Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a group of symptoms appearing in childhood that affect concentration and an individual’s ability to focus. It can also cause mood swings and other social problems. ADD has three subgroups: ADD Inattentive Type, ADD Hyperactive Type, and ADD Impulsive Type. The signs and symptoms of each will be discussed under Step 2 below.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

ADD, with or without hyperactivity, that has had not been diagnosed in adults, is often misunderstood, and can negatively impact their entire lives. Individuals undiagnosed and untreated may be:

• Mentally and socially stunted, affecting their social skills and self-esteem, and leaving them unable to function in the mainstream of life;
• Unable to verbalize problems or complaints;
• Viewed as being immature, lacking self-awareness, and in constant demand of attention;
• Irritable, unable to express feelings or accept responsibility for behaviors, and become easily upset;
• Afraid of criticism and lack impulse control;
• Unable to remember details at work, home or school, creating mistakes, which in turn makes them appear careless or unintelligent.http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-add-adhd/add-adhd-and-you.htm

This article on How to Diagnose ADD/ADHD will discuss the causes, signs and symptoms, and diagnosis of the disorder in both adults and children. For information on treatment, please read How to Treat ADD/ADHD.

Many mental disorders have no exact known cause and ADD/ADHD is no exception. It is believed there are many factors involved in this disorder, and parenting skills had little to do with the cause. Parents can help their children by learning about ADD/ADHD and how their environment may play a part in the success of their treatment. Some of the believed contributing causes are:

Genetics

1. A child with a relative that has ADD/ADHD is four times more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder.
2. Genes that are involved with the brain chemical dopamine are being studied, as people with ADD/ADHD appear to have lower levels of dopamine.
3. There is a particular gene associated with ADD/ADHD which causes children to have thinner brain tissue in the attention areas of the brain. These differences are resolved, however, as the child becomes an adult.
4. Genes are being studied all over the world and the information is being collected by the ADHD Molecular Genetics Network. http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/causes-of-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

Brain Injury In a very small percentage of children head injuries may cause ADD. These injuries could be from toxins or injuries that are physical, before or after birth. Experts believe ADD/ADHD is caused from possible damage to the front lobe.http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/causes-of-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

Nutrition and Food

1. In 1982, research showed that eliminating some food additives and sugar has been shown to reduce the range of abnormal behaviors associated with ADD/ADHD in approximately 5% of children. Current research does not support the link with sugar.
2. Some studies have shown that a lack of omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Giving some children supplements has been effective in alleviating their ADHD symptoms.http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/causes-of-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

The Environment

1. Maternal smoking may also be linked to ADD/ADHD, but since many mothers who have ADD/ADHD may be more likely to smoke, genetics cannot be eliminated. Nicotine does cause a lack of oxygen when the baby is in utero.
2. It is possible that lead can contribute to ADD/ADHD. Older buildings may still contain paint or old plumbing that contains lead.http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/causes-of-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/

Other Possible Causes

1. Presently research is being done on the front lobes of the brain which control “problem-solving, planning, understanding other people’s behavior, and restraining our impulses. The brain is divided into two halves, and the two frontal lobes communicate through a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum. These areas, and nearby brain cells, are being examined by ADHD researchers. Using brain imaging methods, the experts can get an idea of the location of the psychological deficits of ADHD.”
2. The amount of white matter in children with ADD/ADHD who had never taken medications was abnormally small. Those on medication had brain volumes that were similar to children who did not have ADD/ADHD.http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/causes-of-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd/
3. On May 17, 2010, it was announced that a possible link has been found that may connect organophosphate pesticides to ADHD. Organophosphates are found in the air, food, dirt, soil, and on pets. It takes 3-6 days to eliminate it from your system. It was found in heavier concentrations on frozen blueberries, strawberries, and celery. It is neurotoxic to insects, so it is suspected it could affect the brain in ADHD. It is not recommended that children eliminate fruits and vegetables from their diet, but it is suggested that you buy your produce locally, eat items that are in season, and ask your grocer where the produce comes from and if it is safe.

Signs and Symptoms in Children

Most children forget their homework once in a while, daydream, do things without thinking, or fidget at suppertime. Many children can’t sit still, don’t listen, don’t follow instructions, or blurt out things that may be inappropriate. These things may cause problems at home or school, and affect their ability to learn and get along with others. When many people think of attention deficit disorder, they picture an out-of-control kid in constant motion, bouncing off the walls and disrupting everyone around. But this is not the only possible picture. Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly—with their attention miles away. Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive. While sometimes these children are labeled as troublemakers, they may actually have ADD/ADHD.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Inattentive signs and symptoms:

- Ignores details and makes mistakes that are careless;
- Distracts easily and unable to stay focused;
- Appears not to listen when spoken to
- Has trouble remembering things and following instructions
- Lacks organization and planning skills, and the ability to complete projects;
- Often loses or can’t find homework and other items.

Children who have only inattentive symptoms are difficult differentiate because they are not disruptive. These children are able to pay attention when they are doing things they like or hearing about subjects they enjoy, otherwise they get bored and don’t pay attention.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Hyperactive signs and symptoms

- Always fidgeting and squirming;
- Out of seat and disturbing class when supposed to sit quietly;
- Running, climbing or moving constantly;
- Has trouble being quite, talks too much;
- Never slows down as if child had a motor running him/her.

“The most obvious sign of ADD/ADHD is hyperactivity. While many children are naturally quite active, kids with hyperactive symptoms of attention deficit disorder are always moving.” They cannot sit completely still without moving at least one part of their body such as foot tapping, leg shaking, or fingers drumming.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Impulsivity signs and symptoms:

- Answers questions before they are completed;
- Has problems waiting for his/her turn
- Constantly interrupts;
- Butts in to games or conversations of others;
- Throws temper tantrums or has outbursts because unable to keep emotions under control.

The impulsivity part of the disorder causes self-control problems. The child may be moody or be over emotional, and often classified by others as weird, needy, or just plain disrespectful.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Positive effects of ADD/ADHD

There are also some positive effects found in children with ADD/ADHD, such as: being creative and sometimes seeing what others don’t see; flexible and open to different ideas; enthusiastic, spontaneous and seldom boring; have energy and drive when they are doing something they enjoy; and, since ADD/ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence, they are often quite intelligent or have an artistic gift.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Signs and Symptoms in Adults

Some of the symptoms found in adults are:

- Chronic lateness and forgetfulness;
- Anxiety;
- Lack of organizational skills;
- Low self-esteem;
- Employment problems;
- Difficulty controlling anger;
- Impulsiveness.

If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause emotional, social, occupational, and academic problems in adults.http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/diagnosing-adhd

The first step in relieving the symptoms of ADD/ADHD is getting a proper diagnosis. Understanding what the diagnosis really means will start the individual towards getting the proper help and treatment.

Testing

Diagnosing ADD/ADHD does not involve one single test of any kind. The health professional may use several different tools, such as a symptom checklist, asking questions about problems had in the past and present, and a medical examination to rule out any other disorder. There are other disorders that have the same symptoms, so getting a professional who is familiar with ADD/ADHD for the diagnosis is very important. Being open and honest with the doctor is extremely important to the evaluation. The three key elements of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis are hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

Diagnosis

Children: The medical health professional will take the following steps in order to reach a diagnosis in children:

- Obtain a thorough medical and family history.
- Order or conduct a general physical and/or neurological exam.
- Lead a comprehensive interview with the parent, the child, and the child’s teacher(s).
- Use standardized screening tools for ADD / ADHD.
- Observe the child at play or school.
- Use psychological tests in order to measure IQ and social and emotional adjustment.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

Adults: In addition to a thorough medical examination, family history, screening tools, and talking to family and friends, the doctor will need the following questions answered to make a diagnosis:

- How severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with the individual’s education, career, relationships, or social life? The symptoms must have a negative impact on his/her life to be considered ADD/ADHD.
- When the symptoms started? ADD/ADHD starts in childhood so it is important to know when the symptoms began to occur.
- How long the individual has had the symptoms. They must be present for at least six months for a diagnosis.
- When and where the symptoms appear. They must appear in multiple settings.http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_diagnosis.htm

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any mental health diagnosis.