Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder is defined as a disorder in individuals who have difficulty maintaining an attention span because of their limited ability to concentrate and who exhibit impulsive actions. Attention Deficit Disorder often leads to learning and behavior problems at home, school and work. Attention Deficit Disorder is also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
According to the 2000 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD is a Disruptive Behavior Disorder characterized by on-going inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity occurring in several settings and more frequently and severely than is typical for individuals, in the same stage of development. Symptoms begin before age 7 years and can cause serious difficulties in home, school or work life. Attention Deficit Disorder can be managed through behavioral or medical interventions, or a combination of the two.
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Nearly all children are overactive and inattentive at times, but for attention deficit disorder children and their families, their behavior can be extreme and disruptive. Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder are: inattention to details and difficulty sustaining tasks and following instructions as well as completing tasks and or activities, often gets easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, or is often forgetful in their daily activities. In Attention Deficit Disorder, there is hyperactivity in which they often fidget with their hands or feet or squirm in their seat relentlessly. It is actually painful for a person with Attention Deficit Disorder to attempt to stay still. They often feel restless, often have difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly, or often talk excessively, as well as impulsively.
Treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder often includes drugs e.g. Ritalin which is a controversial medication, to say the least. Psychotherapy, behavior therapy, and special family education all have been part of current treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder.
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