The Basics:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- also referred to ADD or ADHD -- is a biological, brain based condition that is characterized by poor attention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. It is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. Symptoms can continue into adolescence and adulthood. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to poor school/work performance, poor social relationships and a general feeling of low self esteem.

The most common characteristics of those with ADHD include:

- Poor attention; excessive distractibility
- Physical restlessness or hyperactivity
- Excessive impulsivity; saying or doing things without thinking
- Excessive and chronic procrastination
- Difficulty getting started on tasks
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Frequently losing things
- Poor organization, planning, and time management skills
- Excessive forgetfulness
- Not everyone with ADHD has all of these symptoms or the same level of impairment from their symptoms.

Prevalence of ADHD:

It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of preschool and school age children have ADHD or approximately two million children in the United States. This means in a class of 25 to 30 students, it is likely that at least one student will have this common condition.

ADHD begins in childhood, but it often lasts into adulthood. Studies estimate that 30-70 percent of children with ADHD will continue to have symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.

Causes:

The exact cause of ADHD has not been determined, however the condition is thought to have a genetic and biological component. ADHD tends to occur among family members. Many research studies currently focus on identifying which genes, or combination of genes, may cause a person to be more susceptible to ADHD. Physical differences in parts of the brain are also thought to be linked to ADHD.
Risk Factors

Many studies have found that the greatest risk factor for ADHD is being male. Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as compared to females. Genetics and heredity are also major risk factors, as ADHD tends runs in families. Brain abnormalities or structural differences have also been found in individuals with ADHD.

Additional suspected risk factors include maternal use of cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy which may affect brain development. Children who have been exposed to high levels of lead also may display ADHD symptoms.

Diet:

While there is some question as to how much of a link there is between diet and ADD/ADHD, studies have shown that removing processed and packaged foods high in sugar and sweets can decrease the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Not only can the “crash” associated with sugary foods add to impulse control problems, but it may also make it more difficult to concentrate. Creating a diet based on whole fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates as well as specific nutrients such as B-complex vitamins appears to increase the chances of improvement in those with ADD/ADHD.

Heredity:

Those with a family history of ADD/ADHD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves, although it is unclear whether this is due to genetic inheritance or environmental factors.

Developmental Difficulties:

It is possible that a child does not have ADD/ADHD at all. Instead, they may simply be behind developmentally, and eventually they will catch up. Everyone develops at a different pace, and it is important to understand the difference between an actual ADD/ADHD diagnosis and normal developmental issues.

Structural Differences:

Research has shown a possible difference between the brain structures of children with ADD/ADHD and those without the disorder. Although more research needs to be conducted, preliminary study has shown that some people with ADD/ADHD have forebrains that are about 10% smaller. The forebrain is the area in the brain that controls thoughts, behavior, and emotion, and this difference in size could account for the impulsivity and behavioral problems experienced by children and adolescents with ADD/ADHD.

Brain Damage:

Several pre-natal factors can cause damage to the brain of the developing fetus. These include maternal drug abuse, toxemia, radiation exposure, and infectious disease. After a child is born, other conditions can precipitate brain damage that may lead to ADD/ADHD such as extreme and prolonged fever, meningitis, head injury, and lead poisoning.

It is most likely that a combination of these factors has an influence on the development of ADD/ADHD and its symptoms.

ADD versus ADHD:

Wondering about the differences between ADD and ADHD? ADD or attention deficit disorder is a general term frequently used to describe individuals that have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder without the hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. The terms are often used interchangeably for both those who do and those who do not have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Read more about the Symptoms of ADHD and Diagnostic Criteria.
Source(s):
http://add.about.com/od/adhdthebasics/a/ADHDbasics.htm
http://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd/10-key-questions-about-attention-deficit...
http://www.mykidsdeservebetter.com/adhd/disease.asp
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/wellness_concerns/adhd/add_...
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/wellness_concerns/adhd/what...

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