NINDS Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Information Page

Synonym(s): ADHD

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Clinical Trials
Organizations
Additional resources from MedlinePlus

What is Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 3-5 percent of all American children. It interferes with a person's ability to stay on a task and to exercise age-appropriate inhibition (cognitive alone or both cognitive and behavioral). Some of the warning signs of ADHD include failure to listen to instructions, inability to organize oneself and school work, fidgeting with hands and feet, talking too much, leaving projects, chores and homework unfinished, and having trouble paying attention to and responding to details. There are several types of ADHD: a predominantly inattentive subtype, a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype, and a combined subtype. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, although the condition can continue into the adult years.

Is there any treatment?

The usual course of treatment may include medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), which are stimulants that decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity and increase attention. Most experts agree that treatment for ADHD should address multiple aspects of the individual's functioning and should not be limited to the use of medications alone. Treatment should include structured classroom management, parent education (to address discipline and limit-setting), and tutoring and/or behavioral therapy for the child.

What is the prognosis?

There is no "cure" for ADHD. Children with the disorder seldom outgrow it; however, some may find adaptive ways to accommodate the ADHD as they mature.

What research is being done?

Several components of the NIH support research on developmental disorders such as ADHD. Research programs of the NINDS, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) seek to address unanswered questions about the causes of ADHD, as well as to improve diagnosis and treatment.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Clinical Trials

Organizations

Column1	Column2
CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 8181 Professional Place Suite 150 Landover, MD 20785 ruth_hughes@chadd.org http://www.chadd.org Tel: 301-306-7070 800-233-4050 Fax: 301-306-7090	Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) P.O. Box 7557 Wilmington, DE 19083-9997 info@add.org http://www.add.org Tel: 800-939-1019 Fax: 800-939-1019
Learning Disabilities Association of America 4156 Library Road Suite 1 Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349 info@ldaamerica.org http://www.ldaamerica.org Tel: 412-341-1515 Fax: 412-344-0224	National Center for Learning Disabilities 381 Park Avenue South Suite 1401 New York, NY 10016 ncld@ncld.org http://www.ld.org Tel: 212-545-7510 888-575-7373 Fax: 212-545-9665
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 nimhinfo@nih.gov http://www.nimh.nih.gov Tel: 301-443-4513/866-415-8051 301-443-8431 (TTY) Fax: 301-443-4279

Related NINDS Publications and Information

Methylphenidate and Clonidine Help Children With ADHD and Tics
April 2002 news summary on a clinical trial of methylphenidate and clonidine in children with ADHD and tics.

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Last updated September 30, 2011