What is ADHD / ADD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts
of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks.
ADHD symptoms vary by sub-type — inattentive, hyperactive, or combined
and are often more difficult to diagnose in girls and adults
ADHD can't be prevented or cured.
But spotting it early, plus having a good treatment and education plan,
can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms.
TYPES OF ADHD/ADD
Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD:
Act as if "driven by a motor" with little impulse control - moving, squirming and talking at even the most inappropriate times. They are impulsive, impatient and interrupt others
Primarily Inattentive ADHD (formerly ADD):
Have difficulty focusing, finishing tasks and following instructions. They are easily distracted and forgetful. They may be daydreamers who lose track of homework, cell phones and conversations with regularity.
Primarily Combined Type ADHD:
Display a mixture of all symptoms
WHAT CAUSES
ADHD/ADD
Genes:
ADHD tends to run in families
Chemicals:
Brain chemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance
Brain Changes:
Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD
Poor Nutrition,
Infections, smoking, drinking and substance abuse during pregnancy. These things can affect a baby's brain development
Toxins, such as lead:
They may affect a child's brain development
A brain injury or brain disorder:
Damage to the front of the brain (the frontal lobe) can cause problems controlling impulses and emotions
SUGAR doesn't cause ADHD. ADHD also isn't caused by too much TV, a stressful home life, poor schools or food allergies
