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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is currently defined as a neurological disorder (brain disorder). ADHD affects both children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and sometimes, hyperactivity.
Conservative estimates indicate that ADHD affects between 5 to 7 percent of school age children, and about 5 percent of adults.
The ratio of ADHD boys to girls treated in clinical settings is typically 4:1. Girls are often overlooked as they do not frequently display hyperactivity or behavioral problems.
The label, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a misnomer of sorts. People with the disorder do not have a deficit or lack of attention, but they do have diffused attention; attention that is fleeting and can be sustained only for short periods before moving on.
Often accompanying inattention are such problems as frequent distractibility, difficultly being organized, keeping track of things, making careless mistakes, and failing to complete tasks, etc.
Hyperactivity is often characterized by excessive talking, constant fidgeting, or constantly being on the go as if driven by a motor.
Since most everyone exhibits these characteristics periodically, the AD/HD diagnosis is dependent upon the frequency that the characteristics are exhibited.
ADHD can be easily mistaken for other problems like learning disabilities, unidentified mood disorders or parenting problems.
A subjective diagnosis can be made by a qualified professional using a variety of tests including computerized tests of attention, parent and teacher behavioral checklists, interviews of parent and child, and other tests.
ADHD is commonly treated with medication and medication used in conjunction with educational support and behavior shaping programs.
You can also have your questions answered by an ADHD specialist.
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