Overview

it's an ongoing pattern or behavior of inattention or hyperactivity _impulsivity that affects or interferes with personal functioning and development,in other words person with ADHD has a difficulty in maintaining attention or managing energy levels which is related to (controlling impulses).
Unfortunately, people with ADHD can be easily distracted or act on impulse,while the normal people can not be distracted as easy like that.

Symptoms

• Signs and Symptoms As we mentioned above ,Some people with ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention. Others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms. So lets begin with .. Inattention People with symptoms of inattention may often: • Overlook or miss details and make seemingly careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities • Have difficulty sustaining attention during play or tasks, such as conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading • Not seem to listen when spoken to directly • Find it hard to follow through on instructions or finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace, or may start tasks but lose focus and get easily sidetracked • Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities, doing tasks in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, managing time, and meeting deadlines
• Hyperactivity-Impulsivity People with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may often: Fidget and squirm while seated Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or the office Run, dash around, or climb at inappropriate times or, in teens and adults, often feel restless Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly Be constantly in motion or on the go, or act as if driven by a motor Talk excessively Answer questions before they are fully asked, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in a conversation Have difficulty waiting one’s turn Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities Primary care providers sometimes diagnose and treat ADHD. They may also refer individuals to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, who can do a thorough evaluation and make an ADHD diagnosis. For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, impair the person’s functioning, and cause the person to fall behind typical development for their age. Stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms. Most children with ADHD receive a diagnosis during the elementary school years. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms need to have been present before age 12. ADHD symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems or missed entirely in children who primarily have symptoms of inattention, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. ADHD symptoms can change over time as a person ages. In young children with ADHD, hyperactivity-impulsivity is the most predominant symptom. As a child reaches elementary school, the symptom of inattention may become more prominent and cause the child to struggle academically. In adolescence, hyperactivity seems to lessen and symptoms may more likely include feelings of restlessness or fidgeting, but inattention and impulsivity may remain. Many adolescents with ADHD also struggle with relationships and antisocial behaviors. Inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity tend to persist into adulthood.

Causes

• The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not fully understood, although a combination of factors is thought to be responsible. 1-Genetics ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves, A child with ADHD has a one-in-four chance of having a parent with ADHD. However, the way ADHD is inherited is likely to be complex and is not thought to be related to a single genetic fault. 2-Brain function and structure Research has identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD from those without the condition, although the exact significance of these is not clear. For example, studies involving brain scans have suggested that certain areas of the brain may be smaller in people with ADHD, whereas other areas may be larger. A lower level of activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and activity level may be associated with ADHD. Other studies have suggested that people with ADHD may have an imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, or that these chemicals may not work properly. 3-Groups at risk: Certain people are also believed to be more at risk of ADHD, including people: • who were born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy) or with a low birthweight. • with epilepsy • with brain damage – which happened either in the womb or after a severe head injury later in life. 4-Prenatal exposures: such as alcohol or nicotine from smoking, increase the risk of developing ADHD. 5-The connection to learning differences: Having a learning difference doesn’t cause ADHD. But some issues frequently co-occur with ADHD. These include dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Kids with dyslexia, for instance, have a greater likelihood of also having ADHD than kids who don’t have dyslexia.

Risk factors

• As we mentioned above, risk factors and causes are almost the same.
• In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible environmental factors that might raise the risk of developing ADHD and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments might play a role in ADHD. ADHD is more common in males than females, and females with ADHD are more likely to primarily have inattention symptoms. People with ADHD often have other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, depression, and substance use disorder.

Complications

• Complication there are two groups of people which have adhd complications the children’s and the adults. Children’s • Children’s with ADHD often experience academic difficulties, issues and failures . • They tend to be more prone to accidents due to their impulsive nature and constant need for movement. • They may suffer from low self-esteem. • They are more likely to have trouble interacting with and being accepted by peers and adults. Adults ADHD can make adults life difficult such as: • Poor school or work performance • Unemployment • Trouble with the law • Alcohol or other substance misuse • Frequent car accidents or other accidents • Low physical and mental health • Suicide attempts Coexisting conditions ADHD does not cause other psychological or developmental problems. However, children with ADHD are more likely than others to develop conditions such as: • Conduct disorder, marked by antisocial behavior such as stealing, fighting, destroying property, and harming people or animals. • Learning disabilities, including problems with reading, writing, understanding and communicating. • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, characterized by irritability and problems tolerating frustration. • Anxiety disorders, which may cause overwhelming worry and nervousness, and include obsessive compulsive disorder OCD). • Tic disorder or Tourette syndrome, disorders that involve repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can't be easily controlled.

Prevention

• Preventing ADHD is a complex topic, and while there are strategies that may help reduce the risk or severity of the disorder, it's important to note that ADHD is influenced by genetic and neurological factors, and there is no guaranteed method for prevention. here are some strategies and information on potential prevention measures: 1. Prenatal Care: Ensuring that expectant mothers receive proper prenatal care is essential. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drug use during pregnancy can potentially reduce the risk of ADHD in children. 2. Breastfeeding:There is some evidence that breastfeeding may have a protective effect against ADHD. Breastfeeding for the recommended duration can be beneficial. 3. Early Intervention: Identifying and addressing developmental and behavioral issues early in a child's life can be helpful. Early intervention programs and therapies can support children's development and potentially reduce ADHD symptoms. 4. Healthy Lifestyle: Promoting a healthy lifestyle for children, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can contribute to better cognitive development and may lower the risk of ADHD. 5. Reducing Environmental Toxins: Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and certain pesticides, during childhood may help reduce the risk of ADHD. It's important to consult with healthcare professionals for guidance and to stay informed about the latest research in ADHD prevention. Keep in mind that while these strategies may be beneficial, they cannot guarantee the prevention of ADHD in all cases, given its complex nature.

Extra Information

This article is done by Teryaq.info team with the help of
1- http://mayoclinic.com
2- http://www.webmd.com
3- http://nimh.nih.gov