ADHD awareness

ADHD is a disorder that affects people of every age, gender , IQ and background. Many believe that it only affects the young people but that is not the case. In the past the medical, psychological and those in charge of education in the U.S. declared ADHD to  be a real, brain based medical disorder. Appropriate treatment would help all those that suffered. Then the debate of what treatment was best.


Scientist are not sure what causes ADHD. It seems as if genes play a large role of what causes the disorder. There are likely a combination of factors. In addition to genes, researchers believe that environment, brain injuries, nutrition, and the social environment might contribute to ADHD. ADHD often does run in families.

It is believed that cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in children. Preschoolers exposed to high levels of lead, can sometimes be found in plumbing fixture or pain in older buildings. Researchers are debating on whether sugar causes ADHD or not. British researchers are trying to prove a link between consumption of certain food additives like artificial colors or preservatives and increase in activity.

Signs & Symptoms

• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
• Have difficulty focusing on one thing
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
• Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
• Not seem to listen when spoken to
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
• Struggle to follow instructions.

Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:

• Fidget and squirm in their seats
• Talk nonstop
• Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
• Be constantly in motion
• Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:

• Be very impatient
• Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
• Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
• Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.

ADHD can be mistaken for other problems such as emotional or disciplinary problems