What is AD/HD?

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a condition of the brain that dramatically affects behavior and mood in approximately 7 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the United States .

Causes and Symptoms

AD/HD is caused by irregularities in brain chemistry and tends to run in families. Many scientists suspect malfunctioning genes disrupt communication between cells in parts of the brain that govern self-control and inhibition. The core symptoms are: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Attention Deficit Disorder is the variant of the condition without hyperactivity.

Children with AD/HD are often easily distracted, talk too much and at the wrong times, fidget, and sometimes, for example, will dash into traffic and act without thinking about the consequences. Adults have trouble staying on track during conversations and meetings and are often poorly organized.

Diagnosis

AD/HD can be diagnosed with great accuracy. Diagnosis involves:

• Ruling out other disorders.
• A series of doctors’ visits.
• Observing clearly defined symptoms over a period of six months in more than one setting, such as at both school and home.

Treatment Options

• Without treatment, people with AD/HD can be at greater risk for problems such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy, failure in school, and car accidents.
• Medications reduce the symptoms of AD/HD and are successful in 75 to 90 percent of cases, according to a U.S. Surgeon General report.
• While AD/HD cannot be cured, it can be effectively and safely treated. The American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend medication with behavioral therapy and behavior modification.

Non-stimulant AD/HD medications offer hope for people who do not respond well to the typical stimulant medications.

AD/HD is a serious medical disorder. But with the right treatment, people with AD/HD can find relief from the symptoms and reach their potential.