Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Facts

ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often into adulthood. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (can act without thinking about what will be the outcome), and in some cases, hyperactivity.

A child with ADHD might:

• have a hard time paying attention
• daydream a lot
• not seem to listen

Types



There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which symptoms are strongest in the individual:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Type:
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:
3. Combined Type:

Causes of ADHD

Scientists are studying the cause (s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to control and reduce the chances of a person with ADHD. Factors cause (s) and the risk for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD.

ACE: Adverse Childhood Experiences Learning

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations ever guided on to assess associations between childhood maltreatment and later-life health and well-being. The study is a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente's Health Estimation Clinic in San Diego.



More than 17,000 Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) members undergoing a comprehensive physical examination took to provide detailed information about their childhood experience of abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction. To date, more than 50 scientific articles have been issued and more than100 conference and workshop presentations have been made.

The ACE Study findings propose that certain experiences are major risk factors for the leading causes of illness and death as well as poor quality of life in the United States. Progress in preventing and recovering from the nation's worst health and social problems is potential to benefit from understanding that many of these problems arise as a consequence of adverse childhood experiences.