
It is estimated that 3 to 10 percent of the population
have ADD The disorder is said to be present more
often in boys than girls (3:1)
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In the past, this diagnosis was known as hyper kinetic syndrome, minimal
brain dysfunction, Attention
Deficit
/ Hyperactivity
Disorder
or Attention
Deficit
Disorder
- residual type (adult). It is a syndrome usually characterized by serious
and persistent difficulties resulting in:
Inattention:
problems staying on required tasks
Hyperactive: "always on the go" (may
also be hypoactive)
Impulsivity: acting before one thinks
Social Functioning: problems with family
or peers (poor social skills)
The cause of ADD
remains unknown. Environmental factors, including parenting techniques,
diet and toxins, appear to affect the disorder, but they do not cause
it. Biochemical interactions, related to the brain's neurotransmitters
especially the dopamine and neurotonin pathways are involved. The basic
dysfunction of the disorder lies in the genetic makeup of the individual.
ADD seems to run in families, but the
pattern of inheritance is not clear. Prenatal risks and birth complications
may be implicated in some cases. For some, diet (sensitivity to certain
types of food additives, dyes, artificial flavors) and medications given
to treat other health concerns) can elicit and make worse the ADD
problems.
Symptoms
Excessive fidgets or squirms
Easily distracted
Difficulty following instructions
Difficulty sustaining instructions
Often interrupts
Often talks excessively
Symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months.
Some of these symptoms need to have been present as a child, at 7
years or younger.
The symptoms must exist in at least two separate settings (i.e. at
school and at home)
Clinical experience has shown that the most effective
treatment for ADD is a combination of medication (when necessary), therapy
or counseling to learn coping skills and adaptive
behaviors and ADD coaching for adults. Stimulant medication (Ritalin,
Dexedrine, Adderall) are all commonly used because they have been most
affective for most people with ADD, but they may have side effects which
has created controversy.
It is estimated that 3 to 10 percent of the population
have ADD
The disorder is said to be present more often in boys than girls (3:1)
At the current time, scientists are attempting to identify
genetic factors that cause ADD. If one person in the he family is diagnosed
with ADD there is a 25%
- 35% probability that
another family member has ADD, compared to a 4%
- 6% probability for
someone in the general population.

Unlike other disruptive behavior
disorders, ADHD
is believed to have a neurological
basis rather than a basis in social learning. It includes a cluster
of behavioral limitations that may include a short attention span, poor
control (i.e. poor safety awareness), difficulty completing tasks, high
levels of motor activity, poor emotional stability and poor interpersonal
awareness. This disorder is especially difficult to diagnose objectively
because the clinical manifestations of the disorder are likely to be
modified by the age and gender of the client. ADHD is also difficult
to identify: because children with this disorder may not exhibit attention
deficits and may behave relatively normally in situations that are highly
motivating to them.
Children with ADHD have cognitive deficits that impair
social learning and affect the child’s ability to mediate behavior.
Many children with ADHD have secondary psychosocial diagnoses. Secondary
labels like coruiuet disorder or overanxious disorder may result at
the child's attempts to compensate for the hyperactivity and limited
ability to attend.
To gain more information concerning ADD or to gather
more information, contact our offices at:
Therapy Solutions, Inc.
7051 W. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19142
Tel 215.492.1079
Send an email to Diane
Hardie, Early Intervention Coordinator
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