Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Imagine living in a fast-moving kaleidoscope, where sounds, images, and thoughts
are constantly shifting. Feeling easily bored, yet helpless to keep your mind
on tasks you need to complete. Distracted by unimportant sights and sounds,
your mind drives you from one thought or activity to the next. Perhaps you
are so wrapped up in a collage of thoughts and images that you don't notice
when someone speaks to you.
For many people, this is what it's like to have
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder. They may be unable to sit still, plan ahead,
finish tasks, or be fully aware of what's going on around them. To their
family, classmates or coworkers, they seem to exist in a whirlwind of disorganized
or frenzied activity. Unexpectedly--on some days and in some situations--they
seem fine, often leading others to think the person with ADHD can actually
control these behaviors. As a result, the disorder can mar the person's relationships
with others in addition to disrupting their daily life, consuming energy,
and diminishing self-esteem.
ADHD in Children
ADHD, once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most
common mental health disorders among children. It affects
3 to 5 percent of all
children, perhaps as many as 2 million American children. Two to three times
more boys than girls are affected. On the average, at least one child in every
classroom in the United States needs help for the disorder. ADHD often continues
into adolescence and adulthood, and can cause a lifetime of frustrated dreams
and emotional pain. But there is help...and hope. In the last decade, scientists have learned
much about the course of Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and are now able to identify and treat
children, adolescents, and adults who have
ADHD. A variety of medications, behavior-changing
therapies, and educational options are already available to help people with
ADHD focus their attention, build self-esteem, and function in new ways.
In addition, new avenues of research promise to further improve diagnosis
and treatment. With so many American children diagnosed as having attention
disorder, research on ADHD has become a national priority.
More Information on ADHD and ADHD Treatments
The following offers up-to-date information on attention deficit disorders as
well as NIMH-sponsored research in discovering underlying causes and effective
treatments
for ADHD. It describes treatment options,
strategies for coping with ADHD, and sources
of information and support. You'll find out
what it's like to have ADHD from
the stories of Mark, Lisa, and Henry. You'll see their early frustrations, their
steps toward getting help, and their hopes for the future.
next: Understanding
ADHD
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Reviewed: 01/2006
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