| The definition of ADHD is a medical condition that | | | | so these changes may be partly genetic. |
| affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay | | | | This illness may be suspected by a parent or |
| attention. People with ADHD have differences in the | | | | caretaker or may go unnoticed until the child runs into |
| parts of their brains that control attention and activity. | | | | problems at school. And given that ADHD tends to |
| ADHD, also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) | | | | affect functioning most strongly in school, sometimes |
| or hyperkinetic disorder, has been around a lot longer | | | | the teacher is the first to recognize that a child is |
| than most people realize. In fact, a condition that | | | | hyperactive or inattentive and may point it out to the |
| appears to be similar to ADHD was described by | | | | parents and/or consult with the school psychologist. |
| Hippocrates, who lived from 460 to 370 BC. | | | | But it can also affect adults, and ADHD adults may |
| This form of illness is usually diagnosed in childhood, | | | | benefit from going to work early to accomplish tasks |
| although the condition can continue into the adult years. | | | | before coworkers arrive and phones begin ringing. |
| It is considered a common disorder in Canada and that | | | | Most adults are aware of their "personal clock" and |
| it mainly affected boys. Of all children referred to | | | | know their prime times for completing intellectually |
| mental health professionals about 35% are referred | | | | demanding tasks. |
| for ADHD, more than for any other condition. | | | | Since 1993, use of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD has |
| ADHD research scientists are currently developing | | | | more than tripled worldwide, according to one study |
| possible theories about the causes of ADHD. Some of | | | | and is used by most people who suffer from this |
| these theories include environmental agents, brain | | | | illness. But make sure you try to get help as soon as |
| injury, and genetics. Since ADHD often runs in families, | | | | you notice any form of this illness so you can tackle it |
| studies with twins have shown that ADHD is inherited | | | | as soon as possible. |