Introduction
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a neurobiological malfunctioning of the brain and central nervous system that causes extraordinary impulsiveness, distractibility, lack of concentration, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. It is treated most commonly with stimulants such as Ritalin.
“Attention Deficit Disorder positions among the most widespread neurological disorders among American kids, affecting as numerous as 2 million” (Spadafore, 1997). At present approximately six million kids are taking Ritalin, Concertan, Adderall, or other ADD and ADHD medicine. In each classroom in the United States, you can anticipate to come across as a minimum one child with Attention Deficit Disorder. “ADD and ADHD boys outnumber girls by 3 to 1 in frequency” (Robelia, 1997).
Attention Deficit Disorder can hinder attentiveness, learning as well as memory. ADD also influences a person's capability to process and arrange incoming stimulus (Madden, Drina, 1998). While Attention Deficit Disorder is not categorized an exact learning disability, ADD and ADHD often makes it complicated for a kid to do well in school and in social circumstances.
A large body of ADD research points out that a number of features direct to the causes of ADD. A proportionate diet high in amino acids and vital fatty acids as well as quality nutritional supplementation take part in a large part in providing the brain with the energy it needs to work at most favorable levels.
Diagnoses
Among the criteria used to clinically diagnose ADD are the following: difficulty getting organized, focusing attention, getting started and following through, chronic procrastination, low tolerance for boredom and frustration, impatience, easy distractibility, impulsiveness and restlessness, a strong sense of insecurity and underachievement, low self-esteem, and a strong need for high stimulation expressed behaviorally as a frequent search for the novel and the exciting ( Hallowell and Ratey 1994:7376)......
