Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Technical definitions of these two labels are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM serves as the authoritative and comprehensive list of disorders. Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Doctors, Insurance companies, and other professionals use this list for diagnosing and treating purposes.

To sum it up, ADHD is: A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. This impairment must be observed in two or more settings, for example, school and home or work.

The following are the defining characteristics of ADD and ADHD. To separate normal childhood behavior from a true impairment, each item must be persistent enough to have interfered with normal development for at least six months.

Inattention (ADD) Must exhibit at least 6 of the 9 criteria

• Often fails to give close attention to detail; makes careless mistakes

• Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activity

• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

• Often does not follow through on instructions; fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties

• Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort

• Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities

• Easily distracted by outside stimuli

• Often forgetful in activities

Hyperactivity (ADHD) Must exhibit at least 6 of the 9 criteria

• Often fidgets with hands and feet or squirms in chair

• Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

• Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations when it is inappropriate. For adults or adolescents, this may appear as feelings of restlessness.

• Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

• Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"

• Often talks excessively

• Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed

• Often has difficulty awaiting turn

• Often interrupts or "butts in" on others

Right away you may notice that a lot depends on what is considered "normal." This subjectivity is one of the main difficulties with diagnosing ADD/ADHD. Another problem with this behavior-based diagnosis is that it does not address cause. Is the child acting this way due to an abnormal brain function that requires medication? Or, is it possible that this child is reacting to a food sensitivity? Poor diet? Lacking instruction in behavior? Bored? Confused?

The main problem with this description is that it totally ignores the "UP" side of highly-energetic, multi-tasking individuals who can think fast, and are often "quick on their feet" when action is needed. Many successful adults owe their success to behaviors that got them in trouble at school.

One of our main concerns with ADD/ADHD clients is their self-perception. Often, they struggle with peer and authority relationships, and are unable to figure out how to get along and make friends. This aspect alone can create a high-risk situation as their frustration turns to poor self-esteem, despair, and giving up on themselves. That is why it is so important to us to identify the individual's strengths and gifts as well as their challenges.

Our programs are drug-free, and offer techniques to help the individual be in charge of their energy level, and their focusing and attention abilities, without diminishing their gifts and abilities.

(return to Overcoming ADD/ADHD Page)

©2005 All content Dana Anderson. Use with permission only.