Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) ; DSM -5 diagnostic criteria

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a well-documented psychiatric condition predominantly identified in children, characterized by significant difficulties in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are developmentally inappropriate. Historically, ADHD was categorized into Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; however, the DSM-IV integrated these into a single disorder with three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, and combined type.

ADHD impacts various aspects of life, potentially leading to impaired social interactions, increased risky behaviours, employment challenges, and academic difficulties. The disorder is associated with cognitive and functional deficits linked to abnormalities in specific brain regions. Notably, the anterior cingulate gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLFPC) are often smaller in individuals with ADHD, which is believed to contribute to deficits in goal-directed behavior. Additionally, reduced activity in the frontostriatal region, as evidenced by functional MRI (fMRI) studies, further elucidates the pathophysiological underpinnings of ADHD.