Attention Deficit

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently defined as a neurological disorder (brain disorder) that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

According to the National Mental Health Association, “ADHD is the most common psychiatric condition affecting children, estimates in prevalence in childhood range from 5 - 10%.” The ratio of ADHD boys to girls treated in clinical settings is 3:1.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls May Often Go Undiagnosed

Girls are often overlooked as they do not frequently display hyperactivity or behavioral problems. Girls are 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with a learning disability, more than 16 times more likely to have repeated a grade in school, and almost 10 times as likely to have been placed in a special class at school (Joseph Biederman, M.D., "Clinical Correlates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Females: Findings from a Large Group of Pediatrically and Psychiatrically Referred Girls," Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, August 1999, p. 966-975).

U.S. Is The World Leader In ADHD Drug Consumption

Most estimates indicate the United States has less than fifty percent of the ADHD population in the developed world. Yet, the US is the world leader in ADHD drug consumption at 90%. Conversely, Europe, which does not readily accept ADHD as a true disorder, labels only 1% of its child population as ‘hyperkinetic.’

Diffused Attention vs Attention Deficit

The mystery of AD/HD begins because the label, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a misnomer of sorts. People with the disorder do not have a deficit of attention, but they do have diffused attention; attention that is fleeting and can be sustained only for short periods before moving to another stimulus.

A Difficult Diagnosis

ADHD is an umbrella category that frequently engenders controversy. This may be attributable to the fact that everyone periodically exhibits the characteristics used to diagnose ADHD. These may include general problems with attention such as frequent distractibility, difficultly being organized or keeping track of things, making careless mistakes, and failing to complete tasks, etc. Common characteristics of hyperactivity can include excessive talking, constant fidgeting, or constantly being on the go as if driven by a motor. Since most everyone exhibits these characteristics, the ADHD diagnosis is dependent upon the frequency that the characteristics are exhibited. Typically the diagnosis is determined by analysis of parent and teacher rating scales (behavioral checklists) and a patient interview.

ADHD Can Be Easily Mistaken For Other Problems

Thus, the diagnosis is quite subjective (Bird 2002) and can be easily mistaken for other problems like learning disabilities, unidentified mood disorders, or parenting problems. By labeling such problems as due to ADHD, many children are given a quick fix via medication.