ADHD is attention deficit hyperactive disorder in full. It is a mental condition that presents in childhood and has a risk of persisting to adulthood. The majority of the affected children develop normally and only a few exhibit serious symptoms. The main characteristics, as suggested by its name, are inattentiveness when carrying out various tasks, impulsivity and hyperactivity. If they have a child with ADHD Dallas parents need to know a number of things on the condition.

The cause remains obscure but there are a number of theories that have been develop to explain its origin. The first of the theories claims that the condition is caused by a shrinkage in brain size while a child is still developing in the womb. The proponents claim that such children have the symptoms due to a frontal lobe that is smaller than the average. The second theory claims that the symptoms are due to reduced levels of dopamine in the brain.

Hyperactivity causes people to speak quite a lot. In children, it will be manifested as the inability to sit or remain immobile for a few minutes. Impulsivity is mainly characterized by impatience. The affected person tends to interrupt activities and conversations every so often. Other features are having difficulties in containing anger, poor development of language and poor control of motor functions.

The condition is classified into three main sub-types depending on the predominant symptomatic pattern. If all the symptoms are seen in equal measure then the type is known as the combined type. If the predominant feature is inattention without the other two, then it will be referred to as the inattentive type. This type was previously known as attention-deficit disorder. The third type is mainly characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity but inattentiveness is absent.

In the event that signs and symptoms of ADHD are noted, the child or adult should be taken to a GP or a psychiatrist. In the case of children, the diagnostic criteria states that they must be between the age of six and twelve years. They will be observed for a period of about six months to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

ADHD is seen more commonly in boys than girls. The reasons as to why this is the case are not clear. Of those affected, about 70% grow into normal adults while the rest have a persistence of symptoms. Generally, close to 4% of the general population is affected. The symptoms seen in adults are slightly different from those seen in children. The biggest difference is that restlessness takes the place of impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Treatment of ADHD is by pharmacological agents and psychotherapy. The two methods are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. The most commonly class of drugs are the stimulants. There should be close monitoring once treatment with stimulants starts due to the high risk of addiction. Drugs should not be used in pre-school children as they predispose to psychosis. Behavioral therapy should be used instead.

Persons living with ADHD can lead a near normal life as long as their problem is identified in time and managed. Apart from having regular psychotherapy sessions and being on stimulants, they also need a strong social support structure at home, in school and in the work place when they grow into adults. Children should be accorded special attention to help them learn better due to their short concentration span.