Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is
a neurobehavioural disorder found more commonly, but
not exclusively, in school-age children. The hallmarks
of the condition are inattention and hyperactivity/
impulsivity, which often go together. Although the term
ADHD was coined relatively recently, ADHD has in fact
been described as early as 1902. This review article
will go through the most important historical aspects
of the condition, and will also give an account of what
is known about the aetiology of ADHD. The diagnostic
criteria issued by the American Psychiatric Association
in DSM-5, have been last updated in May 2013. This
article will highlight the differences between DSM-5 and
the previous version, DSM-IV-TR, and will also touch
upon the latest developments in electroencephalographybased
investigations and imaging studies for ADHD.
Although the condition cannot be cured, symptoms can
be managed using various modalities such as behaviour
intervention strategies and medication, such that the
individual affected by ADHD can have the least possible
disruption to social and academic functioning.peer-reviewe
