Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Other Behavior and Mental Health Issues in Children

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What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurobiological disability that interferes with a person's ability to attend or focus to tasks. A child with ADD may also have difficulty refraining from being impulsive or control motor activity.

nDSM-IV definition:

nA: Either (1) or (2)

n(1) 6 or more of symptoms out of the inattention category, or

n(2) 6 or more symptoms from the hyperactivity-impulsivity category.

nPlus:

nB. Some hyperactivity-impulsivity or inattentive symptoms that have persisted for at least six months and were present before the age of 7.

nC. Some impairment of symptoms present in 2 or more settings.

nD. There is clear evidence of impairment in school, academic or occupational functioning.

Cause of Attention Deficit Disorder

The cause of ADD can be biologically based in the brain. Contrary to popular belief, the hyperactivity associated with ADD is not from the child being too stimulated, but from the child's brain being understimulated. The constant movement or talking a child with ADD does is in an effort to stimulate the brain.

ADD symptoms can also be seen in children with issues, such as abuse, neglect, chaos in the home, etc. This is not true ADD, however.

FACTS about ADD

Occurs in approximately 5% of school-age children
Is more prevalent in boys than girls with a 5:1 ratio
Tends to run in families
About 20% of foster children are identified with ADD
About 80% of those diagnosed with ADD will continue
to experience problems into adulthood
Hits all socioeconomic classes
Is seen in all levels of intelligence
More common in families where alcoholism and/or depression are present
More common in the USA than in Europe
Children with ADD often have keen artistic talent but have a difficult time expressing that talent on paper

Symptoms may include:

short attention span
difficulty listening to others
difficulty attending to details
distractibility
forgetfulness
poor organizational skills
poor study skills
often interrupts others
difficulty waiting for turn
blurting out answers
hyperactivity
constantly in motion
difficulty remaining seated
fidgety and squirmy
excessive talking
difficulty engaging in quiet activities
losing things
inability to stay on task

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