This is one in a series of fact sheets for parents, teachers and young people entitled Mental Health and Growing Up. The goals of these fact sheets are to provide practical, up-to-date information about mental health problems (emotional, behavioural and psychiatric disorders) that can affect children and young people. This fact sheet looks at attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hyperkinetic disorder, the signs to look for and where to get help.

Many children, especially under-fives, are inattentive and restless. This does not necessarily mean they are suffering from ADHD or hyperkinetic disorder

The terms `attention deficit', `attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder', `hyperkinetic disorder' and `hyperactivity' are used by professionals to describe the problems of children who are overactive and have difficulty concentrating.

The terms attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are used in the USA. The official term in the UK is hyperkinetic disorder. These differences in terminology can sometimes cause confusion. In both instances, these children usually have problems with attention control and overactivity.

Children with ADHD/hyperkinetic disorder:

This type of behaviour is common in most children. It becomes a problem when these characteristics are exaggerated, compared to other children of the same age, and when the behaviour affects the child's social and school life. Often the signs will have been obvious since the child was a toddler.

We do not know exactly what causes these disorders, but genetic factors seem to play a part. The disorders can run in families, with boys more often affected than girls.

There is no simple test for ADHD/hyperkinetic disorder. Making a full diagnosis requires an experienced specialist assessment, usually done by a child psychiatrist or specialist paediatrician. The diagnosis is made by recognising patterns of behaviour, observing the child and obtaining reports of their behaviour at home and at school.

Your general practitioner will be able to offer you advice and support and will usually refer you to a specialist. A child and adolescent psychiatrist will undertake a thorough assessment and offer treatment. Some clinical psychologists and paediatricians also have special experience and skills in managing this problem.

Effective treatment will include advice and support for the parents.

This will enable your child's needs to be clearly identified.

You should expect:

Some medications such as methylphenidate or dexamphetamine may reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. Medication produces a short-lived improvement after each dose, but is not a permanent cure. It creates a period when the child can learn and practise new skills. Children often say that medication helps them to get on with people, to think more clearly, to understand things better and to feel more in control of themselves. Not all affected children need medication. Those who do always need psychological and educational support as well.

Changing diet and avoiding additives

There is a small body of evidence about the effect of diet on some children. A few may be sensitive to certain foods. If parents notice that specific foods worsen hyperactivity, these may be avoided. It is best to discuss this with the specialist.

Do children grow out of it?

Children who receive specialist treatment tailored to their needs may benefit considerably. Some problems with restlessness, attention and lack of control might continue into adult life. However, with help, most hyperactive children will have settled down by the time they reach their mid-teens. They will have been able to catch up with their learning, improve their school performance and make friends.