Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD was first noted as early as the mid 19th century, but of course it wasnt given this name until decades later.

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It was always thought that poor parenting skills were to blame for the unruly unmanageable child, and the saying spare the rod spoil the child was used quite frequently in regard to this type of child. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADD is the most commonly diagnosed disorder in children with symptoms that can carry on into adulthood; between 3-5% of all children have ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). ADD is typically characterized by inattention or the inability to focus on one subject for any length of time and high distractibility, whereas ADHD is demonstrated by these symptoms in addition to hyperactivity, the inability to sit still, restlessness, fidgeting, and impulsiveness or reacting rather than acting, blurting out answers even when inappropriate, and making decisions without considering the consequences.

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Some problems associated with Attention Deficit Disorder include poor performance in school, inconsistency in work, difficulties with organization and time management, relationships and emotional immaturity, and social difficulties, which impact virtually every aspect of a persons life. ADD and ADHD can be difficult to diagnose, especially when coexisting disorders are present; this consists of a large percentage of people with another disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or learning disabilities. The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder as well as ADHD is based on a questionnaire completed by the patient as well as by the other people involved in their lives (parents, spouse). In the case of a child, diagnosis also includes discussions with the parents regarding behaviors at school and home, a complete physical examination, evaluation of family medical history, and psychological testing. The diagnosis can be made by a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker.

An accurate diagnosis is key in order to receive the best possible treatment. Although there is no cure for Attention Deficit Disorder, there are a number of treatment options that help to decrease the symptoms and improve the lives of those afflicted. Traditional treatment includes a combination of medication and behavioral therapy, and education interventions when needed. Stimulant medications like Ritalin have been used for many years and are still an integral part of the treatment plan, but there are not non-stimulant treatment options available. These medications help increase focus and attention span, as well as reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness in cases of ADHD. Behavior modification therapy is also helpful to reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors, and educational interventions for school-age children should also be requested by the parent to help the child succeed in school. For more information on ADD visit www.add.org, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, www.chadd.org, Children and Adults with AD/HD, and the National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov among many other great online resources.

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