristics, some
children with ADHD are also hyperactive. While all
children can be highly active or lack the ability to stay
focused at times, children with ADHD exhibit these
behaviors in combination with one another more fre-
quently and with greater severity than other children
of the same age.
Identifying ADHD
The primary tool for identifying the symptoms of
ADHD is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Asso-
ciation. This diagnostic manual specifies three groups
of behaviors that are characteristic of ADHD. Chil-
dren need only demonstrate behaviors in any one
group to be diagnosed with ADHD. Children in the
first group show signs of being consistently inatten-
tive. Children in the second group will show hyperac-
tive and impulsive behaviors. The third group of
children exhibit a combination of behaviors from
both groups (inattention, hyperactivity, and impul-
siveness).
According to the diagnostic manual, an inatten-
tive type of ADHD child is identified when six or
more of the following symptoms have persisted for at
least six months to a degree that significant impair-
ments in a child’s daily activities are noted. These
symptoms must be seen in two or more environments,
such as at home, at school, or in social settings. Symp-
toms include:
- failure to pay close attention to details or make
careless mistakes in schoolwork; - difficulty sustaining attention to tasks or play ac-
tivities; - failure to listen when spoken to directly;
- failure to follow through on instructions or com-
plete schoolwork, chores, or duties; - difficulty organizing tasks and activities;
- avoidance, dislike, or reluctance to engage in
tasks that require sustained mental effort; - frequent loss of things necessary for tasks or ac-
tivities; - easy distraction by outside stimuli; and
- forgetfulness in daily activities.
The diagnostic manual identifies the hyperactive/
impulsive ADHD child when six or more of the fol-
lowing symptoms have persisted for at least six
months to a degree that significant impairment in a
child’s daily activities are noted. These symptoms
must also be seen in two or more environments, such
as at home, at school, or in social settings. Symptoms
include:- fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in
seat; - leaving seat in classroom or in other situations
where remaining in seat is expected; - running about or climbing excessively;
- having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure
activities quietly; - often ‘‘on the go’’ or acting as if ‘‘driven by a
motor’’; - talking excessively;
- blurting out answers;
- having difficulty waiting turn; and
- interrupting or intruding on others.
Possible Causes of ADHD
ADHD has been extensively researched, but its
exact cause is unknown. According to the organiza-
tion Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyp-
eractivity Disorder (CHADD), current research
suggests a neurobiological basis for this disorder.
This means that there may be an imbalance of neuro-
transmitters or a lack of the chemical dopamine,
which is used by the brain to control behavior. When
individuals concentrate, the brain releases neurotran-
smitters that enable them to focus on one thing and
block out others. People with ADHD seem to have de-
creased amounts of these neurotransmitters. Some
research suggests that abnormal glucose metabolism
in the central nervous system may be a possible cause.
Research indicates that the areas of the brain that
control attention use less glucose, suggesting that
these areas are less active for those with ADHD. Other
studies suggest that prenatal drug and alcohol expo-
sure may have an effect. Some doctors believe that en-
vironmental toxins and chemical additives in food
may be the cause. There is no definite agreement on
the neurobiological cause of ADHD. There is, howev-
er, widespread agreement among researchers that
ADHD tends to run in families.How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
There is currently no single test that can be given
to diagnose ADHD. Since some biological and psy-
chological disorders can appear similar to ADHD,
these should be considered and ruled out before a di-
agnosis of ADHD is made. Conditions such as stress-38 ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER