Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or AD/HD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder, primarily characterized by the co-existence of attention problems and hyperactivity. It affects about 3 to 5% of children globally, with symptoms starting before 7 yr of age and in about 50% of cases continuing into adulthood. It is a source of concern to the clinicians as it is often comorbid with other mental disorders, particularly anxiety, conduct disorder, depression, epilepsy and learning disabilities. The aim of this review is to draw close attention to the disorder, highlight its causes, features and the challenges in management. Data was sourced from literature in Medline publications, World Health Organization and other medical journals. ADHD affects all races, ethnic groups and socioeconomic levels, the cause is unknown and there is no cure for it. Management is multidisciplinary including behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and drug treatment. There is dearth of information about ADHD in our environment but the disorder is not uncommon. The combined problems of malaria, malnutrition, pneumonia, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome and other infectious illnesses may be masking emphasis on this neurodevelopmental condition. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder worldwide. Management of the condition is challenging. Awareness of the general populace, skills in the diagnosis and optimal management are currently low in developing countries like Nigeria. There is need for improvement in these areas.

Current scenario of diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in urban India: a pilot study

“…The broadly identified factors are biological (genetics and neurological changes) and contextual factors (environmental influences and culture). Many studies indicate the role of genes in the etiology of ADHD (Cortese, 2012;Frank-Briggs, 2011;Steinhausen, 2009;Tripp and Wickens, 2009). Studies also indicate the associations between prenatal smoking, alcohol and DAT 1 gene for heightened risk for ADHD (Tripp and Wickens, 2009).…”

Hubungan Rerata Kadar Feritin dalam Serum dengan Gejala Klinik Gangguan Pemusatan Perhatian dan Hiperaktivitas Berdasarkan Skala Penilaian Perilaku Anak Hiperaktif Indonesia (SPPAHI)

“…Rasio tersebut tidak jauh berbeda dengan berbagai studi epidemiologi mengenai GPPH yang menyebutkan kisaran anak laki-laki dibandingkan perempuan adalah 2-4 kali lipat lebih banyak. 9 Peneliti melakukan pemeriksaan laju endap darah pada subjek penelitian guna menyingkirkan kemungkinan inflamasi maupun infeksi kronik yang mungkin berpengaruh terhadap kadar feritin. Terdapat berbagai pendapat hubungan LED dengan kadar feritin.…”

Hubungan Antara Rerata Kadar Seng dalam Serum dengan Gejala Klinis Gangguan Pemusatan Perhatian dan Hiperaktivitas pada Anak Berdasarkan Skala Penilaian Perilaku Anak Hiperaktif Indonesia

“…Berbeda dengan laporan sebuah penelitian yang menyatakan bahwa kedua orangtua bekerja banyak dijumpai pada anak dengan GPPH. 5 Didapatkan hasil nilai tengah kadar seng dalam serum untuk kelompok anak GPPH 52,50µg/L dengan kisaran 37-95µg/L dan kadar seng dalam serum untuk kelompok anak sehat 51,50µg/L dengan kisaran 34-95µg/L, dengan rentang nilai normal kadar seng dalam serum berkisar antara 48-129 µg/L. Didapatkan 12 orang anak mengalami defisiensi kadar seng dalam serum dari 42 subjek penelitian anak dengan GPPH, sedangkan pada anak sehat, 11 orang anak mengalami defisiensi kadar seng dalam serum.…”