DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Psychiatric Condition

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

MODERATE

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Affects approximately 5-7% of children and 2.5-5% of adults globally. Often persists into adulthood and can significantly impact academic, occupational, and social functioning.

Global Affected

366.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Difficulty sustaining attention
Easily distracted
Forgetfulness
Fidgeting/restlessness
Excessive talking
Impulsivity
Difficulty waiting turns
Poor time management
Procrastination
Emotional dysregulation

Treatment Options

Stimulant medications (methylphenidate)
Amphetamines (adderall, vyvanse)
Atomoxetine (strattera)
Guanfacine/clonidine
Behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Parent training (children)
Coaching and accommodations

Risk Factors

1Family history
2Genetic factors
3Premature birth
4Low birth weight
5Brain injury
6Prenatal exposure to toxins
7Environmental factors

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical interview
  • 2DSM-5 criteria assessment
  • 3Rating scales (ADHD-RS, Conners)
  • 4Neuropsychological testing
  • 5Rule out other conditions

Prognosis

Chronic condition; manageable with treatment. 60% continue into adulthood. Early intervention improves outcomes. Comorbid conditions common (anxiety, depression, substance use). Quality of life improves significantly with proper management.

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Early intervention
  • Prenatal care
  • Avoid alcohol/tobacco during pregnancy

Research Status

Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, amphetamines) first-line for most. Non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine) alternatives. Behavioral therapy, especially for children. Cognitive behavioral therapy for adults. Novel: tricyclic antidepressants, modafinil, mindfulness-based interventions.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanChinaIndiaBrazilRussiaSwedenNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkNorwayFinlandPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaSingaporeTaiwanHong KongMalaysiaThailandVietnamIndonesiaPhilippinesSouth AfricaNigeriaEgyptTurkeyIranSaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOmanJordanLebanonSyriaYemenIraqAfghanistanPakistanBangladeshLKNPMMKHLAMNKazakhstanUzbekistanTMKGTJAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMEMKSerbiaXKMexicoArgentinaChileColombiaPeruVenezuelaEcuadorUYPYBOCRPAGuatemalaHNSVNIBZJMHaitiDominican RepublicCuba

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.