An introduction to Attention Deficit Disorder. What are some ADHD facts? What causes Attention Deficit problems? What are common treatments for ADHD?

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An introduction to Attention Deficit Disorder

Here are a few ADHD facts:

(sources are listed after their related material and direct quotes are marked with quotes and are from the sources listed below the related information)

Some people call it ADD and some call it ADHD, but they are the same condition. ADHD is the most recent name given to the group of conditions known as attention deficit disorders. (http://home.att.net/~tamingthetriad/page24.html)

People with ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder usually exhibit a few distinct traits: a short attention span, impulse control issues, and restlessness. For instance, someone who tries to read a book, but cannot focus on the words long enough to absorb the concepts being presented, may have this problem.

Although we hear about this disorder in the media and in conversation, a surprisingly (to me) low percentage of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with it. "According to epidemiological data, approximately 4% to 6% of the U.S.

population has ADHD." ADHD does not usually go away after childhood, as may be popular belief, and so it is not limited to children. One-half to two-thirds of children with the disorder continue to have the same problems as adults. (http://www.add.org/content/abc/factsheet.htm)

When it was discovered in 1902, it was referred to a hyperactivity, and since then, there have been numerous disagreements about the 'facts', mostly between the American and European studies. American doctors believe it is a situational problem, occurring in only select circumstances, but Europeans say it is present in all situations. (http://okok.essortment.com/attentiondefici_refz.htm)

Causes of Attention Deficit problems:

Tredgold stated in 1908 that hyperactivity was linked to organic brain damage which he believed was caused by injury, oxygen deprivation, prenatal complications or infection during birth. Research has found this to be flawed, but that there may be a deficit in...