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Disease: Attention Deficit Syndrome

Last update: July 2009

Intro

Attention deficit syndrome is the most common psychiatric disorder in children. It can seriously affect a child's education and development. Research by the pharmaceutical industry is beginning to develop new and better medicines to improve the lives of the children and those who care for them.

FAQ: What does the future hold?

The latest research suggests that ADS is a disorder of the right side of the brain. New medicines, based on substances called neurotransmitters, are being researched. However, research and development of medicines for ADS is still at its very beginning. It was only in 1998 that ADS was agreed to be a recognised psychological condition.
  

  • What is it?

    Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADS) is the most common psychiatric disorder of childhood. Affected children are hyperactive, impulsive, poorly behaved and unable to concentrate on any particular task. ADS can seriously affect a child's education and development. Adults may also suffer from it.
      

  • Who gets it?

    In children between six and twelve years old, ADS is more common in boys than girls. In Europe it is estimated that ADS affects 1.5 per cent of the population. There is evidence that genetic factors play an important role in ADS; the relatives of children with ADS have much higher rates of the disease and in twins 90 per cent of children with ADS share it with their twin.
      

  • What can be done about it?

    Medication forms just a part of therapy. Medicines called psychostimulants have proved effective in 70 per cent of patients and both short-acting and long-acting forms are available. Antidepressants and other agents are also used. However there is a great need for new and better medicines.
      

  • What does the future hold?

    The latest research suggests that ADS is a disorder of the right side of the brain. New medicines, based on substances called neurotransmitters, are being researched. However, research and development of medicines for ADS is still at its very beginning. It was only in 1998 that ADS was agreed to be a recognised psychological condition.