Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that affects 8–12% of children worldwide. Although the rate of ADHD falls with age, at least half of children with the disorder will have impairing symptoms in adulthood. Twin, adoption, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Lancet (British edition) 2005-07, Vol.366 (9481), p.237-248
Main Authors: Biederman, Joseph, Faraone, Stephen V
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - epidemiology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - etiology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - therapy
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Biological and medical sciences
Children & youth
Cognitive ability
General aspects
Genetics
Humans
Hyperactivity
Medical diagnosis
Medical sciences
Medical treatment
Risk Factors
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Summary:Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that affects 8–12% of children worldwide. Although the rate of ADHD falls with age, at least half of children with the disorder will have impairing symptoms in adulthood. Twin, adoption, and molecular genetic studies show ADHD to be highly heritable, and other findings have recorded obstetric complications and psychosocial adversity as predisposing risk factors. Converging evidence from animal and human studies implicates the dysregulation of frontal-subcortical-cerebellar catecholaminergic circuits in the pathophysiology of ADHD, and molecular imaging studies suggest that abnormalities of the dopamine transporter lead to impaired neurotransmission. Studies during the past decade have shown the safety and effectiveness of new non-stimulant drugs and long-acting formulations of methylphenidate and amfetamine. Other investigations have also clarified the appropriate role of targeted psychosocial treatments in the context of ongoing pharmacotherapy.
ISSN:0140-6736
1474-547X
DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66915-2