Is ADHD Real?

Yes, it is a REAL mental health problem - it really is an attention deficit disorder.

There are lots of objections to ADHD made below, and they are in BOLD. And my answers follow.

At best it was a dialogue, at worst a debate of sorts. In 2000 I was homebound with pneumonia when someone brought me a copy of the Journal of Biblical Counseling with an article by Ed Welch on ADD ADHD. Since I am both a Pastor, and a Family Therapist, they wanted my opinion on the article. Read more of the article...

Myths About ADHD

View the ADHD MYTHS Video from Medical News Today

There's been a lot of talk in recent years about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. And with all the talk has come a lot of misinformation. Is this a real disease? If so, what are the causes? And how is it diagnosed? Join our panel as they help us separate fact from fiction. Read more of the article...

Our Favorite ADHD Myths

ADD ADHD Information

"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder", also called "ADHD", is one of the most common childhood behavior disorders. Of all children referred to mental health professionals, more are referred for ADHD than for any other condition. Those with ADHD have problems in most of the areas of their life, including home, school, work, and in relationships.

What is ADHD?

"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" is a neurological disorder that impacts individuals in four main categories:

• Attention - causing people to have problems paying attention, focusing on a task, or finishing tasks, especially if they are not very interesting tasks.
• Impulsivity - causing a lack of self-control. Impulsive behaviors, or choices, can cause havoc in relationships, work, school, or life.
• Hyperactivity - Many (though not all) with ADHD are "bouncy" and hyperactive, always "on the go" and restless.
• Easily Bored - Unless the task is very stimulating, like a video game or TV program or outside playing, those with attention disorders are often easily bored by a task - especially bored by homework, math tests, balancing checkbooks, or doing taxes, and many of these tasks just never get done.

Children, teens, and adults can all suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

"Attention Deficit" impacts about 5% of the children and teenagers, and about 3% of all adults. Less than half of children with ADD ever "out-grow" it in adolescence or adulthood. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects into adolescence and adulthood.

The disorder has different "looks" or "types." This is discussed in great detail under the section the different types of ADHD.

For some it severely impacts behavior, and for others it greatly impacts learning. For the group in the middle, it just impacts their attention, focus, concentration, and getting the job done.

Read more of the article...