Guest Author - Erika Lyn Smith

Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD is a neurological based behavior disorder. Neurological based disorder means there is a real place for ADD in the medical field. ADD is not a mythical illness, although many people would like us to believe otherwise. There is no definitive medical or lab test to diagnose someone with ADD.

There are however, three definite symptoms, which help doctors diagnose someone with ADD. These include inattention or difficulty paying attention, impulsivity or acting without thinking, and hyperactivity or constant high-level of energy or motion.

These symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity must affect more than one aspect of a child or person’s life. A child cannot be hyperactive and impulsive at home and have no difficulties at school or in his or her social life. A situation like this would more likely be a result of inadequate or uneducated parenting. When a child is acting out only at school or home, it may signify a more severe problem exists in the family. This holds true for adults who have difficulty at work but not at home or in a social setting.

There are signs that Attention Deficit Disorder is a hereditary condition or has familial tendencies. A hereditary condition means that although not yet established more than likely, there is a genetic connection. A familial tendency means one or more family members, usually a parent, is diagnosed ADD or demonstrates similar symptoms of the disorder. Many adults diagnosed with Adult ADD did not receive a diagnosis until one or more of their own children received the diagnosis.

Other factors related to problems in pregnancy, being born too early, injury during birth or exposure to toxic chemicals, like lead paint in early childhood can be a reason a child exhibits the symptoms of ADD. ADD is not a mental illness, nor is it an excuse for bad behavior. There have been a variety of names for ADD in the past, including minimal brain dysfunction and brain damaged syndrome. Most medical professionals now refer to ADD or ADHD simply as AD/HD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder.