It is a chronic condition that affects many children. Every one shows some behaviors at time, but if ADHD lasts more than 6 months and causes problems in school, at home. The characters of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is common in boys than girls.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD:

• Fail to pay close attention to details or makes mistakes in school work or activities.
• Trouble in sustaining attention during tasks or play.
• Do not listen even when spoken directly.
• Difficulty in following through instructions and fails to finish school work, chores or other tasks.
• Problems in organizing tasks or activities.
• Avoids tasks which require sustained mental effort like school work or home work.
• Frequently looses needed items like books, pencils, toys.
• Easily distractible.
• Forgetfulness.
• Signs and symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive behavior include:
• Fidgets or squirms frequently.
• Leaves the seat in classroom or in other situations when seating is expected.
• Runs or climbs excessively.
• Difficulty in playing quietly.
• Excessive talks.
• Blurts out the answers before completion of questions.
• Difficulty in waiting for his turn frequently.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on other’s conversations or games.

Causes of ADHD:

• Altered brain function and anatomy.
• Hereditary: Often ADHD runs in family.
• Maternal smoking, drug use and exposure to toxins during pregnancy are associated with ADHD.
• Childhood exposure to environmental toxins like exposure to lead.

Risk factors for ADHD:

• Child’s sex: Boys are more prone than girls for ADHD.
• Maternal exposure to toxins.
• Smoking, drinking or using of drugs during pregnancy.
• Premature birth.
• ADHD is associated with disorders like hyperthyroidism, any learning disability and in oppositional defiant disorder.

Complications of ADHD:

• Academic failure and judgment by other children and adults.
• Affects interpersonal relationships.
• Tend to have more accidents and injuries of all kinds than do the children who do not have ADHD.
• Trouble in interacting with peers and adults.
• Increased risk of alcohol, drug abuse and other delinquent behavior.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Conduct disorder like stealing, fighting, destroying property and harming people or animals
• Learning disabilities.

Treatment of ADHD:

• Psycho stimulant medications like Methylphenidate, Derxtroamphetamine-amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine.
• Non stimulant medications lie Atomoxetine.
• Other medications like antidepressants, Clonidine.
• Psychotherapy.
• Behavior therapy.
• Family therapy.
• Social skills training.