What is AD/HD?
AD/HD is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders of childhood. The disorder is estimated to affect between 3 to 7 out of every 100 school-aged children. This makes AD/HD a major health concern. The disorder does not affect only children. In many cases, problems continue through adolescence and adulthood. The core symptoms of AD/HD are developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These problems are persistent and usually cause difficulties in one or more major life areas: home, school, work, or social relationships. Clinicians base their diagnosis on the presence of the core characteristics and the problems they cause.
Not all children and youth have the same type of AD/HD. Because the disorder varies among individuals, children with AD/HD won’t all have the same problems. Some may be hyperactive. Others may be under-active. Some may have great problems with attention. Others may be mildly inattentive but overly impulsive. Still others may have significant problems in all three areas (attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) (Robin, 1998).
Thus, there are three subtypes of AD/HD:
- Predominantly Inattentive
- Predominantly Hyperactive- Impulsive Type
- Combined Type (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity)
Of course, from time to time, practically every person can be a bit absent-minded, restless, fidgety, or impulsive. So why these same patterns of behavior are considered normal for some people and symptoms of a disorder in others? It’s partly a matter of degree. With AD/HD, these behaviors occur far more than occasionally. They are the rule and not the exception.
What Causes AD/HD?
AD/HD is a very complex, neuro biochemical disorder. Researchers do not know AD/HD’s exact causes, as is the case with many mental and physical health conditions. Where AD/HD is concerned, there are a few individuals who do not believe AD/HD really exists......
