• Attention deficit disorder is a condition in which an individual exhibits a decreased attention span.  He or she can become easily distracted, and have difficulty focusing on tasks.  ADD is often associated with hyperactivity -- fidgeting, excessive talking, excessive activity level, impulsive and disruptive behavior.  The term ADD and this designation are generally applied to children with this disorder, but may also refer to adults.
  
• ADD has also become a catch-all classification for a group of symptoms describing undesirable behavior -- sometime eliciting unnecessary medication in children in an attempt to eradicate or modify behavioral problems.
  

• Lack of attention to details
  
• Failure to complete tasks
  
• Easily distracted
  
• Poor listening skills
  
• Hyperactivity
  
• Fidgeting
  
• Disruptive
  
• Moves constantly
  
• Talks excessively
  
• Interrupts others
  

1. Prematurity
   
2. Exposure to prenatal toxins
   
3. Brain injuries
   
4. Genetic
   

• Evaluation by psychologist or psychiatrist
  

• Medication explanation: It seems contradictory to use an amphetamine, i.e., a medication that normally "speeds one up," in a person who is already overactive/energetic.  The theory is that by over stimulating certain parts of the brain, they will tire and return to the normal range.
  

• Caution:

- A very large number of children are receiving the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity.  There is concern that it is being over diagnosed, and some children are inappropriately being placed on medication.  Difficult home situations, learning disabilities, frustrated teachers, and personality conflicts may lead to an inappropriate diagnosis.  When used for appropriate children/adults, medication can be very beneficial; and when used inappropriately, can lead to unwanted side effects and lack of improvement.

• Conduct disorders
  
• Anxiety disorders
  
• Sensory impairment (auditory impairment)
  
• Petit mal Epilepsy
  
• Dysthymic and depressive disorder