"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.
