| Barriers To Attention | |
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| Barriers To Attention
What is ADD/ADHD? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is generally considered to be a neurobiologically-based disorder that is both diagnosable and treatable. It often occurs within the same family, so there appears to be a strong genetic link for the disorder. The primary symptoms include some combination of inattention and distractibility, impulsivity, and in some people, physical restlessness or hyperactive behaviors. Researchers believe that these symptoms of ADD/ADHD are caused by chemicals in the brain working inefficiently. There are three basic types of ADD/ADHD, according to the latest diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders--Fourth Edition): 1. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type-ADHD with inattention as the primary difficulty 2. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type--ADHD with hyperactivity and impulsivity as the primary difficulty 3. ADHD, Combined Type--ADHD with the combined characteristics of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention
The symptoms of the second and third types listed above are more easily recognizable in children, which makes the diagnosis and its resulting difficulties more readily noticeable. These children with ADHD may be loud, aggressive, always on the go, more likely to take risks, more likely to engage in dangerous behavior, and more like to talk back to adults. The first group mentioned above, the most common type identified in females, tend to be the quiet daydreamers. They are likely to misplace things, have difficulty working alone, do not finish tasks, and become lost in their own thoughts. Researchers estimate that ADHD occurs in as few as 1% and in as many as 20% of children under 18 years. The most accepted estimate is 3-5%. That translates into between one and three children in any classroom of 30 students.
Is there a difference between ADD and ADHD? The medical diagnosis is ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The term "ADD" is sometimes used to mean "ADHD" without the hyperactivity component; however, ADD is not an official medical diagnosis. ADD is also often used as a more generic term, to represent all types of ADHD.
What else can affect attention? There are a number of other things, other than or in addition to ADHD, that could affect attention. Head injuries, metabolic disturbances, hormone fluctuations or imbalances, allergies, autoimmune disorders, addictions, mood disorders, or hearing or vision difficulties...just to name a few. For this reason, The Affinity Center strives to provide a comprehensive evaluation before a diagnosis is made. The staff at The Affinity Center is trained and able to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental, emotional, and physical difficulties.
Doesn't everyone have symptoms of ADHD from time to time? Certainly, we all become restless, distracted, disorganized, or impulsive at times. The difference is that for most people, these behaviors are relatively infrequent and relatively mild. For people with a diagnosis of ADHD, these behaviors can become severe and consistent, to the point at which the symptoms cause an impairment in the person's ability to function. This could cause serious problems at school, at home, on the job, in relationships, or in other parts of a person's life.
Do I have ADHD? You may have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder if you experience several of the following: Inattention
Impulsivity
Activity Level
Affect and Mood
Disorganization
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