ADHD+or+ADD


 * ADHD** - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
 * ADD -** Attention Deficit Disorder

__What is ADD or ADHD__: ADHD and ADD are mental and learning disabilities in which a person is easily distracted and hyperactive. A person with ADD or ADHD has trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks, tends to act without thinking, and has trouble thinking. Also they have trouble sitting still are restless and fidgety or they may be impulsive. It always begins in early childhood and can continue into adulthood (it never develops in adults).

__What causes ADD or ADHD:__ The actual cause of ADHD and ADD is unknown, however genetics are most likely responsible. Ongoing research is focused on identifying genes that causes a person to be susceptible to ADHD and ADD. Research also shows that a mother's use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk of ADHD or ADD. These studies suggest that exposure to these things may cause symptoms associated with ADHD and ADD. It has been proven, by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, that sugar and food additives do not cause ADHD or ADD. ADHD and ADD tends to run in families.

__What are the treatments__: There is no cure for ADD or ADHD but there are treatments that can help control the symptoms. Treatments could be either medicine and/or behavior therapy. Stimulant medicines such amphetamines and methamphetamines are used to help control symptoms. Usually these stimulants decrease hyperactivity and increase focus. However, the medicines may cause side effects such as loss of appetite, headaches or stomachaches, twitches, and problems sleeping. Therapy focuses on changing the environment to improve the child's behavior. Counseling and extra support at home and at school can help children succeed at school and feel better about themselves. There is a new brain-training technique called neurofeedback, which is both controversial and expensive.

__General Public's Perception__: Many people believe that ADD and ADHD are mental conditions, however this is not the case as they are mental disorders, not conditions.

__Sources__ http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale(en%2C%2C)%3AFQE%3D(KE%2CNone%2C26)Attention+Deficit+Disorder%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=BasicSearchForm&tabID=T003&prodId=OVRC&searchId=R1&currentPosition=1&userGroupName=land18748&docId=A212854447&docType=IAC http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/tc/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-cause http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/tc/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-topic-overview Meeks, Linda, Philip Heit, and Randy Page. //Health and Wellness//. Columbus: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1999. Print. http://apimages.ap.org