Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder divided into three types. The three types of AD/HD are Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive or a combination of both the Inattentive and Hyperactive types. Determining which type of AD/HD depends on the symptoms experienced by an individual. It is important to understand AD/HD symptoms do not appear suddenly overnight. AD/HD symptoms must be present for at least six months and affecting more than one setting, with an onset before age seven.

The specific symptoms experienced determine the diagnosis of one of three types of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), written as AD/HD followed by one of three types. The three types of AD/HD are Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive or a combination of both the Inattentive and Hyperactive types.

The symptoms for AD/HD Inattentive type include trouble focusing and concentrating, lacking attention to details, forgetfulness, problems listening to/following instructions, and lacking basic organizational skills.

The symptoms for AD/HD Hyperactive type is exhibited by fidgeting, moving extremities, inability to sit quietly while doing an activity, answers a question by blurting out the answer, difficulty waiting for a turn, excessive talking, and appears to be driven by a motor. The symptoms for AD/HD Combination include a variety of symptoms from the Inattentive and Hyperactive Types.

Diagnosing AD/HD is not based on a specific medical test. To determine if one has AD/HD a thorough evaluation by a licensed medical professional is necessary. AD/HD has symptoms similar to Bipolar Affective Disorder and treating each disorder is based on a correct diagnosis. AD/HD is not a learning disorder although those with AD/HD may have a concurrent learning disability. AD/HD does not mean one is stupid, lazy or unmotivated, it simply means the brain works differently than a person without AD/HD.

The causes of AD/HD are still being determined and discussed in length by the medical community. There is a tendency for AD/HD to run in families. A parent may have AD/HD and subsequent children or grandchildren may also have AD/HD. A parent is often diagnosed only after a child has been determined to be AD/HD.

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