Tomasek - Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

ADHD is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that often manifests in childhood with symptoms of inappropriate inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms, when present, may impact age-appropriate behavior and can persist into adolescence and adulthood if not properly addressed. 

The estimated number of children aged 3–17 years ever diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents, is 6 million (9.8%) using data from 2016-2019.

Symptoms

People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Inattention

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
• Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
• Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
• Is often easily distracted
• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
• Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
• Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
• Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
• Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
• Often talks excessively.
• Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
• Often has trouble waiting their turn.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD | CDC

ADHD Impacts Development 

ADHD has been found to significantly impact various aspects of a child's development. Challenges with sustained attention and focus in the school environment may impede learning, potentially leading to underperformance. Socially children may struggle with both peer and family relationships and be more at risk of both bullying and being bullied (Peasgood et al., 2016). 

ADHD Impacts Cognitive Skill

"Impaired cognitive development is also reported to be associated with ADHD. The domains of cognitive function that are often impaired in ADHD include those relating to executive functions, such as impulse control and working memory, as well as non-executive functions, such as memory and reaction time" (Coghill et al., 2018). Impulsivity in individuals with ADHD can hinder thoughtful decision-making, thus affecting problem-solving abilities. Difficulties may arise in organizing tasks and managing time effectively. ADHD can also impact memory, affecting both retention and the recall process.

ADHD Impacts Emotions 

ADHD can significantly affect a child's emotional well-being, often manifesting in heightened feelings of anxiety and diminished self-esteem. "Several studies report that emotion dysregulation (ED) is highly frequent in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD" (Beheshti et al., 2020). The impact of ADHD extends beyond emotions and can impact the child's overall quality of life. 

References:

Beheshti, A., Chavanon, M. L., & Christiansen, H. (2020). Emotion dysregulation in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis. BMC psychiatry, 20(1),120. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-2442-7

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023c, October 16). Data and statistics about ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023b, September 27). Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html

Coghill, D. R., Banaschewski, T., Bliss, C., Robertson, B., & Zuddas, A. (2018). Cognitive Function of Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a 2-Year Open-Label Study of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate. CNS drugs, 32(1), 85–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-017-0487-z

Forbes Magazine. (2023, November 28). ADHD statistics and facts in 2024. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/adhd-statistics/

Peasgood, T., Bhardwaj, A., Biggs, K., Brazier, J. E., Coghill, D., Cooper, C. L., Daley, D., De Silva, C., Harpin, V., Hodgkins, P., Nadkarni, A., Setyawan, J., & Sonuga-Barke, E. J. (2016). The impact of ADHD on the health and well-being of ADHD children and their siblings. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 25(11), 1217–1231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-016-0841-6