| Here are a number of the most common questions I | | | | differences between ADD and ADHD? ADHD stands |
| get asked about ADD and ADHD. | | | | for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, with the |
| What is ADD? Although ADHD is really the technical | | | | main symptoms being visible hyperactivity and/or |
| medical name the disorder, it is still commonly called | | | | impulsivity - the symptoms that stand out to the |
| ADD. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder located in the | | | | objective observer. ADD stands for Attention Deficit |
| prefrontal cortex, and it is also a type of brain wiring | | | | Disorder with the main symptoms being inattention. |
| that is different than that of the general population, | | | | Many other things can come along with both of |
| affecting all areas of functioning to a degree. The | | | | these subtypes of ADHD, but those are the |
| main area of life that it affects is the executive | | | | distinguishing features of both. For many years, the |
| function, or the area of the brain that organizes, | | | | typical picture of Attention Deficit Disorder has been |
| plans and executes goals. | | | | the little boy that is bouncing off the walls and driving |
| People with ADHD have a short attention span, and | | | | his teachers and parents crazy. |
| are incapable of focusing for long periods of time; | | | | ADHD is by far the most diagnosed of the two |
| their minds tend to wander and drift, and they are | | | | subtypes because it is so much more visible than |
| easily distracted. They have trouble paying attention | | | | ADD. Hyperactivity creates a lot more distraction and |
| to daily, routine activities that do not provide high | | | | problems in classrooms; therefore, it is far more |
| stimulation such as chores, homework, and | | | | noticeable. However, even though ADD is less visible, |
| paperwork. Unfortunately, these activities are | | | | the results of the disorder can just as destructive. |
| everywhere and are needed in order to function in | | | | With inattentive attention deficit disorder, or ADD, |
| society. | | | | the person suffering from it will seem spacey and |
| The interesting thing about this disorder is that | | | | disorganized. Most often, sufferers with this type will |
| sufferers can pay attention very well to things that | | | | be staring out the window during classes and will |
| are new, very stimulating, interesting or upsetting. | | | | appear as if they are never quite present. This form |
| These events provide enough stimulation in and of | | | | of ADD is much more difficult to diagnose, and many |
| themselves that they activate the part of the brain | | | | sufferers go years without even knowing they have |
| that enables concentration; people with ADD need | | | | it. |
| this in order to focus, as they do not have enough | | | | What about Adult ADD? For many years, ADHD was |
| adrenaline. | | | | thought to be a disorder suffered by children, and |
| What is the difference between ADD and ADHD? | | | | more specifically, one only found in young boys. With |
| Attention Deficit Disorder is a very complex, and | | | | the evolvement of medical technology and research, |
| often times misunderstood, disorder. Its basis is | | | | it has become clear that many children with ADD do |
| physiological, but it can have a host of ramifications | | | | not outgrow it as they become adults. |
| that come along with it. That aside, what are the | | | | |