Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects a child’s ability to pay attention, control impulses, and regulate behavior. It is a chronic condition that, to a greater or lesser extent, persists throughout life and that, in a high percentage of cases, improves with proper diagnosis and treatment. According to experts, when ADHD is not treated, it is considered that only in 10 – 20% of cases there is what is called a “functional remission”, that is, absence of manifestations of the disorder with repercussions on the individual’s life.
It is estimated that about 20% of children with ADHD will be adults with severe symptoms. Treatment during childhood will have an impact and will be vital in the prevention of secondary problems, especially those derived from school failure, low self-esteem and social marginalization.
The incidence (*) of ADHD is estimated to be around 5-7% of the child population, a figure that varies according to the country and region:
| REGION | ADHD INCIDENCE (% child population) |
| SPAIN | 5,5 % |
| PORTUGAL | 5,7 % |
| FRANCE | 5,3 % |
| ITALY | 5,9 % |
| GERMANY | 5,7 % |
| EUROPE | 5,9 % |
The cause of ADHD is unknown, but it is considered to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
How ADHD affects the development process
ADHD can affect a child’s development process in various ways. In the academic field, children with ADHD may have difficulties following instructions, concentrating on tasks, and completing them on time. This can lead to poor academic performance, school failure, and self-esteem problems.
For their part, in the social sphere, children with ADHD may have difficulties interacting with their peers, respecting the rules and following the rules. This can lead to conflicts with other children, social isolation and behavioral problems.
ADHD, in the family environment, can cause stress and frustration, conflicts and communication problems.
Symptoms to watch out for
How can families detect if a child may have ADHD?
We can structure the symptoms into three types according to whether inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of the above predominates:
- Combined type: with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is the one that is most related to the classic descriptions of the hyperactive child. It is more frequent in boys (80%) than in girls (60%).
- Predominantly inattentive type: known as ADD, more frequent in girls (30%) than in boys (17%).
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: in its pure version without attention deficit it occurs on few occasions.
Characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Lack of attention: they have difficulties paying attention to tasks or activities, are easily distracted and seem not to listen when spoken to.
- Hyperactivity: they are restless, have trouble staying still and tend to move constantly.
- Impulsivity: they act without thinking about the consequences of their actions, interrupt others and have difficulty waiting their turn.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to pay attention to other signs that may indicate the presence of ADHD. These signs include:
- Trouble sleeping.
- Problems controlling stress.
- Problems making friends.
- Problems with family relationships.
- Low self-esteem.
- Behavioral problems.
It is important to bear in mind that the symptoms of ADHD may vary from one child to another. For example, some children may present, above all, symptoms of inattention, while others may present behaviors related to hyperactivity or impulsivity.
In a future publication, we will analyze in depth the different options that can help children with ADHD to have a positive development.
We invite you to listen to our Doctor of Psychology, Nuria Ros, on La Tarde con Marina to expand the information on ADHD. At Dide.org we are experts in detecting educational, emotional and behavioral potential and difficulties early in order to intervene. You can access the diagnostic tool in this link.
