Posted on Apr 15, 2006 | Comments 0
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), the general word for all types of the “official” clinical diagnosis called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association nearly 4 percent to 6 percent of the U.S. population is affected with Attention deficit disorder.
Child Attention Deficit Disorder
And nearly 2 million children in the United States, or some 3 percent to 5 percent of children are suffering from Attention deficit disorder. In short, the odds are that at least one out of a classroom with about 28 children will have Attention deficit disorder. The disorder doesnâ€™t stop there, though.
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention deficit disorder even attacks adults. In fact anywhere from 50 percent to 66 percent of children with attention deficit disorder continue on into their adult lives with attention deficit disorder issues to face on their jobs and in their relationships.
Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention deficit disorder is a neurobiological disorder that is often seen in others as a hyperactive, impulsive state; i.e. not being able to sit still or pay attention for long periods of time, overactive like â€œbouncing off wallsâ€ and jumping in with unsuitable comments and behaviors periodically.
And this hyperactivity and impulsiveness occurs about anywhere and everywhere, creating hurdles or often hindering day-to-day activities; family life, social activities, school, work, etc.
Causes Of Attention Deficit Disorder
As per the belief of the researchers, attention deficit disorder is most possibly caused by genetically based biological factors influencing neurotransmitter activity in areas of the brain.
According few tests, people with Attention deficit disorder used lower levels of glucose in brain areas dealing with controlling attention and preventing impulses, meaning less activity. So a cause-and-effect method ponders whether lower activity levels might result to some symptoms of Attention deficit disorder.
The fact known about the Attention deficit disorder is that, it does appear across family lines. In short, indications suggest itâ€™s hereditary, a possible genetic tendency within members of the same family.
For instance, research shows that when a person is diagnosed with Attention deficit disorder, the odds are 25 percent to 35 percent that another family member also has Attention deficit disorder. There is a chance of less than 6 percent for someone else having the attention deficit disorder, when compared to the general public.
Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis
It is not true that no one can accurately diagnose Attention deficit disorder either in children or adults. Even though there is not yet a definitive medical test for diagnosing Attention deficit disorder.
But, there are distinct methods for gathering information and specific diagnostic criteria for assessing both children and adults listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), published in 1995 by the American Psychiatric Association.
As the cases of hyperactivity, lack of attention and impulsivity have been reported since the early 1900â€™s, Attention deficit disorder is called with various terminologies like Minimal Brain Dysfunction, Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood, and Attention-Deficit Disorder With or Without Hyperactivity.
Though, with the official publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) classification system, the attention deficit disorder has been renamed to stress the significance of the inattention characteristics, as well as the hyperactivity and impulsivity qualities, to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
It was believed earlier that children outgrew Attention deficit disorder during adolescent years, mainly because hyperactivity generally seemed to decrease throughout teenage years. But the truth that lot of the symptoms continues into adult years is now accepted and has erased that former belief.
Among children and adults, many of those afflicted handle their attention deficit disorder and lead successful lives. However, many others have reported strained relationships, school, social, depression, work and dependency problems, and other negative issues.
Overall, the keys to success have been early recognition of the attention deficit disorder and prompt treatment to overcome it.
Posted in: ADD