Attentive-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD), is a common developmental disorder that affects 3-9% of school aged children worldwide, but can also affect adolescents and adults as well.

Who gets ADHD?
Children of all ages are affected by this disorder, and approximately 60% of them carry over their symptoms into adulthood. Males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is estimated that 3-6% of adults might have ADHD.

What causes ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological based developmental disability that no one knows the exact cause at this time. Scientific evidence suggests that it is genetically transmitted and results from a chemical imbalance in certain neurotransmitters.These chemicals help the brain to regulate behaviour. Parents and teachers do not cause ADHD.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?
There are some experts who deny the entity of ADHD. There are a number of symptoms associated with this disorder. These include the core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. Other symptoms are:
• Constant activity
• Restlessness
• Frequently interrupting others
• Inappropriately blurting out answers
• Carelessness
• Difficulty getting organized
• Chronic procrastination
• Intolerance of boredom
• Impatient
• Difficulty listening
Many parents might say that all children do have some of the above symptoms at some time in their lives. Parents should be cautious about making the diagnosis of ADHD themselves. Teachers should also avoid labelling a child with ADHD until the child has been fully evaluated.

How is ADHD diagnosed?
There is no blood test or other investigation to make the diagnosis of ADHD. The diagnosis is often based on the history from parents and teachers. A proper evaluation of the child is often needed before the diagnosis is made. A diagnosis of ADHD should be made by a trained professional usually a developmental paediatrician, child psychologist, child psychiatrist or a child neurologist.

Treatment
Many clinicians consider ADHD a chronic condition which can be controlled with various medications. Stimulants drugs have been used to treat ADHD and have been shown to be successful in improving behaviour in the classroom, home and social settings. There have been concerns with some side effects of these medications and the lowest dose should be used at all times.

Conclusion
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects many children and adolescents, but this neurological disorder can be controlled with various medications. Parents of children with ADHD can find parenting very challenging but should seek professional help as this condition can be controlled.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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