"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.
