Basic Information about Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder refers to the difficulty or inability to control attention span. These problems are often accompanied by hyperactivity. The degree of difficulty paying attention generally interferes with learning and school performance; adjustment in social, family, vocational, or school environments; and effective expression of intelligence. People who have been diagnosed with ADD reveal a sense of internal restlessness and an almost impossible ability to focus thoughts and attention. Many children identified as ADD are also described as learning disabled. Also, children identified as ADD 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.

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