ADHD/ADD which stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that affects human behavior. This condition usually starts during childhood that characterizes short span of attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. In boys, this condition occurs twice as much as in girls.
This condition gets better as the individual matures or becomes an adult. Although, ADHD/ADD is prominent in children it has been said that the number of adults with ADHD/ADD has increased over the decades. Genetic components play a huge role in this condition.
Over the years, studies were conducted and it was found that there are three subtypes of ADHD/ADD:
- ADHD Primarily Inattentive it was known previously as ADD-H (Attention Deficit Disorder without Hyperactivity)
- Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive which is known previously as ADHD.
- Combined type known previously as ADD+H (Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity)
ADHD/ADD has been classified as follows:
- Developmental Disorder – lacks control of impulse. This lack of impulse control is said to stay between three to five years in ADHD/ADD patient’s prefrontal cortex.
- Behavior Disorder
- Neurological Disorder
Symptoms
- Impulsiveness: the individual easily reacts without thinking his/her actions.
- Inattention: attention span is too short. It seems that the individual is in another place. Individual suffering ADHD/ADD tends to have this all through out their lives.
- Hyperactivity: the individual is always moving and cannot sit still. This symptom is typical in children but disappears as they grow old.
The following are related conditions to ADHD/ADD:
- Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder: illustrates anti-social behaviors like aggression, stealing, lying, dishonesty and regular temper tantrums.
- Primary Disorder of Vigilance – concentration and attention is poor. Children who have this disorder are having a hard time staying awake.
- Bipolar Disorder – characterized by more aggression and problems in behavior.
- Anxiety Disorders – this disorder usually is related to ADHD/ADD especially OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). ADHD/ADD and OCd shares similar characteristics and it is said to share genetic component.
Causes
- Genetic Factors – it has been said the genetics play a huge role in ADHD/ADD. According to studies, ADHD/ADD is a result of a combination of several genes that highly affects dopamine transporters. Other genes that are involved: dopamine receptor D4, dopamine transporter, monoamine oxidase A, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, catecholamine-methyl transferase, 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A), serotonin transporter promoter (SLC6A4), 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B receptor (5-HT1B), the 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene, the 10-repeat allele of the DAT1 gene and the dopamine beta hydroxylase gene (DBH TaqI).
- Environmental Factors – this factor usually involves alcohol, smoking and exposure to lead. This is said to cause stress to prenatal babies. Premature birth and complications throughout pregnancy was also believed to contribute to this disorder.
- Diet – Malnutrition is also associated to lack of attention w. It is said that diet can make ADHD/ADD worse. Foods such as artificial colorings and synthetic preservatives worsen ADHD/ADD symptoms. It was reported that children who suffers from ADHD/ADD improved in academic performance and behavior problems was decreased when artificial flavoring was removed from foods prepared in school.