ADHD is a disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity that interferes with functioning or development. It typically emerges early in life by age 7 and symptoms are most severe during elementary school. It is defined by at least 6 symptoms of inattention and/or 6 of hyperactivity/impulsivity according to the DSM-IV criteria. ADHD occurs worldwide with a prevalence of 3-7% in school-aged children and tends to run in families. It is diagnosed based on the number and severity of symptoms, ruling out alternative causes, and impairment in functioning.

1. ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2. What is adhd?The DSM-IV-TR defines ADHD as a “persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development”?? What does this mean??

3. What is adhd? (cont.)a disorder that appears in early childhood*signs and symptoms of ADHD typically appear before the age of 7**it can be difficult to distinguish between ADHD and normal “kid behavior.” ***

4. Specific culture, age, gender featuresADHD is known to occur in various cultures, with variations in reported prevalence among Western countries probably arising from different diagnostic practices than from differences in clinical presentation

5. Specific culture, age, gender features (cont.)Symptoms of ADHD are typically at their most prominent during the elementary grades.*

6. prevalence3% - 7% in school age children*

7. Familial patternADHD has been found to be more common in the first-degree biological relatives of children with ADHD than in the general population.*

8. Subtypes*Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined TypeThis subtype should be used if six (or more) symptoms of inattention and six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months. Most children and adolescents with the disorder have the Combined Type.

9. Subtypes (cont.)Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive TypeThis subtype should be used if six (or more) symptoms of inattention (but fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity) have persisted for at least 6 months.

10. Subtypes (cont.)Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive TypeThis subtype should be used if six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (but fewer than six symptoms of inattention) have persisted for at least 6 months.

11. Diagnostic criteria

12. Diagnostic criteria6 or more of the following symptoms of INATTENTION have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level :

13. Diagnostic criteria-InattentionFails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activitiesDifficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activitiesDoes not seem to listen when spoken to directlyDoes not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school-work, chores, or duties in the workplaceDifficulty organizing tasks and activitiesAvoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effortLoses things necessary for tasks or activitiesDistracted by extraneous stimuliForgetful in daily activities

14. Diagnostic criteria6 or more of the following symptoms of HYPERACTIVITY-IMPULSIVITY have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

15. Diagnostic criteria-hyperactivity-impulsivityHyperactivityFidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seatLeaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expectedRuns about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriateOften has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietlyIs often “on the go” or often acts if “driven by a motor”Talks excessively

16. Diagnostic criteria-hyperactivity-impulsivity (cont.)ImpulsivityBlurts out answers before questions have been completedHas difficulty awaiting turnInterrupts or intrudes on others

17. Conclusion In early childhood, it may be difficult to distinguish symptoms of ADHD from age-appropriate behaviors in active children (e.g., running around or being noisy)Inattention in the classroom may also occur when children with high intelligence are placed in academically understimulating environments.

18. Questions??