Attention defecit hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan

摘要

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a pervasive condition characterised by inattention, motor restlessness and impulsive behaviour. To a greater or lesser extent, all children and young people will struggle to concentrate, fidget and act without thinlcing about the consequences; however, to meet the criteria for ADHD they must be outside the range of what is developmentally expected. Levels of inattention, restlessness and impulsivity must also impair day-to-day functioning, and limit a person's quality of life in order to reach diagnostic criteria (Barkley, 2015).