Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

ADHD is a neuropsychiatric disorder that begins before the age of seven and is characterized by attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders, and its importance in adult psychiatry is also increasing.

Prevalence and Impact

• ADHD affects 5-10% of children and adolescents.

• In the past, ADHD was considered a childhood disorder that improved during adolescence.

• However, long-term studies have shown that 50-70% of childhood ADHD cases persist into young adulthood.

• ADHD has significant negative effects on social relationships, school, work, and daily life.

• Adolescents and young adults with ADHD are at higher risk of substance abuse, legal issues, poor peer relationships, low self-esteem, academic/work failures, and psychiatric disorders.

Symptoms

Common Symptoms in Children

• Difficulty focusing attention

• Trouble listening and following instructions

• Disorganization and frequent loss of items

• Resistance to homework, taking too long to complete tasks

• Failure to finish started tasks, careless mistakes

• Engaging in dangerous physical activities due to impulsivity

• Talking in class, inability to wait for their turn

• Interrupting others’ conversations or games

• Frequent arguments with parents, teachers, and peers

• Rejection by peers and involvement in physical fights

• Excessive movement and restlessness

• Emotional instability

• Being insensitive to others’ needs

Symptoms in Adults

ADHD symptoms often persist into adulthood, but hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to decrease over time.

• Persistent attention deficit—difficulty focusing on important tasks

• Significant functional impairments compared to peers

• Mood swings

• Difficulty prioritizing tasks

• Frequent loss of important items and documents

• Easily bored and struggles with reading and paperwork

• Avoids tasks that seem boring

• Slow, inefficient work performance, impulsive decisions

• Poor time management, difficulty organizing and planning

• Restlessness, inability to sit still or wait in line

• Excessive talking, interrupting others’ conversations

• Risky driving habits, involvement in accidents

• Quitting jobs suddenly without finding a new one

• Frequent changes in relationships

• Underachievement in school and work

• Poor financial management

• Substance abuse and smoking

• Higher risk of marital problems and divorce

Diagnosis and Treatment

• ADHD affects 1-2% of the adult population, yet many remain undiagnosed and untreated.

• Neuropsychological tests help confirm the diagnosis in suspected cases.

• There are no laboratory or imaging tests for ADHD.

• Treatment includes medication and psychotherapy, which help patients manage impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention issues.

• Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent chronic complications.