Defining Terms: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a medical condition, caused by genetic factors that result in certain neurological differences. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comes in various forms. Today they all fall under the category of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and then the main category is subdivided into ADHD Inattentive Type, or ADHD Impulsive-Hyperactive Type, or ADHD Combined Type. In the recent past the terms attention deficit disorder "with" or "without" hyperactivity were also commonly used. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comes in various forms, and truly, no two ADD or ADHD kids are exactly alike. General Description of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD ADHD - might affect one, two, or several areas of the brain, resulting in several different "styles" or "profiles" of children (and adults) with ADD ADHD. These different profiles impact performance in these four areas: First, problems with Attention. Second, problems with a lack of Impulse Control. Third, problems with Over-activity or motor restlessness, Fourth, a problem which is not yet an "official" problem found in the diagnostic manuals, but ought to be: being easily Bored. A few other important characteristics of this disorder are: 1. That it is SEEN IN MOST SITUATIONS, not just at school, or just in the home. When the problem is seen only at home, we then would wonder if perhaps the child is depressed, or if the child is just being non-compliant with the parents; 2.That the problems are apparent BEFORE the AGE OF SEVEN (7). Since Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is thought to be a neurologically based disorder, we would expect that outside of acquiring its symptoms from a head injury, the individual with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder would have been born with the disorder. Even though the disorder might not become much of a problem until the second or third grade when the school work becomes more demanding, one would expect that at least some of the symptoms were noted before the age of seven. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - "ADD" or "ADHD" - affects about five percent (5%) of the children in the United States, and about three percent (3%) of all adults in the USA. How Big of a Problem is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? About 35% of all children referred to mental health clinics are referred for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is one of the most prevalent of all childhood psychiatric disorders. As we mentioned, it affects about 5% of children, about 3% of adults. You may see published estimates stating that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may effect as many as 10% to 25% of children in America, but these numbers are not really supported by research data, and are probably inflated for the purpose of trying to sell something. The 5% number is a solid number supported by research. Even at 5% each classroom in America will have one or two (2) ADHD kids in the class. So it is a very real, and very significant problem across America. Why Does It Seem That There Are More Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD ADHD - Than Ever Before? Even though the percentage of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is likely the same as in the past, here are three likely reasons why it seems that "there is more ADD" than ever before: You are more aware of problems like this as a parent than you were as a child. You have grown up now; The news and entertainment media have talked about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder a lot more than in the past, raising your awareness level; Children who were Drug Exposed in utero, or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome children have many of the same problems as children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and are often misdiagnosed by physicians as being ADD ADHD.