About ADD and ADHD:
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurological conditions that cause hyperactivity and inattentiveness. ADD is a general term often used to describe people with ADHD. The terms are used interchangeably. However, only ADHD is the official name used by the American Psychiatric Association. (For the remainder of this page, we will use the term ADHD)
The symptoms of ADHD are organized into three categories:
1) Inattention
2) Hyperactivity
3) Impulsivity
People affected by ADHD may procrastinate. They may also lack focus, make careless mistakes, and have difficulty staying on topic in discussions. They may also be easily distracted. People with hyperactivity may move a lot – especially when seated. They may also talk excessively. Toddlers and preschool children seem to exhibit hyperactivity more than school-age children and adults. Signs of impulsivity are shown in individuals who are impatient and make decisions without careful thought to consequences.
Without proper treatment, ADHD can lead to under-achievement, failure, problematic relationships, anxiety, and an increased risk for depression.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose individuals with ADHD similar to the way they diagnose bipolar disorder: Based on the presence of behaviors and characteristics as outlined in the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be diagnosed with ADHD, an individual must be greatly impaired by his or her symptoms. Symptoms must be persistent and occur over time.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is not known. However, researchers have shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. However, ADHD may also be caused by brain injury or trauma. Scientists believe that there is not one particular gene but several genes, in addition to environmental conditions, that result in ADHD. It is important to note that ADHD is not sex linked as it can occur in males and females.
Is it true that watching too much TV and eating too much sugar can cause ADHD?
Researchers discount this as a possible cause of ADHD because ADHD involves a chemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, the cause of ADHD is more likely linked to genes and injury to the brain. Furthermore, a study was conducted in which researchers gave children foods with and without sugar every other day. The children who ate sugar exhibited the same behavior and learning capabilities as those who did not eat sugar. Therefore, sugar is not a likely cause of ADHD.
How is ADHD treated?
There is no cure for ADHD. However, there is treatment to reduce ADHD symptoms. Treatment includes education about ADHD and how to manage hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine, and coaching are also used to help individuals with ADHD.
Examples of associations that assist ADD/ADHD Families:
CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
American Psychological Association
National Resource Center on ADHD
ADDISS (UK): The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service
If you have a sibling with ADHD and if you are in search of advice, read our story column and feel free to ask questions during video conferences.
For more information about ADHD, read the article posted by the National Institute of Health here
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurological conditions that cause hyperactivity and inattentiveness. ADD is a general term often used to describe people with ADHD. The terms are used interchangeably. However, only ADHD is the official name used by the American Psychiatric Association. (For the remainder of this page, we will use the term ADHD)
The symptoms of ADHD are organized into three categories:
1) Inattention
2) Hyperactivity
3) Impulsivity
People affected by ADHD may procrastinate. They may also lack focus, make careless mistakes, and have difficulty staying on topic in discussions. They may also be easily distracted. People with hyperactivity may move a lot – especially when seated. They may also talk excessively. Toddlers and preschool children seem to exhibit hyperactivity more than school-age children and adults. Signs of impulsivity are shown in individuals who are impatient and make decisions without careful thought to consequences.
Without proper treatment, ADHD can lead to under-achievement, failure, problematic relationships, anxiety, and an increased risk for depression.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose individuals with ADHD similar to the way they diagnose bipolar disorder: Based on the presence of behaviors and characteristics as outlined in the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be diagnosed with ADHD, an individual must be greatly impaired by his or her symptoms. Symptoms must be persistent and occur over time.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is not known. However, researchers have shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. However, ADHD may also be caused by brain injury or trauma. Scientists believe that there is not one particular gene but several genes, in addition to environmental conditions, that result in ADHD. It is important to note that ADHD is not sex linked as it can occur in males and females.
Is it true that watching too much TV and eating too much sugar can cause ADHD?
Researchers discount this as a possible cause of ADHD because ADHD involves a chemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, the cause of ADHD is more likely linked to genes and injury to the brain. Furthermore, a study was conducted in which researchers gave children foods with and without sugar every other day. The children who ate sugar exhibited the same behavior and learning capabilities as those who did not eat sugar. Therefore, sugar is not a likely cause of ADHD.
How is ADHD treated?
There is no cure for ADHD. However, there is treatment to reduce ADHD symptoms. Treatment includes education about ADHD and how to manage hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine, and coaching are also used to help individuals with ADHD.
Examples of associations that assist ADD/ADHD Families:
CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
American Psychological Association
National Resource Center on ADHD
ADDISS (UK): The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service
If you have a sibling with ADHD and if you are in search of advice, read our story column and feel free to ask questions during video conferences.
For more information about ADHD, read the article posted by the National Institute of Health here
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
