What is ADHD?

What is ADHD?

Type in ADHD into your search engine and you'll be bombarded with information - some of it factual, some of completely wrong.

ADHD is a clinical condition that affects up to 10% of the population - children and adults.

This is how the Royal Australian College of Physicians describes the condition in its Draft Guidelines on ADHD: “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition which begins in childhood and often persists through adolescence and into adult life. The core symptoms are poor impulse control and lack of sustained attention.

“Many individuals with ADHD have one or more associated problems, such as learning difficulties, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders or tics. People with ADHD often find it hard to enjoy life to the fullest and achieve their potential.

“The flow-on effects of ADHD can have a significant impact on families, schools, workplaces and the community more broadly.”

What does this definition really mean?

It's been described as a “neurobiological” condition but it seems there is still not enough evidence to categorically say what's physically happening in the brain to cause ADHD. But many believe it stems from an imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters, chemical substances which relay impulses in the brain.

The RACP draft guidelines continue: “Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviour that is more frequent and severe than is typically seen at a given stage of development.

“Symptoms are usually present from early childhood, they tend to become particularly troublesome when the child starts school, and they may remain troublesome across the lifespan.

“The symptoms of ADHD are associated with impairment in educational, social and emotional function.”

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Last revised: Friday, 16 July 2010


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