What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also referred to as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a chronic and pervasive neurologically based condition, common to children, adolescents and adults. ADD is usually identified in early childhood or during elementary school years and may persist into adulthood. Individuals with ADD have difficulty sustaining attention, planning and organizing, controlling impulses and physical activity, attending to detail, and being aware of their own actions. People with ADD may display poor motivation, poor task persistence, and disorganization when they engage in activities that require sustained attention. These problems are often apparent during preschool years. They become even more obvious in older children when more demands are placed on sustained attention and concentration. ADD often has an adverse or negative influence on school and job performance, study habits and learning strategies, persistence, self-esteem, social interactions, and family life. If not treated \effectively, ADD can become extremely frustrating and distressing for the individual, family members, school personnel and employers.

Individuals with attention deficits usually have difficulty interacting socially and trouble understanding how their behavior affects others. AS a result, they may have few friends. Emotional outbursts, mood swings, temper tantrums, immaturity, and low frustration tolerance may be evident. In addition to their ADD symptoms, some individuals also have learning disabilities or conduct problems (aggressive, oppositional, or destructive behavior). A number of children with ADD have bed-wetting problems. Many are clumsy and accident prone. Some have sleep difficulties(restless sleep, awakening frequently, needing less sleep). Emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem are not uncommon.

Behavior in ADD is qualitatively different from behavior associated with other learning problems. The diagnosis of ADD is based on medical, educational, and psychological evaluation; developmental, behavioral and family histories; school performance, behavioral ratings, and a combination of clinical judgment and objective observations. Thorough evaluations are important because many of the signs and characteristics of ADD are demonstrated by individuals with other medical conditions, specific learning disabilities, and emotional problems.

Behavior of ADD varies by degree (mild to severe) and kind. Although individuals with ADD have their own strengths and weaknesses, all demonstrate behavior associated with inappropriate inattention, and may show signs of impulsivity, overactivity, or both. Individuals with ADD can exhibit any of the following signs [adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association]:

• Fidgetiness or feelings of restlessness
  
• Distractibility
  
• Difficulty staying seated
  
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns
  
• Responding before questions or directions are completed (children often blurt out answers)
  
• Difficulty following through on instructions and organizing and completing work correctly (e.g., not completing chores and homework)
  
• Difficulty persisting with (sticking to) and activity and staying on task
  
• Excessive talking
  
• Impulsive interrupting or intruding on others
  
• Not seeming to listen to what is being said
  
• Poor impulse control, which may result in dangerous situation (e.g., running into the street without looking; taking risks without regard for the consequences
  
• Losing things necessary for tasks or activities at home, school or work
  
• Forgetful in daily activities
  
• Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (adolescents/adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness.)
  
• Is often on the go or acts as if "driven by a motor"

Understanding and helping individuals with attention deficits is often difficult. Information and support are essential. GRADDA can help provide the kind of information and support needed to minimize the impact of ADD on the individual, the family, the school, and the work environment.