Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 3-5 percent of all American children. Attention deficit disorder interferes with a person's ability to stay on a task and to exercise age-appropriate inhibition. The principal characteristics of attention deficit disorder are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms appear early in a child's life. Attention deficit disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood, although the condition can continue into the adult years. There is no single treatment for attention deficit disorder. Psychostimulant drugs are the most common treatment. Although these drugs can relieve many symptoms, they don't cure attention deficit disorder. Counseling, special accommodations in the classroom, and family and community support are other key parts of treatment for attention deficit disorder.