General information about ADHD
In these sections the user will be able to access information about ADHD, its repercussions, the available medications and the adverse effects they produce. We hope that this information will be useful in deciding on ADHD treatment preferences.
General information about ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It manifests through symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. The disorder begins in childhood and negatively affects the patient’s social, academic, and professional functioning.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder (related to brain maturation) characterized by difficulties in maintaining attention (inattention), excessive activity or restlessness (hyperactivity), and acting without thinking (impulsivity). It is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood. Although symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder begin in childhood, ADHD can persist into adolescence and adulthood. ADHD can significantly impact the psychological and social functioning of patients.
In children, symptoms of inattention often manifest as a high tendency to become distracted and difficulty maintaining attention, especially during boring and repetitive tasks. Impulsivity may appear as a tendency to act without considering long-term consequences or through social intrusions (interrupting conversations or games), while hyperactivity may manifest as restlessness, excessive motor activity, fidgeting, or excessive talking.
Patients with ADHD frequently present with other psychiatric disorders, primarily conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, learning disorders, tic disorders, and affective and anxiety disorders. In adults, in addition to affective and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and antisocial personality disorder are common.
What causes ADHD?
ADHD is often seen in patients with close relatives who also have the disorder, suggesting a genetic basis. However, no specific gene or combination of genes has been identified to clearly explain the development of the disorder.
In addition to genetic factors, numerous environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing ADHD. The most significant are prenatal exposure to tobacco, prematurity, low birth weight, lead exposure, extreme social deprivation, certain nutritional deficiencies, and the consumption of certain preservatives and food dyes.
So far, no clear cause of ADHD has been identified, and it is likely that its development results from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
What are the repercussions of ADHD?
ADHD is associated with significant repercussions in social, academic, and professional functioning. Compared to healthy individuals, patients with ADHD have lower academic performance, more difficulties in interpersonal relationships, higher rates of divorce and unemployment, lower socioeconomic status, more traffic accidents, legal problems, and a poorer quality of life.
Do you need to make a clinical decision?
EVIMATIC® is the first digital health tool that generates decentralized, automated, personalized, participatory and explanatory treatment recommendations that are presented in the format of clinical practice guidelines.
Do you need to make a clinical decision?
EVIMATIC® is the first digital health tool that generates decentralized, automated, personalized, participatory and explanatory treatment recommendations that are presented in the format of clinical practice guidelines.
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