| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a | | | | that we give to children and adults who have |
| neurologically based disorder. This position has | | | | significant problems in four main areas of their |
| become controversial as many would like to | | | | lives: Inattention -- people with ADHD are often |
| dismiss the diagnosis of Attention Deficit | | | | easily distracted, and have trouble focusing on a |
| Hyperactivity Disorder altogether saying that | | | | task that is only moderately interesting. |
| there is no evidence of neurological differences, or | | | | Impulsivity -- about 50% of those with ADHD are |
| that there are no medical tests to diagnose ADD | | | | impulsive, they do or say things without thinking |
| ADHD, or that the diagnostic criteria is too broad. | | | | about the consequences first. |
| But the fact of the matter is that there are | | | | Hyperactivity -- about 50% of those with ADHD |
| measurable neurological differences, and there are | | | | are hyperactive. This means that they have |
| several good tests available to physicians and | | | | excessive motor activity that is not directed |
| psychologists, available to diagnose the disorder. | | | | toward any goal. |
| For now we will simply report that there is a | | | | Boredom -- people with ADHD are easily bored |
| tremendous amount of research to support the | | | | with mundane activities, like cleaning rooms or |
| statement that, indeed, Attention Deficit | | | | doing homework. Tasks must be exciting to |
| Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurologically based | | | | capture attention. Talk to your pediatrician or |
| condition. Much of this information is available at | | | | family practice physician if you think that your |
| the ADHD Information Library for parents to read | | | | child has some of these problems. You can learn |
| over. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, | | | | more about Attention Deficit Disorder at the ADD |
| often called ADD or ADHD, is a diagnostic label | | | | ADHD Information Library of NewIdeas.net. |