INCADDS - The Irish National Council of ADHD/HKD Support Groups

What is ADHD/HKD?

INCADDS agrees with international medical experts that ADHD is a very treatable medical condition.

The key is:

  1. Early diagnosis by a professional with expertise and experience in the area of ADHD.
  2. Treatment Programmes including Health and Education to cover all aspects of the condition.
  3. Continuous support for the entire family.

Definitions

ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

HKD - Hyperkinetic Disorder

The very severe form of ADHD/HKD is a neurological genetic condition.

It is far more common in boys.

It affects up to 5% of the school-going population.

The severe form is marked by chronic behaviors with onset in the pre-school years. Milder forms first manifest themselves about the age of 7 years.

What causes it?

Scientists and medical experts do not know precisely what causes ADHD/HKD. Scientific evidence suggests that the disorder is genetically transmitted (often runs in families) and is caused by a chemical imbalance or deficiency in certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that regulate the efficiency with the brain controls behavior).

How long does it last?

Until recently it was thought sufferers "outgrew" the condition with the onset of puberty. However, recent studies show that of those diagnosed with ADHD/HKD in childhood, 60% will continue with a modified form of the condition into adulthood. The condition is four times more frequent in boys than in girls.

As inattentiveness (rather than hyperactivity) is the major characteristic of female sufferers, there is a far greater chance of them not being diagnosed.

(Back to the top)

All content © INCADDS

This website is intended for reference use by Ireland residents. For more information about ADHD and adult ADD, contact your GP or other healthcare advisor.

INCADDS   Galway, Ireland
Tel. No. (091) 798266   Email: info@incadds.ie