ADHD (Attention Defecit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common health concerns among school-aged children: its incidence is estimated between 3% and 12% of this population. It has also been identified as the most common neuorbehavioral disorder of childhood (AAP, 2000; APA, 1994). The incidence of ADHD in the adult population has been estimated at 6% to 10% (Wender, 1995). A child or adolescent does not outgrow the disorder and will carry the symptamatology into adulthood, although the symptoms may be modified by such factors as intelligence, accomodations, and one’s family and work environment.
The disorder’s etiology is clearly based on neurobiological factors. Most believe that the origin of the deficit is in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, and that it is associated with the biochemical substance dopamine or other transmitters. The disorder is present in both genders as well as all ethnic and racial populations. ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in male children (a range of 4.1 to 9.1 male:female, APA, 1994), and its incidence is estimated at 9.2% for males and 2.9% for females (APA, 2000). Female children are diagnosed less frequently becuase they generally display more inattentive symptoms and fewer behavioral symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (Everett & Everett, 1999).
ADHD may be transmitted genetically across multiple generations. When a child has been identified with ADHD, it is not uncommon for the clinician to identify other family members with ADHD as well. While ADHD is a complex neurobiological disorder, its symptamatology spreads throughout the intergenerational family system and broader community. Family members, peers, and teachers must make accomodations to the disruptive hyperactive/impulsive behaviors or frustrating inattentive symptoms of an individual with ADHD.
An excellent organization for learning about, understanding, and working with ADHD is called CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Defecit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Their website has valuable information and resources to share.