ATTENTION-DEFICITHYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD AHD)

in DSM-IV-TR, this represents a behavioral syndrome characterized by the persistent presence (i.e., for 6 months or more) of six or more symptoms involving (a) inattention (e.g., failure to complete tasks or listen carefully, difficulty in concentrating, distractibility) or (b) impulsivity or hyperactivity (e.g., blurting out answers- impatience- restlessness- fidgeting- difficulty in organizing work, taking turns, or staying seated- excessive talking- running about- climbing on things). The symptoms, which impair social, academic, and/or occupational functioning, start to appear before the age of 7 and are observed in more than one setting, for example at home and in school. ADHD is estimated to be present in 3- 7% of schoolchildren in the U.S. - a figure that also holds across most cultures. ADHD represents difficulties with executive functioning, and such individuals are thought to have less cortical volume.