ADD/ADHD Information

This is an informational article about: ADD(Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)

ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged children. 30-50% are diagnosed during childhood and have symptoms until adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed 2-4 times more often in boys than in girls.
ADHD may run in families, but it is not clear exactly what causes it. Whatever the cause may be, it seems to be set in motion early in life as the brain is developing. Imaging studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of other children.
Depression, lack of sleep, learning disabilities, tic disorders, and behavior problems may be confused with, or appear with, ADHD. Every child suspected of having ADHD should be carefully examined by a doctor to rule out possible other conditions or reasons for the behavior.
Most children with ADHD also have at least one other developmental or behavioral problem. They may also have a psychiatric problem, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups:
Lack of attention (inattentiveness)
Hyperactivity
Impulsive behavior (impulsivity)
Some children with ADHD primarily have the inattentive type. Others may have a combination of types. Those with the inattentive type are less disruptive and are more likely to not be diagnosed with ADHD.
Inattentive symptoms
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
Is easily distracted
Is often forgetful in daily activities
Have difficulty maintaining focus on one task
Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable
Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new or trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
Struggle to follow instructions.
Hyperactivity symptoms:
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
Talk nonstop
Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
Be constantly in motion
Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
Impulsivity symptoms:
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)
Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
Expectations (prognosis)
ADHD is a long-term, chronic condition. If it is not treated appropriately, ADHD may lead to:
Drug and alcohol abuse
Failure in school
Problems keeping a job
Trouble with the law
About half of children with ADHD will continue to have troublesome symptoms of inattention or impulsivity as adults. However, adults are often more capable of controlling behavior and masking difficulties.

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