Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects thousands of American children each year. In this disorder, the individual demonstrates a constant pattern of attention seeking behavior and hyperactivity. This leads to the development of significant performance deficits in children marked by behavior disorganization and these children are regarded as impulsive, exhibit excessive motor activity and show problems in sustaining attention. This can be a debilitating condition and can affect the normal function of the individual resulting in poor academic or professional performance and problems in interpersonal relationships.

The symptoms of ADHD are quite common among children who come for treatment at child guidance centers and are considered to be the most commonly referred patients to mental health as well as pediatric wings. It is estimated that ADHD affects almost 3 to 5 percent of school going children each year. This disorder is thought to affect preadolescent boys most often and may be six to nine times more common in boys than in girls. Research indicates that it mostly develops in children below the age of 8 and becomes less frequent later on. Certain aspects of the disorder such as attention difficulties may be present even during adolescence or adulthood.

Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

The degree to which the problem occurring in ADHD children may result from results environmental or biological factors.

Abnormalities in brain function: The exact cause of ADHD remains unknown, but research shows that a number of patients with ADHD have certain abnormalities in brain function. The chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are secreted in the brain are not properly utilized in the case of these patients resulting in decreased activity in certain areas of the brain that are known to control activity and attention.

Genetics: Certain studies point to the fact that ADHD runs in families. It is often seen that in about one-four cases of ADHD, the siblings or a close relative is affected by the disorder.

Exposure of children to toxins: Exposure of children to environmental toxins such as lead and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) may develop ADHD.

Neglect in pregnancy: Women, who regularly smoke, indulge in drug abuse or are exposed to environmental toxins such as lead or PCBs in pregnancy are at an increased risk of giving birth to children with this disorder.