ADHD And ADD

What Is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental brain disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and decision making tasks.  These often lead to a range of behavior issues, causing significant challenges in school and at work, and interfering with social development and peer interactions.

Who has ADD/ADHD?

ADHD  is usually first diagnosed in school-aged children when it leads to disruption in the classroom or problems with schoolwork and often lasts into adulthood. It is more commonly diagnosed among boys than girls given differences in how the symptoms present. However, this does not mean that boys are more likely to have ADHD. Boys tend to present with hyperactivity and other externalizing symptoms whereas girls tend to have inactivity. 

Core ADHD symptoms include:

• lack of focus
• poor time management
• make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
• A short attention span for everyday tasks (e.g. chores and homework)
• exaggerated emotions
• hyperfocus
• hyperactivity
• forget or lose things a lot
• squirm or fidget
• talk too much
• have a hard time resisting temptation
• have trouble taking turns
• have difficulty getting along with others
• Procrastination
• Problems with follow-through
• Poor impulse control (e.g. speak before thinking)

What Causes ADD/ADHD?

The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are not clear, but current research shows that factors such as genetics,  low birth weight, birth trauma, maternal smoking and alcohol or drug use, jaundice, brain infections, and head injury can play a causative role in ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD are increased with the numerous unhealthy influences in our world today:

• Limited physical activity 
• Excessive use of video games
• Diets filled with processed foods, artificial coloring, and synthetic preservatives
• Exposure to environmental toxins (i.e. pesticides in food)