In 2011, Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported the percentage of ADHD diagnosis among children in the United States is 9.5%. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a common mental disorder with three presentations: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and both combined. However, for an individual to be diagnosed, they must exhibit a large amount of symptoms for about six months. Inattentives fails to pay close attention, dislike/avoid tasks involving thinking, easily distracted, forgetful of daily tasks, and difficulty being organized. Hyperactive-impulsives fidget, has extreme restlessness, difficulty engaging in activities quietly, impatient, interrupts, and talks excessively. Harvard/NIMH National Comorbidity Survey Replication found 4.4% of adults, ages 18-44, experience some symptoms and disability. There is no test to confirm an individual has ADHD, therefore diagnosticians rely on a variety of tools, the most important of which is information about the person and his or her behavior and environment (7 Facts You Need to Know About ADHD).

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is considered an invisible illness. An invisible illness can not be seen; mental disorders are perfect examples of this. Due to this, many individuals believe this such disorder does not exist. Any individual can be diagnosed no matter your background.

Individuals dealing with ADHD often tend to experience other mental illnesses. 30% of children and 25-40% of adults already have a co-existing anxiety disorder. 70% with ADHD will experience and be treated for depression at some point in their lifetime. Also, sleep disorders are ⅔ more likely to affect those with ADHD compared to those without (7 Facts You Need To Know About ADHD).

An individual can obtain ADHD through genes, toxic substances used during pregnancy, low birth weight, and brain injuries (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Since ADHD is a common mental disorder, there are many ways of treatment. Medication is the most common treatment. It increases the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention. Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help a person change his or her behavior. This therapy teaches a person how to monitor his or her own behavior and give oneself praise or reward for acting in a desired way (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Photos: google.com

“7 Facts You Need To Know About ADHD.” ###i, ###a href="http://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/adhd-facts/">www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/adhd-facts/.

“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml#part_145444