Health: Quick guide to ... ADHD

Earlier this month psychology professor Michael Fitzgerald said he believes people with ADHD have the ability to "hyper-focus" on things of interest, and may be the spark behind creative geniuses such as Byron, Picasso and even Kurt Cobain. Despite symptoms including a short attention span, being easily distracted and constant fidgeting, the disorder can lead to "earth-shattering breakthroughs" by making risk-taking behaviour more likely.

• The cause of ADHD is still unclear but research shows the way the brain works in people with ADHD is different to those who do not have the condition. Experts think chemicals in the brain that carry messages, known as neurotransmitters, do not work properly in people with ADHD

• Diagnosing ADHD in children depends on a set of strict criteria. A child must have six, or more, symptoms of inattentiveness, or six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. They must have been displaying symptoms continuously for at least six months and started to show symptoms before the age of seven. In addition to this they must have symptoms that make their lives considerably more difficult, on a social, academic or occupational level

• ADHD can be treated using medications, or therapy, but a combination of both forms is usually the best way to treat the condition

5

the age symptoms usually become noticeable

3-9%

of school-aged children and young people affected

35%

of children with ADHD who also have learning difficulties

Source: NHS Choices