What Is ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Featured Article
Main Category: ADHD
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 02 Dec 2008 - 3:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Health experts say that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is the most common behavioral disorder that starts during childhood. However, it does not only affect children - people of all ages can suffer from ADHD. Psychiatrists say ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder.

An individual with ADHD finds it much more difficult to focus on something without being distracted. He has greater difficulty in controlling what he is doing or saying and is less able to control how much physical activity is appropriate for a particular situation compared to somebody without ADHD. In other words, a person with ADHD is much more impulsive and restless.

Health care professionals may use any of the following terms when describing a child (or an older person) who is overactive and has difficulty concentrating - attention deficit, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperkinetic disorder, hyperactivity.

North Americans commonly use the terms ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In the UK hyperkinetic disorder is the official term - however, ADD and ADHD have become widely used.

This article has moved

This article has been updated and has moved to a new location. You can continue reading the 'What is ADHD' article here. We apologize for any inconvenience.


Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today