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What is ADD?

ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder, a brain condition which affects millions of adults, adolescents and children. While it is easily treated, it can cause much stress and confusion for the undiagnosed individuals who suffer from it.

  1. Features

    • Individuals suffering from ADD display symptoms such as difficulty paying attention or concentrating. They may have a difficult time following directions, and may become easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They may display impulsive behavior, talk incessantly, and appear not to listen. No case of ADD is the same, so each individual will display different symptoms.

    Identification

    • Diagnosing an individual with ADD is not an easy task, and requires many steps to rule out other conditions. Because every individual at some point in their life displays symptoms similar to ADD, the criteria for diagnosis needs to be very specific to prevent a misdiagnosis. Generally, the symptoms should be long-lasting and apparent for at least six months. The onset of symptoms should occur before the age of seven. Adult symptoms should be present since childhood and adversely affect daily dealings and social interactions. For children, behavioral problems must be more severe, frequent and disruptive than in other children of the same age. For either age range, the symptoms should adversely affect two areas of daily life.

    Effects

    • A proper diagnosis of ADD is essential to help the individual be successful in life. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the individual may experience serious consequences such as failure in work and school, low self esteem, conduct problems, depression, failed relationships and even substance abuse. A proper diagnosis is vital to the well-being and success of the individual.

    Misconceptions

    • Until recently, the medical community believed that children outgrew ADD in adolescence. This has since been disproved. Although the symptoms may diminish during adolescence, many symptoms continue into adulthood, interfering with daily life.

    Considerations

    • Research has shown that ADD is a biological condition. While there is little question that heredity plays a major part in ADD, other causes have never been absolutely identified. Some circumstances such as a difficult pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, high lead levels, premature birth and a low birth rate may contribute to the risk of ADD, but have not been definitely verified as a cause of the condition.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Since ADD tends to be a biological disorder, it's difficult to prevent. However, there are ways to treat it. Doctors take a comprehensive approach to treating ADD known as multimodal, in which they use multiple interventions working together as part of a larger comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment includes teaching and training teachers, parents, coworkers and friends of the ADD patient about the condition and how to best deal with it. Behavioral strategies are applied as well as educational programs, psychological help and medication if necessary. The most important part of treating ADD is to use consistency and positive reinforcement with the individual dealing with it.

    Potential

    • Patients with ADD have as much potential to be successful in life as individuals without it. Once a proper diagnosis has been made and necessary steps are taken to treat the condition, there is no limit on what an ADD patient is capable of.

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