ADHD - symptoms, causes and treatment

ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder with symptoms such as restlessness, inattention and impulsivity. Find out all about the causes, diagnosis and therapies.

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Wissenswertes über "ADHD"

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurobiological developmental disorder that usually begins in childhood, but can also persist in adulthood.

ADHD is characterised by a combination of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, whereby the extent of the individual symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. ADHD is estimated to affect 5-7% of children worldwide and about 2-4% of adults.

Typical symptoms in children include short attention span, constant fidgeting,impulsive behaviour, low frustration tolerance and school difficulties. Adults often show inner restlessness, organisational problems, forgetfulness and emotional dysregulation. The exact causes are multifactorial: in addition to genetic predisposition dysfunctions in dopamine metabolism, early childhood stress, environmental factors or nutrition also play a role.

Therapy is usually multimodal, i.e. a combination of psychoeducation,behavioural therapy, social training and, if necessary, medication. medical treatment. Medications such as methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin®) or amphetamine preparations are considered effective and well-studied for severe symptoms. In addition nutritional changes,exercise programmes, mindfulness techniquesand micronutrients such as magnesium or omega-3 fatty acids have a supportive effect. Early diagnosis and individually tailored therapy can significantly improve quality of life.