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Attention deficit disorder refers to the extreme difficulty some children and adults have in monitoring attention span and controlling impulsive behaviors. These problems are often accompanied by an obvious hyperactivity. The degree of difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors typically interferes with learning and school performance; adjustment in social, family, vocational, or school environments; and effective expression of intelligence. Persons who have been diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder) express a sense of internal restlessness and an almost impossible ability to focus thoughts and attention. Many children identified as ADD or ADHD are also described as learning disabled. Also, children identified as ADD or ADHD may be classified as defiant, disruptive, oppositional, conduct disorder, or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. Evidence is mounting that ADD stems from a disorder of functioning in the anterior brain systems affecting several brain structures. It is fair to identify ADD as a brain injury and treatment may include a combination of medical, behavioral, and environmental interventions. Medical treatment may help balance brain chemistry that is causing hyperactivity. Behavioral treatment can help the individual learn self-control and compensatory means for working around impulsive or restless behaviors. Environmental interventions help structure work and learning areas to eliminate distractions and create optimal and interest-sustaining activities. Psychoeducational and neuropsychological examinations to diagnose and identify the nature of a behavioral/attentional disorder are usually essential. Collaborative diagnosis and treatment may include the pediatrician, teachers, and other educational specialists. The organization, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), provides a gateway for research, diagnostic, and treatment resources. The National Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides more resources for understanding this condition. The National Institute of Mental Health provides information and links about attention deficit disorder. To find more information and support groups in your area, search Google.
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Copyright ©1999, 2000, 2001 Dennis P.
Swiercinsky, Ph.D. |
