Behaviour marked by hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not inattentiveness. Behaviour is characterized by the following symptoms; • Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork • Often does not seem to listen when spoken directly • Often has difficulty in organising tasks that require sustained mental effort • Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities • Often is easily distracted by external stimuli • Often is forgetful in daily activities.
A combination of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentive symptoms. This is the most common type of ADHD. In order to make a valid diagnosis these symptoms must be present for at least 6 months before the age of 7 years to a degree that is inconsistent with the developmental level of a child and causes impairments in at least 2 different settings. Thus there must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning. Peer rejection and disruptive behaviours which can lead to academic and social difficulties are the most valid problems of the disorder. Other long-term consequences include higher rates of accidents as well as alcohol and drug abuse, and criminal behaviours when Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is accompanied by conduct problems. Behavioural techniques for managing a child with ADHD are not intuitive for most parents and teachers. To learn them, caregivers may need help from qualified mental health care professionals or from ADHD support groups. At first, the idea of changing the behaviour of a highly energetic, obstinate child is daunting. It is possible, however, to limit destructive behaviour and to instil in the child a sense of self-worth that will help overcome negativity.
Author(s) Details:
Veena Shivanna
Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Siddhartha Dental College and Hospital, Agalakote, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
Yogeesh Mallenahalli Chikkanna
Taluk Health Officer, Belur, Karnataka, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Attention Deficit Disorder in Children
Global Prevalence of ADHD:
A systematic review and meta-analysis1 revealed that ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
The prevalence of ADHD in children aged 3 to 12 years is approximately 7.6% (95% confidence interval: 6.1–9.4%).
Among teenagers aged 12 to 18 years, the prevalence is around 5.6% (95% confidence interval: 4.8–7%).
Notably, the prevalence based on the DSM-V criterion is higher than previous diagnostic criteria.
Advances in ADHD Research:
Over the past two decades, research has made significant strides in understanding ADHD.
These advances include changes in diagnostic criteria, consistent prevalence rates across Western countries, identification of genetic risk loci, and a shift in conceptualizing ADHD as a complex brain network dysfunction2.
References
- Salari, N., Ghasemi, H., Abdoli, N. et al. The global prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ital J Pediatr 49, 48 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-023-01456-1
- Cortese, S., & Coghill, D. (2018). Twenty years of research on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): looking back, looking forward. BMJ Ment Health, 21(4), 173-176.
