| Attention Deficit Disorder is a very complex, often | | | | now known that both boys and girls can have |
| misunderstood disorder. Its basis is physiological; | | | | attention deficit disorder, and many do not outgrow it in |
| however, a host of ramifications may accompany it. | | | | adulthood. One difference that has been noted is that |
| That aside, what are the differences between ADD | | | | girls tend to have the inattentive version of ADD, which |
| and ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit | | | | is often misdiagnosed as depression. Because |
| Hyperactive Disorder, with the main symptoms being | | | | inattentive ADD does not cause obvious problems and |
| visible hyperactivity and/or impulsivity - which stand out | | | | distractions to the surrounding environment, many |
| to the objective observer. ADD stands for Attention | | | | suffer in silence for years before they find out the real |
| Deficit Disorder; its main distinguishing feature is | | | | cause of their troubles. |
| inattention. | | | | With both ADHD and ADD, early diagnosis is crucial. |
| For many years, the typical picture of Attention Deficit | | | | Although difficulties in learning are the most obvious |
| Disorder has been the little boy that is bouncing off the | | | | symptom, some sufferers do not have significant |
| walls and driving his teachers and parents crazy. | | | | issues with getting school work done. Keep track of |
| ADHD is by far the most diagnosed of the two | | | | your children, not just academically, but socially and |
| subtypes, simply because it is so much more visible | | | | emotionally as well. Do they have trouble with other |
| than ADD. Since hyperactivity creates a lot more | | | | children? Does it seem as though they find it difficult to |
| distraction and problems in the classroom, it is identified | | | | be organized, or are excessively messy? Do they |
| earlier and gets the most attention Unfortunately, even | | | | have trouble sitting still for a period of time? Are they |
| though ADD is not as visible, the results of the disorder | | | | excessively quiet or excessively talkative? It is |
| can be just as destructive. | | | | important to remember that these symptoms do not |
| With inattentive attention deficit disorder, or ADD, the | | | | necessarily signify one is suffering from ADD or |
| person suffering from it will seem spacey and | | | | ADHD, but they do indicate outside help from a |
| disorganized. Most often, sufferers will be staring out | | | | counselor or therapist is needed. Your child's |
| the window during classes and appear as if they are | | | | psychological health is just as important as his/her |
| never quite present. This type is much more difficult to | | | | physical health and how he/she does in school. If you |
| diagnose; indeed, many individuals having this form of | | | | sense something is off, check it. If left undiagnosed for |
| ADD are unaware they have it for years. | | | | years, ADD can cause many secondary problems |
| In the past, it was believed that only boys had ADHD. | | | | that could have been prevented, and that can take a |
| This myth has been shattered recently, though. It is | | | | long time to undo. |