Attention-Deficit Disorder with and without Hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD) has received national attention in recent years. Difficulty with sustained attention or erratic attention is the hallmark feature of ADD. Some children with ADD are also hyperactive and/or impulsive, often described as being in "constant motion." Diagnostically, these features are predominantly one, the other, or combined. In adults, the symptoms are life-long and can be traced back to childhood.

ADD is not a fad. It has been described in medical literature from the 18th century. In fact, underdiagnosis is by far the greater problem associated with ADD/ADHD than overdiagnosis. ADD is the most common psychological, learning and behavioral problem in children, affecting between 5% and 10% of the population (between 2% and 5% of adults). About half of children who suffer from ADD in childhood continue to have symptoms in adulthood that have a substantial impact on the quality of their life.

Untreated, 52% of those with ADD go on to develop substance abuse as adults; 43% of untreated aggressive, hyperactive boys will be arrested for a felony by the age of 16, 75% have interpersonal problems and 35% never finish high school. Diagnostically, six or more of the following symptoms persist for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level, with some symptoms present before the age of seven years: (Note: psychological diagnoses are made solely on the following criteria and can only be done by trained professionals.)

• often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
• often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
• often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
• often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
• is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• is often forgetful in daily activities

Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

A) Hyperactivity

• often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
• often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
• often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
• often talks excessively

B) Impulsivity

• often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• often has difficulty awaiting turn
• often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

The treatment for ADD/ADHD is multidimensional. At Chesapeake Psychological Services we intervene with education, support, parent training, effective behavior shaping and modifying techniques, social skills work, classroom management and homework strategies and medication.

For more information or help, feel free to contact Dr. Morgen.