In news– The US Food and Drug and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently announced a shortage of Adderall, medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What is ADHD?
- ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition.
- It involves difficulties focusing attention (for example, in class or at work) and/or excessive levels of activity (for example, being restless and constantly on the go) and/or impulsivity (for example, acting without thinking).
- It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood but is increasingly being recognised in adults.
- ADHD can occur in males or females and often occurs with other difficulties, such as autism and learning disorders.
- It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships and difficulty at school or work.
- Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
- Treatments include medication and talk therapy.
Types-
There are three different ways ADHD presents itself, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity.
- Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.
Source: The Indian Express
