What is ADD/ADHD?


According to the American Psychiatric Association, as defined in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-TR, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have held numerous labels over the years. There are three different types of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Inattentive Type (ADD)

This type of distractible and inattentive disorder is commonly referred as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Impulsive and Hyperactive (ADHD)

Children diagnosed with this disorder often react before that think making their actions impulsive. These children also show signs of uncontrollable urges to move.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined (ADHD)

Children in this group are distractible, inattentive and impulsive.


Common Signs and Symptoms of ADD

ADD usually does not become problematic until a child is in third or fourth grade. The following signs and symptoms are normally present for a period of time that is no less than six months in multiple settings (home, school, activities etc.).

· Short attention span
· Forgetful
· Easily distracted
· Of has difficulty with organizational skills
· Does not appear to be listening
· Fails to follow through with school assignments, chores and activities
· Often appears to be lazy, disinterested and fails to put forth mental effort

The ADD child normally wants to succeed, but is unable to do so because he or she cannot find the mental energy required to complete a task. Frustration is a common displayed feeling. Copy with ADD often leads the ADD child to lie about completing homework assignments and chores. Procrastination is another character trait that is often demonstrated by an ADD child. Crying, arguing and manipulation may also be other forms of exhibited behavior.