What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) / Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?

ADHD / ADD is a neuro-behavioural disorder characterised by inattention, over activity and impulsivity.

A child with ADHD / ADD is likely to have normal intelligence although 20% of children have learning disability combined with speech, language, social and relationship problems. If untreated, ADHD / ADD interferes with educational and social development and predisposes to mental illness.

Incidence/Prevalence

There has been an increase in those diagnosed with ADHD / ADD. The increase in diagnosis is largely due to -:

• the change in diagnostic criteria,
• improved awareness leading to increased referrals for assessment,
• increased capacity in diagnostic services,
• diagnosis of ADHD / ADD is being more widely accepted amongst specialists.

Using the broader criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition (DSM-IV), ADHD / ADD is thought to affect about 3–9% of school-age children and young people in the UK.

• ADHD / ADD in children is 3-5 times more common in boys than in girls. The predominantly inattentive type of ADHD / ADD is found more commonly in girls.
• There is increased likelihood of a person having ADHD / ADD if a family member also has it.