What is ADHD?

The hyperactive and impulsive "Zappelphilipp" from Struwwelpeter is a typical child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): he is inattentive, impulsive and restless. If the third characteristic, restlessness or hyperactivity, is missing, it is called attention deficit disorder, ADHD.

Not a disease like measles or rubella

ADHD is not an acute illness like measles or rubella, but it often accompanies those affected throughout their lives. Those affected can suffer from it to a greater or lesser extent and the symptoms can also be part of a "normal" development in different phases of life. For example, young children first have to learn to control their behaviour, and transitional phases or stressful events such as a move or the separation of parents can temporarily lead to similar behaviour.

Boys more often affected than girls

In children with ADHD, the typical behaviours already show up in preschool age in all areas of life and permanently determine their everyday life. Boys are affected more often than girls, whereby girls are often less conspicuous and thus often misjudged. In up to two thirds of children, the disorder continues into adulthood.

Cause: Disturbances in brain metabolism

Environmental factor

However, how difficult it actually is for those affected to control their behaviour also seems to depend strongly on psychosocial and environmental factors. In particular, the family conditions under which a child grows up or the situation in kindergarten and school can strongly influence the development and course of the disease. But certain toxins in food, allergens, infections in infancy or traumatic brain damage can also have an impact on the development and course of ADHD. Premature babies, for example, can develop such a disorder particularly frequently.

Children with ADHD often struggle with major social problems and their families often have a long journey of suffering before the condition is recognised and treated.

Little praise, much criticism

In the children's social environment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is usually met with incomprehension and rejection. They are constantly criticised by their parents and teachers: "You just don't listen!" "Now you've forgotten your gym bag again!" But no matter how hard the children try to live up to these expectations: Their disturbed stimulus processing makes it impossible for them. They feel overwhelmed, react aggressively or withdraw. They are often shunned by other children, rarely praised by parents and teachers. Their self-confidence sinks steadily.

Bad grades

At school, the children are inattentive, make careless mistakes, disturb their classmates and get bad grades. This is despite the fact that intelligence tests show that children with ADHD are in no way inferior to "normal" children of the same age; on the contrary, many of those affected are highly intelligent and still have major problems at school.

Strained couple relationship

Parents of children with ADHD also suffer from the disorder. The tantrums and constant discussions often bring them to the brink of despair. Again and again they are accused of not having brought up their child properly or of not having given him the necessary attention. In the end, this situation also puts a strain on the couple relationship.