What is ADHD?

Answer 1

ADHD is Attention deficit hyper disorder

Answer 2

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention. It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD.

Try this link:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm

Answer 3

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - It's a disorder where the person has difficulties with sustaining attention. It's actually pretty broad. There are some w/ hyperactivity and some are less active with more of a day dreaming problem. Everyone has problems with attention from time to time, but it becomes a disorder when it causes serious problems for a person in their lives and has happened throughout their lifetime.

It's typically treated with medications (stimulants) which calms them down. It works because it stimulates a part of the brain that is understimulated. When it is understimulated the person is more active in trying to stimulate it so the medication helps calm the person.

That's just off the top of my head but you can check the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) or google it. There's a wealth of information on the Internet about it and a TON of books in any book store or library.

Answer 4

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurological disorder, present from childhood, which manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, poor impulse control, and distractibility. In neurological pathology, ADHD is currently considered to be a chronic syndrome for which no medical cure is available. ADHD is believed to affect between 3-5% of the United States population, including both children and adultts

Answer 5

It's a blessing and a curse.

Blessing because my brain can go to amazing places that others can not. A curse because of the disorder in my life.

Love it when I go on hyper-focus if it is something I truly love and can work for hours (ahem, yahoo answers latest thing...) but can not focus long enough to listen to a song on the radio. Have never, ever heard all the words to a song.

For some, it is apparent in childhood. For many of us, we did well enough in school that it was not found until adulthood.

When people with ADHD talk with each other it is like our own language as we share the struggles. I've helped parents understand their child because I can help the child explain what it is like.

Answer 6

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Answer 7

You can't keep your mind on one thing for long and you have too much energy to stay put.My son has it.It's hard to see your kids go through it.He's on meds but some of them make you very emotional.

Answer 8

Another excuse for unwanted behavior.

Answer 9

DSM-IV (Text Revision) Definition
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Essential features:
A. Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and is more severe than is typically observed in individuals at comparable level of development.
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms must have been present before seven years of age.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms must be present in at least two settings.
D. There must be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic or occupational functioning.
E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorders and is not better accounted for by another mental disorder.

Three Subtypes:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Inattentive Type: This subtype is used if six (or more) symptoms of inattention (but fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity) have persisted for at least six months.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: This subtype should be used if six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (but fewer than six of inattention) have persisted for at least six months.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Combined Type: This subtype should be used if six (or more) symptoms of inattention and six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months.



Diagnostic Criteria for the three subtypes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder according to DSM-IV:

A. “Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and is more severe than is typically observed in individuals at comparable level of development.” Individual must meet criteria for either (1) or (2):

(1) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Inattention
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activity
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
(g) often looses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities

(2) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
(f) often talks excessively
Impulsivity
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms must have been present before age 7 years.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in at least two settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic or occupational functioning.
E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorders and is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).