ADD / ADHD: Most Popular Articles

Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
The most prevalent symptoms of ADHD are inattention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. These symptoms are typically seen early in a child’s life, often when he enters a school setting. Problematic behaviors may continue into adolescence and adulthood.

ADHD and Jobs
What are some good jobs and careers for those with ADD or ADHD?

What is ADD/ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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.

Best Jobs For ADD or ADHD
What are the best jobs for individuals with ADD or ADHD?

ADD/ADHD Treatment
There is no cure of ADHD, however, there are many treatment approaches that may alleviate or significantly decrease ADHD symptoms. As a result, improvements are evident in school/work performance, relationships with others improve, and self esteem increases.

Warrant Further Evaluation
Learn more about signs that might warrant further evaluation.

Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD
An abundance of information must be gathered in order for a doctor or mental health professional to make the diagnosis of ADHD. Evaluation often involves clinical interviews, behavior checklists, observation, as well as psychological and educational testing. A physical exam may be required. A complete family medical history is also helpful. Diagnosis of ADHD requires that an individual meet the criteria requirements defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV).

Living with ADD/ADHD
What is it like to live with ADHD on a daily basis? Distractibility, restlessness, difficulty organizing self, tendency to act or blurt out before thinking, frustrations, forgetfulness, difficulty maintaining long term relationships, isolation - these are just a few of the issues individuals with ADHD and their loved ones must learn to cope with and develop strategies for navigating.

Tips for Maintaining Focus
Many adults with Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD have difficulty maintaining focus. Read on to learn tips for dealing with distractibility.

Work Success
Imagine having trouble remembering information, managing your time, organizing and prioritizing, screening out distractions, and just getting started. What if you have trouble figuring out what is important and you get bogged down and stuck on details that are not relevant or important? What about deadlines that seem to sneak up so quickly? These are some of the problems adults with ADHD often have. Luckily, there are many strategies and tips to help find success in the workplace.

Famous People with ADHD
If you or someone you love has ADD/ADHD, you are in good company! Some of the most creative, innovative, and imaginative people are in this group. Check out this page to see which famous individuals also have or are speculated of having ADHD.

Girls and ADHD
We are only just beginning to understand more about ADD ADHD in girls. In fact, boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder as compared to girls. What are some of the signs of ADD ADHD in girls?

Types of ADHD
ADD or ADHD? Sometimes it is confusing to sort through the different types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. What are the differences between ADD and ADHD in children? Read on to learn.

Signs of Inattention
What are some examples of inattention and distractibility? Read on to learn more.

ADHD and Alcohol Use
We all want our ADHD children and teens to make good decisions related to alcohol and drugs. Read on to learn parenting tips to help ADHD pre-teens and teens make good choices.

ADHD and Parenting
Parenting an ADHD child can be a challenge. One About.com user writes in for parenting advice.

Parenting Strategies
Parenting and ADHD child can present some challenges. What are some good parenting strategies for children with ADHD?

ADD vs 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.

Treatment of ADHD
The best outcome for individuals with ADHD includes a combined treatment of therapies and once-a-day medication. Read on to learn more.

Behavioral Interventions
ADHD, while not caused by environmental factors, can certainly be influenced by them. A chaotic, unstructured, unorganized setting can exacerbate symptoms. On the flip side, a setting that is structured, predictable, and motivating can greatly help. Read on to learn more about behavioral modifications and interventions.

Tips for a Happy Home
Being a parent is a tough job. At times it can be exhausting and overwhelming. It is normal to worry about our children. We wish for the best for them. It is hard to see them struggle and glorious to see them succeed. Parenting a child with ADD/ADHD can triple, even quadruple these feelings.

School Success
Children with ADD/ADHD are often viewed as difficult. Their fidgeting, squirming, and loud behaviors can be very disruptive to the classroom setting. Children with ADD/ADHD often seem oppositional when they are not following directions due to their inattention. Their distractibility, blurting out, interrupting others, and getting up and down out of their seats may create frustration for the teacher and other classmates. Fortunately, there are strategies teachers can use to help.

Stimulants and Heart Health
It is recommended that children with ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder receive heart screenings, electrocardiograms, before treatment with stimulant drugs such as ritalin due to possible side effects.

Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD
A Diagnosis of ADHD requires that an individual meet the criteria requirements listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

Medications
Medications can be helpful in reducing impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and increasing focus and attention in individuals with ADD/ADHD.

Simple School Strategies
Creating time in the day to allow your ADD or ADHD child to engage in physical activity can make a difference in his success in the classroom. Dr. Lara Honos-Webb offers some simple tips for parents and teachers of ADHD children.

ADHD and Relationships
All relationships present challenges at some point in time. ADD and ADHD can certainly have a unique impact within relationships. Kate Kelly, ADHD expert and author, identifies the four major areas of difficulty in adult ADHD relationships.

ADHD and Nutrition
Good nutrition can play a complementary role in a child’s treatment. When an ADHD child’s diet is balanced and healthy, his ADHD symptoms may be a little better controlled. Jennifer Shu, pediatrician and author, offers advice.

Informing at Work
Should you inform your employer and other people at work that you have ADD or ADHD?

Understanding Your ADHD Spouse
It can be frustrating to be the spouse of an individual with ADHD, especially when your partner appears unmotivated to change or is reluctant to get into treatment.

Signs of Impulsivity
What are some examples of impulsive behaviors? Read on to learn more.

ADHD and Exercise
Exercise can be helpful for improving ADHD symptoms. How does exercise affect ADHD and the brain? John J. Ratey, MD, provides some answers.

Organizing the ADHD Household
What are tips for making the ADHD household more organized, so an individual with ADD or ADHD can function most effectively from day to day? What organization strategies help relieve some of the responsibility off of the non-ADHD spouse? Dr. David Goodman provides some advice.

What is it like to have ADHD?
What if those without ADHD could experience what it is really like to have ADD or ADHD? Perhaps perceptions would change. They would be more empathetic to those with ADHD. They would become better informed and as a result they could more effectively implement strategies to help these children succeed. Learn more about Attention Challenges Simulation.

Evaluation Process
Lots of information must be gathered in order for your physician or mental health professional to make the diagnosis of ADHD. Read on to learn about what to expect, questions to ask, and information to have available.

Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Between 30 and 50 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD also have disruptive behaviors such as those seen in oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.

The Basics
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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.

Maintain a Scream Free Home
Sometimes it is hard to get ADHD children to listen and follow directions. This leads to stressful feelings and frustrations on the part of the parent. At times we may lose our cool. What is the best way to remain in calm and in control? Kirk Martin, Executive Director of Celebrate!ADHD provides some parenting tips.

Women and ADHD
Many females with ADHD remain undiagnosed until adulthood. Some are overlooked altogether and never diagnosed. Why?

Take Control of Your ADHD
ADHD coaching can play a powerful complementary role in the treatment of ADD and ADHD. ADHD coaching teaches individuals to take control and make positive changes in their life. Nancy Ratey provides more information about self coaching.

Homework Strategies
Homework, homework…does anyone really like homework? For a child with ADD or ADHD just getting the assignment written down and the correct books in the book bag to go home can be a monumental task.

Improving Relationships
Do you have ADD or ADHD? Does your partner? ADHD can certainly present unique challenges in a relationship. Kate Kelly, ADHD expert and author, provides tips for both the ADHD individual and the non-ADHD partner.

What Causes ADD/ADHD?
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.

When Your Spouse Has ADHD
What's it like when your spouse has ADHD?

ADHD, Adderall and Sleep
Can Adderall have an effect on sleep patterns for individuals with ADHD or ADD? Dr. Helene Emsellem provides some answers. Read on to learn more.

Living with Adult ADHD
What's it like to be an adult living with ADHD?

Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders are characterized by extreme worry, fear and nervousness.

Mood Disorders
The most common mood disorders include Depression and Bipolar Disorder.

Parenting the ADD/ADHD Child
Parenting children or teens with ADD or ADHD, we can sometimes get caught in the trap of focusing only on the problem behaviors in children with ADD or ADHD. In doing this we lose site of the unique abilities and strengths that each child possesses. Dr. Lara Honos-Webb gives tips on positive parenting strategies to help your child with ADHD.

Signs of Hyperactivity
What are some examples of hyperactive behaviors? Read on to learn more.

Adult ADHD: Point-of-View
After being diagnosed with ADHD at age 50 and receiving treatment for the last 10 years, Larry’s life has taken a tremendous turn for the better.

Living with ADHD - Teens
What's it like to be an adolescent living with ADHD?

Reducing Meds Side Effects
Common side effects of ADHD stimulant medicine include stomachaches, headaches, decrease in appetite, and difficulty with sleep. Luckily, there are some simple strategies parents can try to help alleviate these side effects.

Relationships At Work
Sometimes relationships can be difficult for adults with ADD or ADHD. How can an ADD or ADHD individual improve relationships and social skills at work and in social settings in general? Read on to learn some tips.

Pump It Up!
Research suggests that mental exercises may increase working memory in individuals with ADHD. Read on to learn more about working memory and ways to improve it!

Improving Communication
Parenting an ADHD child can present some challenges. Many parents express frustrations over simply getting their ADD or ADHD child to slow down, pay attention, and follow directions. Kirk Martin, Executive Director of Celebrate!ADHD, provides expert advice.

Making Friends and ADHD
Peer relationships can be a real challenge for children with ADHD. Dr. Linda Sonna provides tips for helping your ADHD child develop and maintain friendships.

Coaching ADHD Students
ADHD coaching can make a difference in the success of high school and college students with ADD or ADHD.

Parenting a Child with ADHD
What's it like parenting a child with ADHD?

De-Clutter and Get Organized
For those with ADD or ADHD, organization and getting rid of clutter can feel like an insurmountable task. Luckily, there are some simple strategies you can implement to get yourself started and keep items organized so tasks don’t become too overwhelming. Rosemary Chieppo, the Organizing Guru, provides tips that are especially helpful for those with ADD/ADHD.

Hyperfocus
If a child or adult has an attention deficit (ADD or ADHD), how can he/she focus for hours on one activity? It is a phenomenon called "hyperfocus."

Learning Disabilities
Approximately 20 to 30 percent of children with ADHD also have a specific learning disability.

Tips For Being On Time
Time management is often an issue, especially for adults with ADD or ADHD. What are some tips for getting to places on time? Stop running late with these simple solutions from ADHD coach, Kay Grossman.

ADHD Related Conditions
As many as one third of children with ADHD have one or more coexisting conditions. Adults with ADHD show an even higher incidence. The most common of these are behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. Sometimes these conditions are secondary to the ADHD. Sometimes these conditions are present on top of or in addition to the ADHD.

Job Rights and Accommodations
What kinds of protections do ADD or ADHD workers have? How can an ADHD employee request a job accommodation? What can be done when accommodations are not provided? Dr. Suzanne Gosden Kitchen provides some answers.

Moms with ADD/ADHD
The phone is ringing. Two of your kids are arguing and yelling. The dog is scratching at the door to go out. Your toddler is at your feet crying and wanting to be picked up. Your husband is still at work. A pot of water is boiling on the stove ready for spaghetti noodles. Dinner is late. You are exasperated, tired, overwhelmed. Being a mother can be tough!

Celebrating ADD/ADHD
So often the diagnosis of ADHD is viewed as negative, as a shortcoming, a defect. Its own name uses the term “disorder”- attention deficit “disorder.” The truth is some of the most creative and innovative people are thought to have ADHD. Among the list of those are comedians Jim Carrey and Robin Williams, athletes Michael Jordan and Pete Rose, inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, physicist Albert Einstein and composer Wolfgang Mozart. So if you have ADHD, you are in great company!

Living with ADHD as a Child
What's it like for a child living with ADHD?

Friendships and ADHD
Maintaining friendships can be a struggle for those with ADD or ADHD, but positive relationships are important in our lives.

ADHD Parenting Tips
Being a parent is a tough job. At times it can be exhausting and overwhelming. It is normal to worry about our children. We wish for the best for them. It is hard to see them struggle and glorious to see them succeed. Parenting a child with ADD/ADHD can triple, even quadruple these feelings.

Prevalence of ADHD
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimate that between 3 and 5 percent of preschool and school age children have ADHD or approximately two million children in the United States.

The ADHD Experience
What's it like to have ADHD or ADD? Readers share some of their personal experiences with ADHD and ADD.

Treatment for Women
Treatment for women with ADHD may include a multitude of approaches. Read on to learn more.

The Importance of Sleep
Many people with ADD or ADHD have difficulty getting the sleep they need. Why is sleep so important? The National Sleep Foundation and sleep expert, Dr. Helene Emsellem, provide some answers.

Organizational Skills
Definition

ADHD Parent Starter Kit
Parents of children with ADHD share a vital role in their child’s treatment process. Where does a parent turn for ADHD treatment guidance and education? Your child’s doctor is obviously an important source of information. Another wonderful resource is "The Responsible Rx Parent Starter Kit."

ADHD Predominantly Inattentive
Definition

ADD
What is it?

Homework Tip
What is a good strategy to get your ADD or ADHD child focused on homework? Read on to learn a simple homework tips using timers.

Bill Paying in 5 Simple Steps
For those adults with ADD or ADHD, organizing finances and getting bills paid on time can be a frustrating task. Developing a simple system for getting bills paid can be a real lifesaver.

Interventions for Preschoolers
Research finds that treatment approaches that focus on parent education are effective in reducing problematic behaviors in preschool age children.

Tips For The Summer
For children with ADHD, a routine and a regular schedule continue to be important during the summer months. Read on to learn tips for putting a summer schedule in place for your ADHD child.

Signs of Creativity
Creativity is a trait that is often shared by those with ADHD. How can parents learn to recognize signs of creativity? Read on to learn more about ADHD and creativity.

Strategies for Moms
"Sometimes I get so overwhelmed at home! What are some practical strategies moms with ADD/ADHD can use at home?" Read on to learn more.

Behavior Modification
Definition

Organizations and Support
Listing of ADD/ADHD Organizations and Support Groups.

ADHD and Brain Development
A recent study out of the University of Queensland in Australia finds that attention problems in boys may be a result of brain development.

Tourette Syndrome
A small percentage of individuals with ADHD also have a neurological disorder called Tourette syndrome.

The ADHD Experience - Part 3
What's it like to have ADHD or ADD? Readers share some of their personal experiences with ADHD and ADD.

ADHD and Driving
All parents worry when their teen reaches driving age. Parents of teens with ADHD may have even more reason to be concerned.

Initiate and Complete Tasks
Why is it often so hard for those with ADD or ADHD to get tasks started? Once started, why is it so hard to get them completed? Ned Hallowell explains and provides tips for getting those to-do lists done.

Strategies for Women
Read about helpful strategies for women with ADHD.

Psychiatrist
Definition

David Neeleman
Meet David Neeleman: Founder, JetBlue Airways

Public Awareness Campaign
New York University Child Study Center has launched a provocative public awareness campaign called “Ransom Notes.” Read on to learn more.

Taking Care of Ourselves
Taking care of ourselves –- this sounds so basic, so simple, but many of us neglect this important notion. Our days are busy. Responsibilities are pulling us in so many different directions. If something has to give, our self care is usually the first to go…but it really shouldn’t be!

Books for College Students
Listing of recommending reading for college students with ADD/ADHD.

Risk Factors
What are the risk factors for ADD/ADHD?

The ADHD Experience - Part 2
What's it like to have ADHD or ADD? Readers share some of their personal experiences with ADHD and ADD.

Value Your Child's Creativity
There are gifts that accompany ADHD. One gift that many individuals with ADHD possess is the gift of creativity. What can parents and teachers do to nurture this creativity?

Paul Orfalea
Meet Paul Orfalea: Founder, Kinko’s

Books on Adult ADD/ADHD
List of helpful books for adults with ADD/ADHD.

Identifying Coexisting Conditi
When diagnosing ADHD it is important to sort out and identify all underlying problems or coexisting conditions. The best way to do this is through careful observation and evaluation by a well qualified professional.

Treating the Whole Child
When treating children, especially those with ADHD, it is important to consider stressors that may be increasing problematic behaviors. By simply treating symptoms, we may neglect to look deeper into the underlying causes of the behaviors.

ADHD Combined Type
Definition

Treatment Providers
There are so many options out there that it may sometimes seem confusing. How does one decide between all the different health care providers – pediatricians, family physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and counselors? Once you’ve narrowed down your search, how do you choose the right person?

Adderall
What is it?

ADHD: A Personal Experience
An ADHD husband and father shares about how ADHD, ADD has impacted his life, including how it has affected his family relationships, feelings of self blame, and negative attitude. He also shares how treatment has changed his life for the good.

Fathers and ADHD Treatment
Fathers can be an important part of the treatment process for children with ADHD. Read on to learn more about COACHES, a parenting program geared to dads.

ADD / ADHD - Articles
An index of Articles for the ADD / ADHD guide site.

Benefits of White Noise
New research in Sweden has found that the presence of white noise appears to help distractible ADHD children concentrate and pay better attention while learning. A control group of children without ADHD performed better in silence without the extra background noise. The report will be published in the October Psychological Review.

Books for Parents
Listing of ADHD related books for parents.

Amphetamines
Definition

American Psychiatric Assoc
What is it?

ADHD Monitoring Program
Dr. David Rabiner of Duke University has developed a simple system that parents can use to monitor the effectiveness of ADHD treatments.

Books for Children and Teens
Reading is fun! Here are some recommended books for children and teens with ADHD.

Ritalin
What is it?

Loving Your Child
Days are busy when parenting a child with ADHD or ADD, but it is important to slow down and express your love. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a wonderful list of ways to show your love for your child this Valentine’s Day.

Hyperactive Impulsive Type
Definition

AACAP
What is it?

Coping with Holiday Stress
What is it about holiday season that can be so much fun, yet so disruptive at the same time? Holidays are filled with family, love, and celebration, but holidays can also create stress. This time of year can be a particularly disruptive time for children and adults with ADHD.

Standardized Tests
Definition

Concerta
What is it?

Dopamine
What is it?

magazines and newsletters
Listing of ADHD magazines and newsletters.

Inattention
Definition

Counseling
Counseling/psychotherapy provides an individual with ADHD a place to process feelings and develop strategies for dealing with the effects of ADHD.

Multimodal Treatment
Definition

Stimulant Medication
Definition

American Psychological Assoc
What is it?

MRI
What is it?

Strattera
Definition

Tips for Teachers
Children with ADD/ADHD are often viewed as difficult. Their fidgeting, squirming, and loud behaviors can be very disruptive to the classroom setting. Children with ADD/ADHD often seem oppositional when they are not following directions due to their inattention. Their distractibility, blurting out, interrupting others, and getting up and down out of their seats may create frustration for the teacher and other classmates. Fortunately, there are strategies teachers can use to help.

Section 504
What is it?

ADD / ADHD - FAQs
An index of FAQs for the ADD / ADHD guide site.

Neurotransmitters
Definition

Symptom
Definition

Artist Robert Toth
Robert Toth is a famous artist with ADHD and dyslexia. Read more about how he found strength and creativity in his ADHD and dyslexia.

Neurological
Definition

NIMH
What is it?

Biofeedback
Definition

Genetic
Definition

IEP
What is it?

Impulsiveness
Definition

Learning Disability
Definition

Methylphenidate
Definition

AAP
What is it?

ADHD
Definition

Hyperactivity
Definition

IDEA
What does IDEA mean?