Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a "behavior disorder originating in childhood in which the essential features are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although most individuals have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, one or the other pattern may be predominant. The disorder is more frequent in males than females. Onset is in childhood. Symptoms often attenuate during late adolescence although a minority experience the full complement of symptoms into mid-adulthood."

ADHD occurs in adults also.

There are significant adverse socioeconomic outcomes from ADHD.

Etiology/cause
Twin studies suggest 76% of ADHD is inherited. Abnormalities of biogenic amine receptors may contribute to ADHD.

The relationship between childhood bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is uncertain.

Treatment
The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD randomized controlled trial showed "for ADHD symptoms, our carefully crafted medication management was superior to behavioral treatment and to routine community care that included medication. Our combined treatment did not yield significantly greater benefits than medication management for core ADHD symptoms, but may have provided modest advantages for non-ADHD symptom and positive functioning outcomes."

Several stimulant drugs are effective. Stimulant drugs work by blocking the dopamine transporter. However, these drugs may increase cardiac complications.