Facts about ADHD

As a parent of a child with ADHD, it is important to learn as much as you can about ADHD. Knowing what is fact, and not fiction, can be difficult as many people have opinions about ADHD. Below is information about ADHD that has been found through research.

• ADHD is diagnosed in about 5-8% of children.
• ADHD is diagnosed in about 4% of adults.
• ADHD is diagnosed in 2-3 times as many boys as girls.
• Symptoms of ADHD need to be present before age 12 to make the diagnosis.
• Medications can treat the symptoms of ADHD in children and adults.
• Behavior therapy can reduce behaviors that go along with ADHD but not the attention or hyperactivity.
• Behavior therapy is recommended as the first treatment for children under 5 with ADHD.
• Symptoms of ADHD can continue into adulthood (about 30% still have symptoms as adults). Symptoms do decline with age, however, especially the hyperactivity.
• ADHD runs in families. Children who have ADHD usually have at least one close relative who also has ADHD.
• According to research, brain development takes longer in children with ADHD compared to children without ADHD.
• Leading ADHD researchers do not believe ADHD is caused by poor parenting.
• While parents do not cause ADHD, parents can use strategies (for example: following a daily routine) that help children with ADHD do better.
• If left untreated, many children with ADHD go on to have academic problems and even develop conduct problems (e.g. drugs and alcohol use, stealing, lying, and breaking laws).
• Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can help children do well in the future.

For information the latest scientific research on ADHD, please visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/science-news-about-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd.shtml