What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
The abbreviation ADHD stands for “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” and refers to an internationally recognized psychiatric diagnosis.
The three core symptoms are:
- Inattention (easily distracted, erratic, poor organization, rapidly shifting interests, lack of selective attention)
- Impulsivity (poor self-control, difficulty delaying gratification)
- Hyperactivity (excessive, disorganized motor activity, barely controllable)
Generally, ADHD primarily affects children and adolescents, with boys being more commonly affected than girls; however, there are adults who are affected by ADHD. The literature estimates that 1.3% to 4.7% of adults are affected.
ADHD is problematic due to various developmental risks: For those affected, there is an increased risk of:
- Learning and behavioral disorders
- Depression
- Addiction problems
- Anxiety disorders
Causes
In the case of ADHD, no single cause can be identified; rather, a multifactorial cause is assumed. The exact causes have not yet been fully clarified.
What is certain is that both genetic and environmental factors play a significant role.
Diagnosis
A reliable diagnosis is virtually indispensable in the case of ADHD. This can be performed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. They should base their diagnosis on various sources. There are various methods for this.
Important: The diagnoses in the ICD and DSM classification systems differ.
What they have in common is:
- The symptoms must be present for at least six months to an extent that is inconsistent with the child’s developmental level and inappropriate.
- The disorders must have begun before the age of seven.
- The disorders must occur in two or more areas of life
Further Reading
The German Medical Association has published a comprehensive statement on ADHD on the Internet. This includes professional explanations of causes and diagnosis in a question-and-answer catalog, as well as short and long versions of the statement: http://www.bundesaerztekammer.de/page.asp?his=0.7.47.3161