2. What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What are the symptoms? What causes ADHD? How is ADHD diagnosed? How is ADHD treated? Medications What conditions can coexist with ADHD?

3. What is ADHD? Most common childhood brain disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Brain imaging studies have revealed that, in youth with ADHD, the brain matures in a normal pattern but is delayed, on average, by about 3 years. The delay is most pronounced in brain regions involved in thinking, paying attention, and planning. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD.

4. What are the symptoms? 1.Inattention Difficulty in focusing one thing Not seem to listen when spoken to Struggle to follow instructions. Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly 2. Hyperactivity Talk nonstop Play with anything 3. Impulsivity Impatient Interrupt conversations or activities

5. What causes ADHD? Genes. Environmental factors. Brain injuries. Sugar. Food additives.

6. How is ADHD diagnosed? No single test can diagnose a child as having ADHD. A licensed health professional needs to gather information about the child, and his or her behavior and environment. Pediatrician and specialist will determine if a child: - is experiencing undetected seizures that could be associated with other medical conditions - Has a middle ear infection that is causing hearing problems

7. How is ADHD treated? Medications Psychotherapy Tips to Help Kids Stay Organized and Follow Directions Schedule. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include time for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bul-letin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible. Organize everyday items. Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys. Use homework and notebook organizers. Use organizers for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the neces-sary books. Be clear and consistent. Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow. Give praise or rewards when rules are followed. Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behavior, and praise it.

8. What conditions can coexist with ADHD? A learning disability Oppositional defiant disorder Conduct disorder Anxiety and depression Bipolar disorder Tourette syndrome

9. References. Shaw P, Eckstrand K, Sharp W, Blumenthal J, Lerch JP, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is characterized by a delay in cortical maturation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Dec 4;104(49):19649–54. Epub 2007 Nov 16. PubMed PMID: 18024590; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2148343. Shaw P, Malek M, Watson B, Sharp W, Evans A, Greenstein D. Development of cortical surface area and gyrification in attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2012 Aug 1;72(3):191–7. Epub 2012 Mar 13. PMID: 22418014. Gilliam M, Stockman M, Malek M, Sharp W, Greenstein D, et al. Developmental trajectories of the corpus callosum in attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2011 May 1;69(9):839– 46. Epub 2011 Jan 17. PMID: 21247556.