Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder, with main symptoms of inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.1 Other behavioral symptoms of aggressiveness or anxiety can be present, as well as learning disabilities and neurological deficiencies, mostly motor abnormalities. Poor peer relationship is common and can be the result of a social skills deficit, oppositional behavior, low frustration tolerance, and impulsivity. Reduced self-esteem is a common outcome of ADHD and may be the result of continuous failure and social conflicts. Exclusion criteria are disorders of the sensory organs and of communication (i.e., pervasive developmental disorder), mental retardation, or a major psychiatric disease (i.e., a mood disorder or a dissociative disorder).1 It is recognized that children with mental retardation may have inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity levels which are inappropriate for their chronological age, especially in an academic setting. A separate diagnosis of ADHD can be made in such cases only if the symptoms are excessive for the child's mental age. It is also recognized that other mental disorders (i.e., a mood or dissociative disorder) may present with similar symptomatology. ADHD should not be diagnosed if the symptoms are better accounted for by another mental disorder.