The symptoms of ADHD in children and teenagers are well defined, and
they are usually noticeable before the age of six. They occur in more
than one situation, such as at home and at school. They are inattentiveness, and hyperactivity and impulsivenes.
ADHD is a developmental disorder; it is believed that it cannot
develop in adults without it first appearing during childhood. However,
it is known that symptoms of ADHD often persist from childhood into a
person's teenage years, and then adulthood. Any additional problems or
conditions experienced by children with ADHD, such as depression or
dyslexia, may also continue into adulthood.
By the age of 25, an
estimated 15% of people diagnosed with ADHD as children still have a
full range of symptoms, and 65% still have some symptoms that affect
their daily lives.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
Diet appears to be a factor for some: problem foods are often chocolate, oranges, tomatoes and milk. A study used an exclusion diet for 2 to 3 weeks, then added one food at a time to identify allergens. When this was tried on juvenile delinquents, their behaviour improved dramatically, police records showed a decrease in criminal behaviour and those that returned to crime had stopped using the diet.
Swedish research indicates the striatum of the brain does not seem to work well in this type of child. Giving amphetamines (a stimulant) or similar drugs can paradoxically have a calming effect by stimulating the striatum. Psychotherapy can work for some.
Source not recorded, date not known
