ADD/ADHD

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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder which is characterized by developmentally inappropriate attention skills, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. This disorder is often misunderstood, overlooked and misdiagnosed. Left untreated (as are an estimated 50% of those affected) ADD can adversely affect children and adults both socially and emotionally.

The characteristics of ADD usually appear in early childhood before the age of seven, and are chronic and persist even until adulthood. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th Edition (DSM IV) breaks down the symptomatic criteria for ADD into two categories: (1) inattention and (2) hyperactivity-impulsivity. In order for the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD to be made, six or more symptoms in either category must have persisted for at least 6 months. The symptoms must be present to an extent that they interfere with the ability to function appropriately at work or in school, and/or in social relationships. The symptoms are as follows:

For Inattention-

• often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
• often has difficulty sustaining attention in task or play activities
• often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
• often has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
• often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
• often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
• is often distracted by extraneous stimuli
• is often forgetful in daily activities

For Hyperactivity-Impulsivity-

• often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
• often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adults or adolescents this may be experienced as feelings or restlessness
• often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• is often "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor"
• often talks excessively
• often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• often has difficulty awaiting turn
• often interrupts or intrudes on others

Without proper diagnosis and a multi-dimensional treatment plan, children with ADD are at a risk of school failure and social difficulties. In order for this to take place parents, teachers, doctors, and mental health professionals should be educated about this disorder and standardized multi-faceted evaluation and treatment programs designed.

Diagnosing ADD
Determining whether a person has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is not a simple process. An accurate diagnosis requires an extensive evaluation. Symptoms associated with other psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are similar to those exhibited in a person with ADD. In addition to the typical symptoms associated with ADD, common co-existing conditions include certain types of learning disabilities. It is therefore necessary to screen for and rule out possible factors that may not be associated with ADD.

A proper diagnosis involves a multi-faceted evaluation. This evaluation often includes: (1) intelligence testing and assessment of social and emotional functioning and developmental abilities by a mental health professional, (2) an extensive behavioral and academic history by parents and teachers, and (3) a medical examination by a physician. A timely and accurate diagnosis will save time and heartache for all involved.

When do symptoms of ADD usually appear? When is a diagnosis warranted?
They symptoms may become evident in a child as early as five years of age. However, especially with children who don't exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and/or impulsiveness, the symptoms and behaviors may not become a problem until pre-adolescence. A diagnosis is warranted when symptoms interfere with the child's ability to function appropriately in social and/or academic settings. The sooner the diagnosis is made the sooner effective interventions can be implemented.

During the process of evaluating my child, I was told that I'm ADD also. I made it through life without any interventions, I just had to learn to adjust. What's wrong with letting my child adjust on his own?
Some adults have learned to adapt to their disability and to utilize the energy and creativity that often accompanies ADD to their benefit. However, many are not that fortunate; they experience difficulty maintaining jobs and relationships due to poor organizational skills, impulsivity, frequent mood swings or short tempers. Knowing now, what your parents may not have known about this disorder, do you want to take the chance that your child will fall into the category of those less fortunate than you?

25 Great Things About ADD by Bob Seay

• Insomnia make for more time to stay up and surf the net
• The drive of HYPERFOCUS
• Resiliency
• A sparkling PERSONALITY
• Generosity with money, time, and resources
• INGENUITY
• A strong sense of what is FAIR
• Willingness to take a RISK
• Making far-reaching analogies that no one else understands
• SPONTANEITY
• Possessing the mind of a Pentium-with on 2MBs of RAM
• Pleasant and constant surprises due to finding clothing (or money or spouses) you had forgotten about
• Being FUNNY
• Being the last of the ROMANTICS
• Being a good conversationalist
• An innately better understanding of intuitive technologies, such as computers or PDAs
• Honestly believing that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
• Rarely be satisfied with the status quo
• Compassion
• (Persistence)
• Joining the ranks of artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and other creative types
• Always being there to provide a different PERSPECTIVE
• Willingness to fight for what you believe in
• Excellence in MOTIVATING OTHERS
• (Being highly organized, punctual, and generally responsible)(OK so I lied!)

Resource: ADDitude, July 2004