ADD-ADHD: Are They The Same?

ADD and ADHD, these are two terms often used interchangeably to decribe a common neurological problem in which a child find it difficult to concentrate on any task for more than a couple of minutes and they also can't seem to sit still.

ADHD is the acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, while ADD is short for attention deficit disorder. The only telling difference is the word "hyperactivity". So it is not surprising that when the hyperactive element is absent, the kid will be said to have ADD. If there is hyperactivity, then he is ADHD. That used to be the way, but ever since 1994, the official term is ADHD.

If you refer to old resources to check up on this disorder, which is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorders in the West, you wll come across terms such as hyperkinesis, mental deficiency, and minimal brain damage. The term ADD was coined in the late 1970s and ADHD was coined in 1987 to reflect the idea of hyperactivity (formerly hyperkinesis) that usually goes hand in hand with the ADD.

There are basically three kinds of ADHD - namely ADHD, ADD and ADHD combined type (which is a combination of symptoms of ADD and ADHD)

ADHD kids are often very naughty, and because of that they are picked out very early on by teachers. The ADHD child displays hyperactivity. He moves about and cannot remain still. He is noisy and talkative. He cannot play quietly.

While many view this liveliness as a common childhood stuff, or perhaps the by-product of bad parenting, medical experts believe the problem could be genetic in nature. Most medical experts believe there is a biological cause for ADHD in that it is caused by an abnormality in the brain. Studies have found an imbalance in a several neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine. They rubbish suggestions that ADHD is due to high intake of sugar, premature births, drug abuse during pregnancy, food allergies or watching too much television.

Current studies estimates that between three and six per cent of children globally are affected by ADHD, with the condition somehow affecting more boys than girls in the ratio of 3:1.

As these studies show that ADD-ADHD cuts across all cultures and races, lack of diagnoses in other parts of the world (other than the developed countries, notably the US) is because of two key reasons: first, mental health workers are non common in these countries, and second, there is a huge stigma associated with mental health problems in many cultures, so even if diagnosis are made, it would not be publicised.

Critics say that ADD-ADHD figures are increasing because diagnosis is vague. Others point out that it is not easy to isolate symptoms of ADHD because many people with ADHD often also suffer other health problems. In addition to that, the symptoms displayed by a child with ADHD is very much like those of regular naughty kids. In fact, it looks similar to an attitude problem, and that is why it so often went undiagnosed.

Then there are a few people who simply refuse to believe that ADHD exists at all. These few believe that there is nothing wrong with their kids and all that they need to do is to give them a good whack.

However, many ADHD experts have warned that if ADD-ADHD is not treated early, the outcome could be terrible. It can lead to all sorts of problems, like ill-treating teachers, bully classmates, getting into fights, and may even end up with undesirous elements of society.

However, whether its known as ADD or ADHD, history is full of examples that many ADHD individuals eventually turned up to be intelligent and creative. He can be an outstanding individual, career wise, if the condition is taken seriously.

We are often asked by parents - Do children with ADHD outgrow it ?. You can get the answer from this popular site => www.adhdquestionsandanswers.com/

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