Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment
Exams and Tests
The evaluation of a child for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should begin with a thorough medical interview. The child’s health care provider should ask detailed questions about the child’s medical history. When not known from previous visits, this might include questions regarding the pregnancy and delivery, psychiatric history, family history, home and daycare conditions, school performance, work and legal problems (if appropriate), illnesses, current medications and supplements, diet, sleep, other habits, and social behaviors.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms
The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not physical symptoms such as pain or a runny nose, but exaggerated or unusual behaviors. The type and severity of symptoms vary greatly among people with ADHD. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of abnormality in the brain, the presence of related conditions, and the individual’s environment and response to that environment.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Causes
We do not know exactly what causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Although external factors, such as problems in growth and development in the womb, heavy drug use, and lower socioeconomic status, have been linked to some cases of ADHD, it is mainly a biological disorder. In other words, it is mostly a person’s genes that determine whether he or she has the disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Overview
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is a condition in which a person’s inability to focus and concentrate on a task or purpose interferes with his or her ability to be productive. It can also affect how people develop social relationships or self-esteem.
