Myths About ADHD

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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

There are a lot of situations that can look like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children or teens, but is NOT ADHD.

A Careful Diagnostic Exam for ADHD is Needed

This is why a careful ADHD diagnostic evaluation is so important. A physician, or mental health professional, must spend quality, and quantity, time to rule out other conditions that can look like ADHD. This conditions include:
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• Pervasive Developmental Disorder or PDD
• Asperger's Disorder
• Tourette's Disorder (Tourette's Syndrome) or Tic Disorder
• Mental Retardation
• Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD or ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, often called ADD or ADHD, is a diagnostic label that we give to children and adults who have significant problems in four main areas of their lives: Read more of the article...

• Inattention,
• Impulsivity,
• Hyperactivity,
• and Boredom.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurologically based disorder.

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.

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