Attention Deficit Disorder, otherwise known as ADD, has evolved over the years. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) identifies three main characteristics of the disorder: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While ADD stresses the inattention behavior, ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) includes all three of the categories. The DSM-IV lists the following symptoms of the illness:

Inattention: 1. Often makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, and other activities 2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities 3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly 4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities 6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort 7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities 8. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli 9. Is often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity 1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in their seat 2. Often leaves their seat in the classroom 3. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate 4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly 5. Is often on the go or often acts as if driven by a motor 6. Often talks excessively

Impulsivity 1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed 2. Often has difficulty awaiting their turn 3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others

The DSM-IV provides a good description of the behavior but does not offer an explanation. The lists are helpful as it focuses our attention on certain behaviors. Unfortunately, it implies that the problem has to do with a genetic disorder when it actually is character.

There are numerous biological theories that attempt to explain ADD or ADHD but as of date, there are no medical tests to detect its existence. Many in the biblical and Christian counseling arena believe that ADHD is a spiritual problem. In a recently leased book by Dr. David Tyler and Dr. Kurt Grady titled, ADHD: Deceptive Diagnosis, they claim that a child’s lack of self-discipline, self-control, and self-motivations, disobedience, and bad attitudes are excused as a disease.

Both the physical and spiritual areas must be taken seriously. If one believes that ADD or ADHD is a spiritual problem, you can’t ignore the spiritual aspects of ADHD, i.e., repentance, faith, and obedience. Also, if you ignore the physical or cerebral related

strengths and weaknesses, the child will become frustrated due to your unrealistic expectations.

Physical problems such as strengths or weaknesses obviously influence behavior. In a child labeled ADHD, the physical strengths could include a high energy level, creativity, risk taking, and an extroverted personality. Physical problems could be poor memory, cognitive problem solving, inability to establish priorities, etc.

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