Is ADD/ADHD a Real Disorder?

Most teens experience distraction, restlessness, and impulsiveness at one time or another. Because of this, there is controversy as to whether ADD is an actual disorder at all. What distinguishes those with ADD from those who do not have the disorder is the frequency and intensity of these symptoms, as well as the negative impact on one’s life.

Studies have shown that the physiology of those with ADD differs from that of those who do not have the disorder . The area of the brain that controls impulsiveness is smaller in those affected with ADD. PET scans reveal that boys with ADD have much higher levels of blood flow in their brains than their non-ADD peers when tasks involving thinking were being performed, and lower blood flow the rest of the time. Researchers found that children with ADD had considerably lower levels of key fatty acids, such as omega-3, in their bloodstream. This lack of fatty acids has been linked with memory loss, temper tantrums, sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, and learning difficulties.

Many more studies are being conducted every day to help diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure ADD. If a child is unsuccessful in school, they will not be able to meet the demands of education as they get older. In turn, they may not be able to achieve the goals that he or she sets for themselves in the job market. This, coupled with a lack of impulse control, can lead to very real problems for those suffering from ADD/ADHD as well as society as a whole. Attention Deficit Disorder is a very real issue, and to begin treating the disorder, one must first understand it.