ADD/ADHD
ADD stands for attention deficit disorder. ADHD stands for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. These terms are usually used to refer to the same condition. ADD/ADHD is a neurobiological disorder. ADD/ADHD occurs when a person develops irregular impulsivity, attention and hyperactivity.
There are three main types of ADD/ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and a combination of the two.
Inattentive is when the individual can’t seem to get focused or stay focused on a task. Hyperactive-impulsive is when a person is extremely active and acts without thinking. Combined is when the person is inattentive, impulsive and too active.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, some ADD/ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven. Also, the symptoms must negatively affect the person in more than one area of life (school, home, work, social settings, etc.).
Facts
- 70-80% of people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from sleeping disorders (suite101.com).
- Ritalin, a medication many people with ADD/ADHD are given, is highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, fatigue, irritability, bed wetting and paranoia (selfgrowth.com).
- Many believe that children outgrow ADD/ADHD in their teen years. This is not true; it just manifests itself differently. For many, ADD/ADHD symptoms continue into adulthood (Teach ADHD).
- Only 20-30% of children with ADD/ADHD also have learning disabilities (suite101.com).
- There is very strong evidence of a genetic component in this disorder and nongenetic causes account for about 20 to 30 percent of ADHD cases (ACPOSB).
Symptoms
Inattention:
- makes careless mistakes in school work from not paying attention
- has problems sustaining attention
- trouble following direction and not because of behaviour or misunderstanding
- difficulty organizing to-do lists
- avoids activities that require sustained attention
- often loses things and is forgetful
- does not listen to a person when being spoken to directly
Hyperactive-Impulsive:
- cannot stay seated or stay in one place
- has trouble working on activities quietly
- often talk excessively and blurts things out without thinking
- fidgets when in one place
- always doing a million things, is restless
- has trouble waiting
Causes
The exact cause of the disorder is unknown. However, ADD/ADHD is a neurological dysfunction and runs in families.
Treatment
Treatment of ADD/ADHD depends greatly on the individual. Some children with ADD/ADHD can be taught in a standard classroom with minor adjustments. Others require special education services. Some of these services can be made available in a standard classroom; others may need to attend a specialized classroom.
Remember, only a doctor can properly diagnose a person with ADD/ADHD. Therefore, you must ensure that you see a doctor before you begin treatment and continue to do so throughout your treatment.
There may be serious consequences of not treating ADD/ADHD. These consequences include social and academic failure, low self esteem and underachievement.
Diagnosis
Because a number of the symptoms that characterize ADD/ADHD are present in many people’s lives at some point, the diagnostic process is very precise.
To be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, a person must have six to nine of the symptoms listed above. Furthermore, he or she must exhibit the symptoms for at least six months and the symptoms must be inconsistent with the person’s developmental level.
Where to go for help
Talk to your parents, teachers and most importantly, your doctor.
BOOKS
Attention-Deficit Disorders in Children, Adolescents and Adults by T.E.Brown
Teenagers with ADD by C.A.Z. DENDY