ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a behavioral disorder that affects a person's ability to focus and pay attention. ADHD was once called ADD, or just attention deficit disorder. The cause of ADHD is unknown. Common symptoms of ADHD include being easily distracted, frequent daydreaming, forgetfulness, impulsive behaviors, difficulty sitting still and listening, and difficulty following instructions. People with ADHD may show symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. ADHD symptoms usually appear in childhood, but may not be diagnosed until adulthood. There is no cure for ADHD, but symptoms can be managed with medication and therapy to learn methods that improve focus.
It is a chronic condition with 30% to 50% of patients diagnosed in childhood continuing to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. The condition is diagnosed in 2%-16% of school-aged children. Presently, 2.05 million children between the ages of 5 to 11 have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), 2.4 million children between the ages of 12 to 17 are affected by the condition, and 4.4% of adults between ages 18 and 44 experiences some symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The condition is two to four times likely to be diagnosed in boys than in girls. While there is no known cause, research points to a genetic origin. Patients are known to develop certain coping mechanisms to address symptoms, which may make the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) difficult.
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