Attention deficit and

hyperactivity disorder
By:
Hajra Fareed
Alina Shahid
Aqsa Shabaz
Shirin Shafique
WHAT IS ADHD ?
• ADHD stands for ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
• It is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly found in children
• It is characterized by:
DSM-V CRITERIA
PREVALENCE
• It is found to be 3-7 % among school aged children in the united
states where as in Pakistan it is found to be 2.49 %.
• It is found more among boys than girls (2:1) as boys are more likely to
be aggressive and having behavioral problems.
• It may continue through adolescence and continue to have problems
attributable to ADHD as adults.
ETIOLOGY
• The exact cause of ADHD is yet not understood but a combination of
factors is thought to be responsible.
• The factors involved are:

GENETICS
Genetic factors play an essential role. Almost 70-80% of genetics play a
role in ADHD.
Parents have it (50%)
With siblings (30%)
 Biological factors

NEUROTRANSMITTERS PERI-NATAL CAUSE BRAIN INJURIES/ABNORMALITIES

INFLAMMATION
PREMATURE INFECTION
DELIVERY TRAUMA

INTOXICATION LOW
BIRTH
WEIGHT
 ENVIRONMENTAL TOXIN
Environmental toxins include:

• Sugary food
• Lead
• Nicotine especially maternal smoking
Psychological factors
• Psychological factors include:
Parent-child relationship is found to
contribute to ADHD in a complex way.
Parents who give more commands to
children and have a negative relationship
with children are more likely to have
children who are less compliant and
unable to follow instructions.
Home environment and socioeconomic
system of the family too plays a role
• Karim R., Shakoor A, Azhar L, Ali A. Prevalence and Presentation of
ADHD among the attendees of Child Psychiatric Clinic. Mother & Child
1998;36(1):71-5.
• Gaub M, Carlson CL. Gender differences in ADHD: A Meta analysis and
critical review. J Child Adolesc Psychiatry 1997;36:1036-45.