Tower Hamlets CAMHS - Information about ADHD
Information about ADHD
We have gathered trusted resources and information about ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. Children and young people with ADHD may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are ways to help manage the symptoms of ADHD
Core symptoms of ADHD are:
- Hyperactivity – Fidgeting, excessive talking, running and climbing when inappropriate
- Impulsivity – Interrupts others, blurts out answers, and struggles with waiting their turn
- Inattention – Difficulty following instructions, organisation and short attention span
Some children may present with difficulties in one or more symptom areas. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and refers to a pattern of behaviour that affects a child in most situations, is evident from an early age and can persist into adolescence and adulthood.
What causes ADHD?
There are many theories about what causes ADHD. It tends to run in families suggesting a genetic factor. However, the inheritance is likely to be complex and there is no one gene that causes ADHD. There are also likely to be environmental factors that increase the risk of a child developing ADHD if they have a genetic predisposition.
There may also be structural brain differences or differences in the actions of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
Approximately 60 to 80 per cent of children with ADHD will have at least one other condition; such as a social communication disorder, language, reading (dyslexia) or motor (dyspraxia) difficulties.
