ADHD Introduction & Types - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Brain & Nervous System

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Introduction/Overview

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or hyperkinetic disorder is a psychiatric disorder with a chronic neurobehavioral syndrome demonstrating signs of inattention, impulsivity, restlessness and hyperactivity. It is important to note that the term Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition without hyperactivity (1) & (2).

People suffering from ADHD develop antipathy, lack concentration, indecisiveness, and organizational skills as well as avoid positions of responsibility.

About 5% of children in the age group of 9 – 17 years and 2-4% of adult population are affected in the US with ADHD. Studies suggest “…that boys are affected approximately five times more often than girls” (1).

About 30%-80% of affected the children carry this disorder into adulthood.

Other related conditions such as learning disorders, restless legs syndrome, ophthalmic convergence insufficiency, depression, anxiety disorder, antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse disorder, conduct disorder and obsessive-compulsive behavior are more likely to appear in people suffering from ADHD than in the general public (3).

Types of ADHD

Based on symptoms, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders are classified into three types which include:

Predominantly Inattentive Type:
In this type of disorder, the patient gets easily distracted and forgets daily routines. It is difficult for an individual suffering from this disorder to organize a task, concentrate and follow instructions to the smallest detail.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:
An individual suffering from this type of disorder is always fidgety and talkative. It is difficult for him or her to sit still for long for doing homework or a meal and is very impulsive and make impulsive decisions.

Combined Type:
An individual suffering from this type has symptoms of both types mentioned above (4).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com