Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) /
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What is ADD?
Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often BUT NOT ALWAYS hyperactive. They are impulsive and unable to pay attention in class or at home, despite good intentions. If hyperactivity is involved, there is restless and fidgety behavior.
People with ADD often show the following behaviors:
- Does not pay close attention to details; may make careless mistakes at work, school, or other activities
- Failure to complete tasks
- Has difficulty maintaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Does not listen when spoken to directly
- Has difficulty organizing tasks
- Is easily distracted
- Unable to follow more than one instruction at a time
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurobiological disorder -- a disorder caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the body. People who have this disorder are often hyperactive (extremely energetic), impulsive (act without thinking first), and have a hard time paying attention (inattentive).
People with ADHD often show the following behaviors:
- Difficulty finishing what they start, like homework, chores, or even playing games
- Often losing things or forgetting what they have been told
- Fidgeting and talking constantly
- Interrupting other people and not waiting their turn
While almost all of us sometimes feel restless, impulsive, or have a hard time concentrating, people with ADHD behave like this most of the time. Many people with ADHD have so much difficulty controlling their behavior that it affects their schoolwork, friendships, and relationships with their family.
ADHD is most common in children, usually starting by the time they enter school. Almost 1 out of every 20 children have it.
What do you do if you have ADHD or ADD?
First, you should be sure you do have ADHD / ADD! If you think that you or someone you know may have ADHD / ADD, you should go see a doctor. Sometimes the doctor will send you to another doctor who specializes in ADHD / ADD, such as a child psychologist or pediatric neurologist, just to be sure.
If you do have ADHD / ADD there are many things you can do to make your life feel more normal.
Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe medicine to help you control your behavior. To find out more about medications for ADHD / ADD, visit the Medications page.
Other times, a doctor will come up with a plan that teaches you how to better control your behavior. This plan may include working with your parents or teachers to set up schedules and routines; making sure that any instructions or rules for you are clear; and making sure that you have the time and space you need to concentrate on things.
Often, people with ADHD / ADD will be treated both with medication and with a treatment plan like the one above.
Who can you contact if you have ADHD / ADD?
ADHD / ADD is a common problem and there is a lot of help out there, so don't be discouraged!
If you haven't already visited a doctor and been diagnosed, you should talk to an adult who you trust. This may be someone in your family, such as your parents, grandparents, or a close uncle or aunt, or it could be your family doctor, teacher or school nurse. Any adult who is responsible and cares about you should be able to help you find someone to help you.
If you aren't sure who to talk to or want to learn more about ADHD / ADD, give us a call or send us an email and we will answer your questions and work with you to get you the help you need. Call us at 215-751-1800 ext. 229 or email us at kids@mhasp.org.
Other Resources
For parents or caregivers of a child with ADD / ADHD the Parents Involved Network of Pennsylvania (PIN), a program of the Mental Health Association of SE PA, is an organization that assists parents or caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders.
PIN provides information, helps parents find services and will advocate on their behalf with any of the public systems that serve children. You can visit them on the Internet at www.pinofpa.org, email pin@pinofpa.org or call 215-751-1800 and ask for a PIN representative.
|
