Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be described as inattention and the inability to concentrate or stay on task. It may include hyperactive and/or impulsive behavior. The basic problem is a biological condition and not "naughty" behavior.

Who is affected by ADD?
About 5% of all children are affected. Many will continue to have the condition as adults. The diagnosis of ADD is more common in boys than in girls.

What causes ADD?
Research indicates that many people inherit this condition. It is thought to be due to an imbalance of chemical messengers in one or more parts of the brain.

Symptoms of ADD.

• Inattention:
  This is seen as poor concentration, distractibility, failure to finish tasks, poor organizational skills, poor listening skills and forgetfulness.
• Hyperactivity: 
  This is seen as fidgeting, squirming while sitting down, excessive talking, excessive climbing, dangerous behavior, and the inability to play quietly.
• Impulsivity: 
  This is seen as an inability to wait their turn, blurting out answers to questions which have not been completed, acting without understanding the consequences, taking inappropriate risks and inappropriate intrusion on the activities or conversations of others.

For a diagnosis of ADD to be made, these symptoms need to exist before the age of seven years and be present within two or more settings e.g.: at home and elsewhere. 
In adults the same symptoms occur, although they may be demonstrated differently e.g.: poor organizational and social skills.

Related conditions of ADD.
There is often delay in development, causing problems eg: toilet training, co-ordination, writing and speech. There may be specific learning difficulties, depression and oppositional/defiant behaviors. Conduct problems may occur in later years.

Other Issues.
Like everyone else, people with ADD are individuals with differing personalities. They are often imaginative people who are generous but can be rigid or inflexible in the way they live. This can be interpreted as being insensitive to others and this may be a source of conflict at home, school or work. This constant conflict in relationships may lead to a low self-esteem, depression and aggression within the family or the school environment. A person with ADD often has problems making and sustaining friendships.

Diagnosis.
There is no one specific test currently available. Diagnosis is made on a persons history according to accepted professional criteria. Information is gathered from parents, schools and other sources. Questionnaires and rating scales as well as psychometric assessment (IQ test) may also assist. People involved in making the diagnosis include GPs, Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists and Educational Professionals.

Treatment of ADD.
It is usual for this to include:

• Medical Management including Medication.
• Behavioral Management both at home and at school/work.
• Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, as needed by the individual.

Above all, a team approach is required with good communication between the professionals, the family and the individual to optimize the outcome.

Medical Management.
Medications have been shown to be most important for the 5-12 age group. Commonly used medications are Ritalin and Dexamphetamine. Others include Tofranil, Aurorix, Adderall, Wellbutrin and Catapres. The dosage varies from person to person and needs to be adjusted and monitored closely for best results. Medications appear to assist individuals in their primary problem area i.e. concentrating on tasks. On medication, people with ADD are often able to stay on task, achieve more and to organize themselves better.

Behavior Management.
The aim is to assist the child or adult to better manage their behavior. Strategies include;

• Separating rewards from punishment.
• Building self-esteem.
• Clears patterns of communication, ie clear, simple and repeated instructions.
• Skills training.
• Regular routines at home and at school.
• Co-ordination between home and school.
  

ADD/ADHD Support Clubs
I believe the more people who join these, the better able we are to support each other, especially when we are feeling very alone!!!

http://www.eGroups.com/list/aadd
A terrific friendly email group, primarily for Adults with ADD.

Add-Talk.
Great Family ADD Discussion Group.
To subscribe, send an email to the addtalk-request@list.to with the word subscribe in the body & subject.

ADD-Spouse.
A Support group for Partners living with an Adult who has AD/ADHD. A Fabulous wealth of knowledge, support and understand. http://talk.to/addspouse