What Is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Many teachers and parents have received and will continue to receive the diagnosis of ADD for children who have problems. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has identified and defined this disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association (1980), ADD is indicated when children display inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity for their mental and chronological age. ADD may be diagnosed as with or without hyperactivity. Approximately 20% of the population will be diagnosed as having ADD.

Teachers and parents are the ones who usually seek help for children who exhibit the problems associated with ADD. Children from ages 8 to 10 years are most likely to be referred and diagnosed as ADD.

 The younger the child is when diagnosed as ADD, the more severe form of ADD they are likely to show. Conversely, if preadolescent and/or adolescent children are diagnosed, they will usually show a less severe form of ADD. ADD is most obvious in situations that call for self-application or in group situations, and may be absent in a one-to-one situation or in a situation that is novel to the child. These facts should be kept in mind as the criteria used for diagnosis of ADD are considered.

What Are the APA Characteristics of ADD?

The American Psychiatric Association (1980) uses the following criteria for diagnosing ADD.

1. Inattention (will exhibit at least three of the following): --often fails to finish things he or she starts --often seems not to listen --is easily distracted --has difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or other tasks requiring sustained attention --has difficulty sticking to a play activity
2. Impulsivity (will exhibit at least three of the following): --often acts before thinking --shifts excessively from one activity to another --has difficulty organizing work (this not being due to cognitive impairment) --needs a lot of supervision --frequently calls out in class --has difficulty awaiting turn in games or group situations
3. Hyperactivity--ADD may be diagnosed as with or without hyperactivity (if hyperactive, will show at least two of the following): --runs about or climbs on things excessively --has difficulty sitting still or fidgets excessively --has difficulty staying seated --moves about excessively during sleep --is always "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor"
4. Onset before age 7.
5. Duration of at least 6 months.
6. Not due to schizophrenia, affective disorder, or a severe or profound mental retardation.