Overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that begins in childhood and is characterized by symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. These symptoms affect cognition, academics, behavior, emotions, and social functioning. The global prevalence among children is about 5% to 7%, and among adults about 2.5%. Data vary across countries:

● United States: About 9.4% of children are diagnosed with ADHD, with boys having a higher rate (about 12%).

● China: Studies show a prevalence of 1.6% to 4.0%, with relatively low diagnosis rates.

● Europe: Most countries report prevalence between 3% and 6%, with higher rates in countries like Finland and Sweden.

The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but genetic factors, neurotransmitter abnormalities, and environmental influences are considered major contributors.

Main Harms

① Academic and occupational difficulties: Children often have poor grades due to inattention, and adults may experience reduced work efficiency.

② Social difficulties: Impulsive behavior impacts interpersonal relationships, leading to social isolation or conflicts.

③ Emotional problems: Frequently accompanied by anxiety and depression, which may affect self-esteem over time.

④ Safety risks: Due to poor impulse control, patients are more prone to traffic accidents or accidental injuries.

⑤ Comorbidities: Common comorbidities include anxiety disorders, depression, and learning disabilities, which increase the complexity of treatment.

Emerging Treatments

Neural reconstruction based on stem cell therapy is one of the most promising treatment methods for ADHD following traditional therapies. Stem cell therapy provides a novel treatment option for patients who respond poorly to existing treatments or cannot tolerate medication side effects.

Conventional Treatments

Treatment of ADHD usually combines medication, behavioral interventions, and educational support to help patients improve symptoms.

1. Medication

① Stimulants: Such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines, which improve attention and self-control.

② Non-stimulants: Such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine, suitable for patients intolerant to stimulants.

Medication works relatively quickly but should be used under medical supervision, with attention to possible side effects such as appetite loss and sleep problems.

2. Behavioral therapy

① Positive reinforcement: Encourages good behavior through reward mechanisms, reducing impulsivity and inattention.

② Structured environment: Establishes clear rules to help patients build routines and organizational skills.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Suitable for adolescents and adults, CBT helps patients recognize and adjust negative thought patterns, improving emotional regulation.

4. Educational and family support

① School support: Adjusting classroom strategies, such as providing extra exam time and simplifying assignments.

② Family guidance: Parent training to learn effective methods for managing children’s behavior and creating a supportive environment.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center state that with early management and support, ADHD outcomes in adulthood can be improved. Although it cannot be cured, with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support, patients can effectively improve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Growing social awareness and understanding of ADHD helps patients better adapt to learning, work, and social environments.