ADHD is a brain disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affects approximately 5% of Americans. It is highly genetic, with 40-60% of children with one parent with ADHD also having the disorder. While originally thought to primarily affect males, females are also affected. The exact causes are unknown but likely involve chemical imbalances in the brain and differences in brain structure and development. Common symptoms include difficulty focusing, acting without thinking, restlessness, and forgetfulness.

1. ADHD
[ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER]
BY KELLIE BIRTCH

2. ADHD: WHAT IS IT?
• “a lifelong, persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that
interferes with functioning or development across time and settings”
- American Psychological Association
• “a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-
impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development”
- National Institute of Mental Health

3. HOW WIDESPREAD IS ADHD?
• 5% or 11,000,000 people in the U.S. have ADHD
• 40-60% of children born to a parent with ADHD will also have ADHD
• ADHD was originally thought to be seen in predominantly males, but
women have it as well. Although a defined ratio does not exist, data does
seem to indicate that ADHD is more common in males than females

4. WHY DO PEOPLE GET ADHD?
• Although scientists are still unsure of the exact cause for ADHD, there are several risk factors that
have shown a strong correlation with the disorder:
• GENETICS
• high hereditary factor passed on from parents
• CHEMICAL IMBALANCES IN THE BRAIN
• Abnormal connectivity and communication between neuron pathways
• Abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine
• Impacts brain function, activity level and regulation of attention
• STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES IN THE BRAIN
• Continuous research shows differences in brain development, metabolism and
volume in those with ADHD

5. OTHER RISK FACTORS
• Exposure to toxins during pregnancy
• smoking, alcohol or drug use
• environmental toxins
• Low birth weight
• Brain injuries

6. MAJOR SYMPTOMS
• IMPULSIVITY: inability to control behavior, impaired social skills,
desire for immediate rewards, socially intrusive, excessively interruptive,
does not consider long-term consequences, acts out without thinking
• INATTENTION: difficulty focusing, lack of concentration,
disorganized, frequently goes off-task, misses details, easily distracted,
difficulty with sustained mental efforts, forgetful, loses things often
• HYPERACTIVITY: inability to sit still for longer periods of time,
fidgety, moves about constantly, talks excessively, restlessness
*Symptoms appear in early childhood, but often persist throughout one’s lifetime

7. REFERENCES
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (2016). ADHD: The facts. [Data file].
Retrieved from https://add.org/adhd-facts/
National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder. [Data file]. Retrieved from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-
disorder-adhd/index.shtml