Management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Rohit Verma1, Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Shachi Mathur
1Department of Psychiatry and De-addiction, PGIMER and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences
|October 7, 2011
Summary
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder impacting children and adults, causing hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Effective treatments include medications and psychosocial interventions like parent training and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobehavioral disorder originating in childhood.
- ADHD symptoms significantly impair daily functioning across home, school, and community settings for a substantial percentage of school-aged children globally.
- The disorder exhibits considerable variability and can persist into adulthood, leading to increased risks of substance misuse and social/occupational challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- To discuss the diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and impact of ADHD across different life stages.
- To review current therapeutic strategies, including pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ADHD research.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on ADHD prevalence.
- Synthesis of findings on treatment efficacy and challenges.
Main Results:
- ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, affecting 39% of school-going children worldwide.
- Adult ADHD is associated with substance misuse and difficulties in social and work environments.
- Pharmacological treatments (stimulants and non-stimulants) show subgroup-specific effectiveness, with some patients experiencing issues with short-acting stimulants.
Conclusions:
- ADHD is a complex disorder with significant global impact, requiring tailored treatment approaches.
- Pharmacotherapy remains a cornerstone of ADHD management, with ongoing research into optimizing agent selection.
- Parent training and cognitive behavioral therapies are crucial adjuncts to pharmacotherapy for comprehensive ADHD care.
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