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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and one of its related disorders, Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), affect between 3%-7% of the population
in the
United States. ADD is the most common behavioral problem for children and
teens and is marked by an inability to focus or concentrate for extended
periods. ADHD is marked by hyperactive and/or inappropriate behavior. There is
more than three times the number of cases in boys than girls. Children with
ADHD are at a higher risk of developing personality disorders and substance
abuse problems.
The 2000 edition of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders
(DSM-IV-TR) provides the criteria for diagnosing ADD and ADHD. Six or more of
the listed symptoms of inattention must be present for at least six months and
be disruptive and inappropriate for the child’s developmental level in order
to render a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD.
In 1998, a report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) spoke
about the inability to find a cause or causes of ADD and ADHD. “After years of
clinical research and experience with ADHD, our knowledge about the cause or
causes of ADHD remains speculative. Consequently, we have no strategies for
the prevention of ADHD.” Experts can’t agree on the causes of ADD and ADHD.
Some postulate that it is the result of one or more conditions which include
diet, allergies, low muscle tone, intolerance to some foods, anxiety, physical
or mental illness, parenting deficiencies and poor discipline.
Some experts feel that ADD and ADHD can be caused by frequent childhood
infections, such as ear infections. The ADD child can also have other
disorders co-existing with attention deficit such as learning disabilities or
mental disorders. Often, ADD children do poorly in school due to their
inability to concentrate and stay focused. As many as half of children with
ADHD have co-existing mental disorders.
One of the coexisting disorders in patients with ADHD is Oppositional Defiant
Disorder (ODD). Symptoms of ODD usually appear before age eight and may occur
with people the child knows well such as family members or regular care
providers. The behaviors associated with ODD include losing one’s temper,
arguing with adults, refusing to comply with adults’ rules or requests, being
resentful or vindictive, deliberately annoying others and blaming others for
their mistakes.
A related disorder, known as Conduct Disorder (CD) is a behavioral problem
characterized by aggression towards others and serious breaches of rules, laws
and social norms. In many cases, this leads to stints in juvenile detention
facilities. CD is less common than ODD but it is nonetheless a severe and
serious disorder which is difficult to treat.
There are many symptoms present in an ADD/ADHD person. While energetic
children do not always have ADD or ADHD, the symptoms described below are some
of the Attention Deficit identifying markers. ADHD and ADD children also have
a higher incidence of physical injuries than non-ADD/ADHD children.
Lack of concentration and frequently making mistakes
Interrupting conversations
Rapid speech
Inattentiveness
Poor memory
Aggressiveness
Relationship problems
Impulsivity
Easily distracted
Depression and/or anxiety
Mood swings
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Social and behavioral problems
There are three types of attention deficit. The inattentive type is obviously
a child who has trouble paying attention along with other factors such as
being easily distracted.
The hyperactive-impulsive type is aggressive and compulsive. The
hyperactive-impulsive child often squirms and fidgets frequently. The most
common type of ADHD is a hybrid of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
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