Information on Children & ADD

ADD stands for attention deficit disorder, a term used somewhat interchangeably with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These disorders comprise two of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders in children.

Incidence

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADD and ADHD affect between 3 percent and 5 percent of all the children in the world. Between one-third and one-half of children diagnosed with ADD will continue to experience symptoms of the disorder as adults.

Symptoms

• Children with ADD become easily distracted from a task, and have a tendency to quickly switch from one activity to another without completing the first activity. Children may become easily bored after a short time, have trouble learning new skills, struggle to organize their tasks, and tend to lose things. Other symptoms include daydreaming, slow physical movements, and difficulty listening and following instructions.

Treatment

• Behavioral treatments, medications, or a combination of both can manage ADD. Behavioral therapy for ADD may take the form of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, school-based interventions or social skills training. Prescription medications used in the treatment of ADD include Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall, all of which act as stimulants carrying potential negative side effects.