Health Topics for Mental and Emotional Health

Department of Psychiatry

Attention deficit disorder: children

Attention deficit disorder is a childhood syndrome, also known as ADD. It is identified by:

• impulsiveness
• short attention span and
• sometimes hyperactivity

Teachers are often the first to notice something is not right. The child has problems focusing on work. He commonly does not finish tasks, or forgets to do or loses work. He is easily distracted. The child cannot sit still and is always fidgeting. Listening to and following directions is difficult. Talking out of turn and bothering others are common behavior of a child with ADD.

Children with ADD may create family problems. Behavior of a child with ADD can be frustrating to deal with, and the parents may blame the child's bad behavior instead of the disorder. The parents may feel angry or disappointed in how the child performs in school or social situations. Because school is frustrating, children with ADD may fail to progress. Since children with ADD are often impulsive, they are likely to get into trouble for breaking rules.

Many people with ADD grow out of it by their late teens or early twenties. However, they may be left with family problems, a poor education, and a reputation as a troublemaker. Less lucky are adults who remain affected by ADD. These people may have difficulties in jobs, personal relationships, and sometimes with the legal system.

Medications and therapy can help with ADD. Individual or family therapy is very helpful.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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