II. ADHD Information

What is ADHD?

• ADHD is a medical disorder associated with the balance of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
• While researchers continue to investigate the exact cause of ADHD, scientific studies suggest that it is related to disturbances in the transmission of dopamine and, to a lesser extent, norepinephrine.
• Because there is no one test that identifies ADHD, doctors must uncover the disorder by looking at certain patterns of behavior. While clinical studies using brain imaging technologies have shown differences in the brains of people with ADHD, such technology is not a common diagnostic tool.
• Although there is no genetic test and no genetic marker for ADHD, the disorder's tendency to run in families has led researchers to believe that genetics may also play a role.¹⁵
• Studies show that between 4%-12% of U.S. school-aged children have ADHD,¹⁶ which is about 4 million kids in all.

ADHD Symptoms
Primary symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Children with ADHD may demonstrate one, two or all three of the core symptoms. Examples include:

	Hyperactivity	Inattention	Impulsivity
	Roaming around a room Talking incessantly Inability to sit through	Difficulty in filtering out unncessary distractions Getting sidetracked by movements of people or objects.	Acting before thinking Demonstrating a very short temper Yelling or hitting

While children without ADHD can occasionally demonstrate some of these symptoms, children with ADHD exhibit them on an ongoing basis and in more than one setting (such as at school AND at home). Also, when the symptoms stem from ADHD they interfere with the child's ability to function academically or socially on a daily basis.

If you notice a child continues to exhibit these symptoms, it is appropriate to discuss your observations with his or her parents. But remember, only a doctor can diagnose ADHD or recommend a medication.