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05 February 2013

What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a neurological syndrome characterised by poor concentration and organisational skills, easy distractibility, low tolerance for frustration or boredom, a greater tendency to say or do whatever comes to mind (impulsivity) and a predilection for situations with high intensity.

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 Occasionally, we may all have difficulty sitting still, paying attention or controlling impulsive behaviour. For a person with ADHD, though, these problems become so pervasive and persistent that their ability to function effectively in daily life is compromised.
ADHD is a neurological syndrome, found in children as well as adults, that is characterised by poor concentration and organisational skills, easy distractibility, low tolerance for frustration or boredom, a greater tendency to say or do whatever comes to mind (impulsivity) and a predilection for situations with high intensity.

The name Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder reflects the importance of the inattention/ distraction aspect of the disorder as well as the hyperactivity/ impulsivity aspect. The disorder ADHD symptoms arise in early childhood, unless associated with some type of brain injury later in life.

(Reviewed by Dr A van der Walt, MMed (Paed) BSc Hon (Human Genetics),
May 2007 and July 2010)

 

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ADHDOverview
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