ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome

Generality

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome (ADHD) is a neuropsychic disorder that affects the development of children and adolescents.
This condition is characterized by:

• Obvious levels of inattention;
• Hyperactivity (excessive, persistent and continuous motor activity);
• Difficulty controlling behavioral and verbal impulses.

The causes of attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome are not yet fully known, but the origin of the disorder appears to depend on the combination of environmental, social, behavioral, biochemical and genetic factors.

The diagnosis of ADHD is established by a physician specialized in neuropsychiatry, through the satisfaction of certain clinical criteria. In particular, to define the attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome, the symptoms must manifest themselves for 6 consecutive months, in at least two different life contexts (such as, for example, school and family).
The treatment of ADHD is based on behavioral therapies and psycho-educational interventions. In some cases, to reduce symptoms and improve the dysfunctions that the condition entails, these approaches are associated with the use of specific drugs, including methylphenidate and atomoxetine.

What is ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common disorders of developmental age (childhood and adolescence).

ADHD affects approximately 3-5% of children and can persist into adulthood, compromising social, academic and professional functioning.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is typically characterized by:

• Attention deficit
• Excessive, persistent and continuous motor activity (hyperactivity);
• Behavioral and verbal impulsivity.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome always seem to be busy with some activity, even if they often do not complete it, as they are continually distracted by new stimuli. The tendency not to listen and / or excessive motor activity lead to restlessness, difficulty in sitting and inability to wait for one's turn.
These manifestations (hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention) are nothing more than the consequence of the inability of the child with ADHD to control his own responses to stimuli deriving from the environment, and to focus his attention on a single specific task.

Causes

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not recognize a single specific cause. The origin of the disorder seems to depend, in fact, on the interaction of various environmental, social, behavioral, biochemical and genetic factors.
In the "etiology of" ADHD, in particular, the expression of some genes that regulate the level of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitters seems to be involved. These alterations affect above all the functions carried out by specific areas of the brain, which regulate attention. (pre-frontal cortex, part of the cerebellum and some basal ganglia, i.e. clusters of nerve cells located deep in the brain).
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tends to recur within the same family and often occurs in association with other behavior or conduct disorders.
Among the environmental factors appear to be involved in cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse in pregnancy, low neonatal weight (or premature birth) and neurological damage reported after obstetric or head trauma.

A greater risk of developing ADHD may also depend on congenital infections and exposure to paints, pesticides, lead and certain food additives (dyes and preservatives).

Symptoms and complications

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder onset in childhood and pre-adolescence. On average, the presentation of the disorder occurs before the age of 7 (note: according to the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5, it is necessary that some manifestations arise within 12 years of age).
The symptomatology of ADHD is represented by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, more evident than expected for a preschool child of equal development.
Depending on whether one of these characters prevails, it is possible to distinguish three variants of the disorder:

• Inattentive (i.e. with predominant inattention);
• Overactive-impulsive;
• Combined form.

In any case, the manifestations are excessive and inconsistent with age or development level.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects academic achievement, the ability to develop appropriate social behavior, and thinking and reasoning strategies. Dysfunctions of various kinds (social, school and family) favor the development of agitated, oppositional and provocative behaviors in the child.

ADHD can be associated with learning difficulties, anxiety and depression, nocturnal enuresis and sleep disturbances. In some cases, non-specific neurological deficits, sensory dysfunctions and motor impairment may also be present.
Difficulties in social and emotional relationships can persist into adulthood.