by Ysabel J. Doran

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are medical diagnoses that describe a type cognitive dysfunction that causes the sufferer to be unable to concentrate, organize tasks and/or sit still, to a degree that it affects the ability to accomplish everyday tasks and get along well with others. ADD is the term used to describe attention difficulties that are not accompanied by hyperactivity. ADHD is the term used when excessive physical activity and disruptive behavior are part of the problem.

ADD and ADHD are most commonly identified in children, since the school setting is where an inability to concentrate or organize effectively will first become apparent. Very generally, the label of ADD or ADHD is reserved for those who exhibit these problems before the age of seven years, across a variety of life settings (school, home, social), for a lengthy time period, and to a degree that is markedly greater than same age peers.

Adult attention deficit disorder is also sometimes diagnosed. The same vigilance in diagnosis should be applied with adults as with children. A rush to hastily medicate should be avoided.

* If you think your child may have ADD/ADHD:

Currently there is a lot of debate about whether ADD and ADHD are over diagnosed, or perhaps under diagnosed. By adhering to a logical diagnosis process, parents can avoid incorrect diagnosis and improper mediation of their child.

An ADD/ADHD diagnosis should be made by a psychiatrist or psychologist only after appropriate cognitive and neurological testing to rule out other causes for the problem. A school counselor or school psychologist may make a recommendation for testing, but is not typically qualified to offer a medical diagnosis. A pediatrician, likewise should refer parents to a specialist for a full psycho neurological evaluation. Parents should not seek medication for their child until such an evaluation has been completed.

In children especially, several other problems can at first appear to be ADD/ADHD, or coexist with ADD/ADHD. These include some high functioning autistic spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, or mood problems, that are not treated the same way as ADD. In fact, ADD treatments are contraindicated for many of these, making correct diagnosis all the more important.

* Diagnosis:

ADD or ADHD cannot be definitively identified means of a blood test, brain scan or other imaging techniques. Rather, the diagnosis is made partly by elimination

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