ADD And ADHD
What is "ADD" compared to "ADHD"?
Attention Deficit Disorder is ADD, and ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There's several types of each, depending on the criteria that you meet. They are both under the umbrella of disruptive behavior disorders within the psychiatric realm of problems. And it is disruptive behavior from a hyperactive standpoint, or an impulsive control aspect, to a hyperactivity aspect, or a concentrating ability aspect.
How common is ADD and ADHD in children?
The disruptive behavior disorders of ADHD and ADD are probably somewhere in the range of ten to fifteen percent of the population. In children, it's probably about five percent that actually have the diagnosable criteria. You will see children who are hyperactive and you will see children who have difficulties in concentrating or focusing, but in general, they don't meet the full criteria. Subtleties and changes in the way that they learn, or their situations will adhere to them and they won't necessarily meet the criteria and need treatment. The other five percent will meet the criteria and need the treatment, and then do well.
What are the possible causes of ADD and ADHD?
The possible causes of ADD or ADHD have been varied throughout the years, but most research points to a neurological deficit of brain chemicals that can be successfully treated with medication, and in conjunction with therapy of some type, whether that's individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, or behavioral therapy.
What are the warning signs that my child might have ADD or ADHD?
The warning signs that your child may have ADD or ADHD will again be similar to when we discussed learning disabilities. You will get feedback from various aspects of your child's life that there's disruption. Either poor focusing, poor concentration, impulsivity or poor judgment.
What is the treatment and prognosis for a child with ADD or ADHD?
If your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD the most appropriate step to take is to talk to your diagnosing practitioner about the elements that he would want in a treatment plan, which should include: medication and therapy of some sort whether combination or single depending on that practitioner's belief. The most common medications for treating ADD or ADHD are usually within the realm of stimulants, and often anti-depressants, depending on the severity and needs of that child, and any other diagnosable issues that are going on with that child have to be considered.The prognosis for a child with ADD or ADHD is significantly good if the disorder is cottoned onto early and diagnosed, and full treatment planning is in place, and all of those elements are adhered to.
