Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome originating in the nervous system, with a high genetic component. Its three main symptoms are attention deficit, motor and/or cognitive impulsivity and motor and/or vocal hyperactivity.
To help in the diagnosis it is necessary to have the collaboration of parents and teachers to help locate the symptoms. There are two broad categories of these symptoms related to the patient’s distinguishing feature.
- A predominantly inattentive person is not able to pay attention to details, has difficulty sustaining attention, following instructions, organizing and completing tasks.
- A predominantly hyperactive person is often restless, running, jumping and talking in inappropriate situations.
- A predominantly impulsive person has difficulty keeping his or her turn to speak and interrupts others.
Psychopedagogical and pharmacological treatment, the perfect combo
Psychopedagogical treatment should include direct intervention on the child, and educational orientation and training for parents and teachers. The specialist physician should define the correct pharmacological treatment for each case, which may include stimulant or non-stimulant drugs.
ADHD has always been associated with childhood, but about 4% of adults also suffer from it. However, most of them are not correctly diagnosed, which is very difficult due to the complexity of this syndrome. In fact, a multidisciplinary approach to the syndrome is required to determine treatment.