1. ADHD Symptoms in Children Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the ADHD Quiz
3. Parenting a Child with ADHD Slideshow

Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children facts
• What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
• What is the cause of ADHD in children?
• What are childhood ADHD symptoms and signs?
• How is ADHD in children diagnosed?
• Is ADHD inherited?
• Is childhood ADHD on the increase? If so, why?
• Can ADHD be seen in brain scans of children with the disorder?
• What is the role of alternative therapies in ADHD?
• What are behavioral treatments for ADHD in children?
• Which educational interventions have been studied and shown to be effective in the treatment of ADHD?
• What medications are currently being used to treat ADHD in children?
• What is the relationship between ADHD and other disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or depression?
• What is the prognosis for individuals with ADHD?
• What is the history of ADHD? How is it related to ADD?
• What are the future research directions for ADHD?
• ADHD FAQs
• Patient Comments: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Tests and Diagnosis
• Find a local Psychiatrist in your town
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Index

Research has shown that ADHD does seem to cluster in families. Several investigations have demonstrated that children who have ADHD usually have at least one close relative (child or adult) who also has ADHD. At least one-third of all fathers who have ADHD will produce a child with ADHD. With the newer realization that adults may also experience ADHD symptoms, it is not unheard of to have a parent's "problem at my job" be credited to ADHD -- often at the same time their child's diagnosis is being established! Lastly, several studies have demonstrated a number of genes that may reflect a role in altered brain neurochemistry that provide a physiologic basis for this disorder and inheritance pattern.

No one knows for sure whether the prevalence of ADHD per se has risen, but it is very clear that the number of children identified with the disorder and who obtain treatment has risen over the past decade. Some of this increased identification and increased treatment seeking is due in part to greater media interest, heightened consumer awareness, and the availability of effective treatments. Teachers are better trained to recognize the condition and suggest that the family seek help, especially in the more mild to moderate cases. In addition, the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are now more specifically and concisely defined.

The diagnosis of ADHD is less of a social stigma than in the past. This more enlightened perspective reflects the understanding that ADHD is a biochemical disorder and not merely an "out of control child." As such, more parents are receptive to medical therapy for the condition rather than resorting to less effective home/school discipline techniques. Interestingly, the increase in prevalence of ADHD is not solely an American phenomenon but has been noted also in other countries. Whether the number of patients with ADHD has truly increased or rather better recognition and acceptance of ADHD as a diagnosis has "increased" remains to be further defined.