"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological brain disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. ADHD begins in childhood, and as has only recently been understood, can persist into adulthood as
well. While some
children outgrow ADHD, about 60% continue to have symptoms into adulthood. The disorder manifests differently in adults as hyperactivity tends to diminish." (
www.adhd.com,
2007)
I really hope this information debunks the mythical "definitions" of ADHD, aka Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, out there. This information is reliable, fact-
based, and referenced. Degrading self-righteous opinions and narrow-minded assumptions are not included in this text.
http://
www.adhd.com/
parents/
parents_facts_adhd_genetic.jsp
It is believed that ADHD is a highly genetic disorder. Approximately 35 percent of
parents of children with ADHD have the disorder themselves. It's also not uncommon to discover that other people in the family (siblings, aunts, and/or uncles) also have ADHD. Interestingly, many
parents only come to learn about their own ADHD once their
child has been diagnosed. This may explain a lifetime of frustrations and prompt them to get help. (
www.adhd.com, 2007)
Fiction vs. Facts
http://www.adhd.com/
parents/
parents_facts_adhd_facts.jsp
FICTION:
All children with ADHD eventually "outgrow" it.
FACT:
About 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms as adults.
FICTION:
ADHD is not a medical condition.
FACT:
It is a medical condition, linked to a chemical imbalance in the
brain. It is officially recognized by leading medical experts and institutions, including the
U.S. Surgeon General, the
American Psychiatric Association, and others.
FICTION:
Bad parenting is responsible for ADHD.
FACT:
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that scientists are finding more and more evidence that ADHD does not stem from home environment, but from biological causes.
FICTION:
People with ADHD always have problems paying attention.
FACT:
Sometimes people with ADHD hyper-focus. They focus on one thing and ignore all else around them.
FICTION:
ADHD affects more males than females.
FACT:
As children, the male to
female ratio is 4:1, as females are often underdiagnosed. Among adults, almost as many women as men seek treatment.
FICTION:
ADHD can only be treated with medications.
FACT:
The NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study for Children with ADHD (MTA Study) studied nearly 600 elementary
school children and concluded that the most effective treatments were a closely monitored medication treatment and a treatment that combines behavioral therapy and medication.
