What is Attention Deficit ​Hyperactivity Disorder


(ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder​ (ADD)?

ADHD - ATTENTION HYPERACTIVITY DEFICIT DISORDER AND ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER - ADD

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Attention Deficit Disorder (also known as ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  (ADHD) are terms used to describe chronic patterns of behavior that are associated with learning disorders.  ADHD is quickly becoming the preferred term to use according to the Mayo Clinic because the term ADHD is inclusive of the ADD symptoms. 

​ “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood,” according to the CDC. There is usually a combination of problems such as difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity and an unusual amount of inappropriate movement.  The primary difference between ADD and ADHD is the absence or presence of hyperactive behaviors.  ADD is characterized more by lack of attention.  

ADHD might include demonstrating hyperactive behaviors such as excessive body movement, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, and difficulty regulating or monitoring behavior in terms of becoming easily excited.  Developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention and hyperactivity are often exhibited resulting in functional impairment in scholastic, family and social settings i.e.,  feelings of low self-esteem, poor performance at school and/or trouble in family and other relationships.

In 2016:

• Approximately 9.4% of children 2-17 years of age (6.1 million) had ever been diagnosed with ADHD, according to parent report in 2016. [CDC Read key findings]
  • Ages 2-5: Approximately 388,000 children
  • Ages 6-11: Approximately 2.4 million children
  • Ages 12-17: Approximately 3.3 million children

• The number of young children (ages 2-5) who had ADHD at the time of the survey increased by more than 50% from the 2007-2008 survey to the 2011-12 survey. [CDC Read key findingswww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5598086/]

An ever increasing amount of children are being reported to have ADHD, approximately one in every 10 children are now being reported as ADHD. 
These behaviors may persist through adulthood.

Percentage Of Children With ADHD and Another Disorder - CDC

Percentage Of Children With ADHD and Another Disorder - CDC

Some of the Possible Symptoms of ADHD

These problems are persistent and usually cause difficulties in one or more
major life areas: home, school, work, or social relationships.

Inattention

• Difficulty staying on task.
• Makes careless mistakes.
• Difficulty following instructions for chores, schoolwork or other tasks.
• Often has trouble organizing things (desk, closet, etc.) or activities.
• Fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks.  Does not complete projects.
• Frequently loses items (books, keys, phone, pens, tools).
• Avoids or dislikes having to sustain mental effort such as reading a book.
• Can be easily distracted.
• Appearing not to listen when spoken to.
• Forgets frequently.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Tends to be restless or impatient.
• Always seems “on the go”.
• May have difficulty waiting to take their turn.
• Often interrupts others.
• May talk excessively.
• Often leaves seat or area where they are expected to remain.
• Might remain quietly inattentive.

RISKS. . . ADHD Can Be Very Costly If Not Addressed!

What can the effect of ADHD look like on a person’s daily life?

The effect of ADHD behaviors associated with the daily functioning of a person’s life can be very costly.  The overall effects are multi-dimensional and can increase in time.

Significant Costs From ADHD
​Or Other Learning Disabilities May Include  . . .

• Greater health care needs  
• Psychiatric conditions
• Frequent, unintentional injury
• Risky/reckless behaviors resulting in personal and/or property damage
• Work loss
• Damaged relationships
• Harmful side effects from medications 

ADHD medications can reduce symptoms, but might be associated with
​side effects and might not completely address functional impairment.

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