ADD/ADHD and Children - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a syndrome which is usually characterized by serious and persistent difficulties resulting in:

• poor attention span
• weak impulse control
• hyperactivity (not in all cases)

ADD also has a subtype which includes hyperactivity (ADHD). It is a treatable disorder that affects approximately 3 to 6 percent of the population.

Inattentiveness, impulsivity, and often times, hyperactivity, are common characteristics of the disorder. Boys with ADD tend to outnumber girls by 3 to 1, although ADD in girls is under identified.

The term ADD is usually referring to ADHD. ADD without hyperactivity is also known as ADD/WO (Without) or Undifferentiated ADD.

What are some common statistics on Attention Deficit Disorder?

Estimates vary, but between five and ten percent of children are thought to have ADHD, and perhaps between one and two percent of teenagers and adults.

What are the common symptoms of ADD/ADHD?

• fidgeting with hands or feet
• difficulty remaining seated
• being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• difficulty awaiting turn in games or group activities
• blurting out answers before questions are completed
• difficulty in following instructions
• difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• shifting from one incomplete task to another
• talking excessively
• interrupting or intruding on others
• not listening to what is being said
• forgetting things necessary for tasks or activities
• engaging in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences

What Causes ADD/ADHD?

A single cause has not been conclusively proven.

Some of the likely possibilities may vary by case and include:

• Genetic/ Hereditary
• Chemical imbalance of key neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine
• Chemical imbalance of vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, zinc and magnesium.
• Strongly held belief by some people (including at least one book, Feingold's Cookbook for Hyperactive Children) that food allergies cause ADD. This has not been proven scientifically
• Lack of physical activity
• Structural brain differences
• Environmental Influences (Television, video games, etc.)
• Brain damage (head trauma) before, after or during birth
• Brain damage by toxins (internal: bacterial and viral, external: fetal alcohol syndrome, metal intoxication, e.g. lead)