Attention Deficit Disorder :: essays research papers

ADD 1 Running head: Attention Deficit Disorder ADD 2 Attention Deficit Disorder: The Effects of ADD Introduction Attention Deficit Disorder, which most people know as ADD, effects over two million people in the U.S. every year. Many people think ADD was discovered within the last twenty years when in actuality it was discovered over one hundred years ago. â€Å"ADD is considered a learning disability. However, children and adults who display some of the symptoms associated with ADD may hide a greater potential than expected† (Sympatico 38 of 40). Review of ADD ADD is a treatable but not curable disorder. It effects three to six percent of the population. It is usually found in children because that is when people are in the most active parts of their lives. Symptoms There are many symptoms that suggest that a person has ADD. One example is of a person not being able to stay in one place for a long period of time. Another is that the person becomes easily distracted, has difficulty awaiting his turn in games, blurts out answers of questions, has difficulty following instructions, or ADD 3 playing games quietly, talks excessively, and engages in dangerous activity. There are several ways through which ADD can be diagnosed. One way is by a specialist observing the child’s behavior. Another way of diagnosing ADD in a student is having the teacher fill out an evaluation sheet and turning it into the specialist, who interprets the data collected. Concerning observation of children, Sympatico says, â€Å" kids often have difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, are often ‘on the go’ or often act as if driven by a motor, often talk excessively† (27 of 40). Speculations Many Speculations have been given as to what causes ADD, but no one is for certain. One possibility is genetic/hereditary brain damage during or after birth or by toxins that are exposed to the child before or after birth. Also, â€Å" food allergies could cause ADD† (Sympatico 9 of 40). This theory has not been proven, but more scientific evidence is mounting and suggests that children can benefit from certain diets. Treatment ADD 4 There are several treatments that help children cope with ADD, but if a child goes untreated the disorder will increase the risks of a child’s educational performance, decrease self esteem, cause social problems and family difficulty, and have potential long term effects. The main treatment for ADD is medication. Medications are used everyday to treat the millions of people with ADD.