Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood behavioral disorders and may affect more than two million children and adolescents in the United States.

What is ADHD? 

According to the 1994, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Ed. IV, (DSM-IV) ADHD is a Disruptive Behavior Disorder characterized by the presence of a set of chronic and impairing behavior patterns that display abnormal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, or their combination. The symptom checklist provides the specific criteria for making the diagnosis.

The Division of Birth Defects, Child Development, and Disability and Health (proposed) has been examining the public health issues related to ADHD with the intent of developing a relevant research agenda for future research of the disorder by CDC and/or other public agencies. We have identified three areas for which there exists a lack of needed research to address public health issues in ADHD.

These areas are:

Individual, social, and economic burden of ADHD through the lifespan Epidemiologic issues in ADHD  Public health concerns in the treatment of ADHD 

For more information please visit:  http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/cddh/ADHD/default.htm