| ADD also called ADHD or Attention Deficit | | | | For adults with ADD, the condition is usually present by |
| Hyperactivity Disorder, (now just known as Attention | | | | the age of seven and is caused by a dysfunction in |
| Deficit Disorder) is a condition that has been commonly | | | | the frontal brain matter that deals with judgment, |
| associated with children. Recent studies have revealed | | | | problem solving, impulse control and critical thinking. This |
| that the condition is also as widely prevalent in adults | | | | leads to the individual developing a very short attention |
| as it is in children. What are the characteristics of ADD, | | | | span. The exact cause of ADD is still a mystery, but |
| how does it start and how can it be eradicated? This | | | | doctors have been able not only to isolate the part of |
| and other issues are what we will discuss in this article. | | | | the brain that causes ADD, but they have successfully |
| What are the characteristics of ADD? | | | | characterized it into two groups: hyperactivity and |
| As in children, adults afflicted with ADD have a | | | | inattentiveness. |
| problem completing what they have started. ADD | | | | Is there a cure? |
| symptoms include hyperactivity and a general | | | | Can ADD be eradicated if its cause is still unknown? A |
| restlessness. Sufferers can be seen attempting a | | | | leading physician, Dr. Daniel Amen is a leading figure in |
| myriad of activities and not completing any of them. | | | | the study of ADD and has conducted extensive |
| Quick motions also characterize them as they try to | | | | studies. |
| move from one task to another. ADD sufferers end | | | | Dr. Amen has conducted numerous tests on ADD, and |
| up being very exhausted because of attempting a | | | | has developed several paths of treatment. He |
| variety of tasks at the same time and having the | | | | suggests a combination of a high protein diet and |
| general notion that they will successfully complete | | | | coordinated aerobic exercises. Drugs such as Ritalin |
| them. | | | | and L-Tyrosine are often used to treat ADD. It is also |
| People who have ADD are generally not very good | | | | not uncommon for anti-depressants to be included. |
| listeners and have trouble patiently listening to things | | | | Coping with ADD |
| like seminars, and lectures. They also have a hard time | | | | Adults suffering from ADD can be useful members of |
| concentrating when reading books or watching | | | | society and depending on the severity of the condition |
| educational shows. Interestingly, sluggishness, | | | | most pass as perfectly normal. Cases of |
| daydreaming and drowsiness may also characterize | | | | carelessness or drowsiness can easily be explained, |
| ADD adults. Some people with the condition display | | | | as being "tired" and the person suffering from ADD |
| general carelessness, make mistakes, and are | | | | may not even know he or she has the condition. The |
| inattentive when spoken to. They also have trouble | | | | best way to know is to gauge one's behavior and |
| following instructions, are disorganized and habitually | | | | measure it against acceptable norms. If one suspects |
| lose things. | | | | they may have ADD, then it is recommended to seek |
| How does ADD start? | | | | the opinion of a doctor. |