Description

A few decades ago, a child who couldn't sit still and wouldn't pay attention in class was called "hyper," or worse, a "problem child." Today, the same youngster might be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). The condition basically describes a person's inability to concentrate-on sitting still, on a lesson given in class, on reading a book, on what someone else is saying, and so on. Demanding that a person with ADD pay attention will not work, nor will punishment. It's not known exactly why a person with ADD has such difficulty focusing.

The cause of ADD is also unknown. Prominent theories include heredity, lead poisoning, allergies to food additives, brain injuries incurred by the child during the mother's pregnancy (perhaps the mother was in an accident, smoked cigarettes, or used drugs or alcohol), oxygen deprivation during birth, or head trauma as an infant. ADD affects many more males than females.

ADD typically appears before the age of seven; however, it isn't limited to children. Some children do outgrow it, but many more do not, meaning many adults are afflicted with the disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

Difficulty sustaining attention

Easily distracted

Fidgeting and physical restlessness

Has difficulty allowing others to speak without interrupting

Doesn't appear to listen to others when they speak

Often talks excessively

Frequently loses things

Difficulty following directions

Shifts from one unfinished task to another

Inability to play or sit quietly

Impulsive personality

Inability to organize thoughts, toys, work space

Conventional Medical Treatment

If left untreated, ADD can isolate a sufferer, whose behavior may unintentionally frighten people. There is also a connection between untreated attention deficit disorder and parental abuse, failure at school, and low selfesteem. Thus, if you suspect that you or your child may have attention deficit disorder, a trip to your physician is in order. To arrive at a diagnosis of ADD, your doctor conducts a series of physical and neurological examinations as well as behavioral observation. The doctor also requests a detailed history of early childhood development. Treatment for ADD includes behavior modification techniques, avoiding overstimulation, providing a consistent daily routine, and avoiding sugar and food additives, which are believed to contribute to hyperactivity. In more severe cases, a drug may be prescribed to help reduce hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most common of these, but pemoline (Cylert) is also used. These medications decrease motor activity and increase attention span in children. Side effects, such as insomnia and weight loss, are rare.