Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

According to the American Psychiatric Association, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that is prevalent in approximately 3% to 7% of the school-age population and 5.29% of the world's population. The disorder is pervasive in nature, affecting boys more often than girls, and is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The American Psychiatric Association currently recognizes three subtypes of ADHD: ADHD Combined Type, ADHD Predominately Inattentive Type, and ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type.

Developmental Course

ADHD is typically diagnosed during the elementary school years, and recent longitudinal studies have found that the disorder often persists into adulthood. Although the symptoms of ADHD are similar throughout the lifespan, developmental differences exist. Preschoolers with ADHD, for example, are more likely to display ...

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