ADHD/ADD Research
ADD/ADHD
Research
ADHD and ADD
ADHD is real in the view of many scientific researchers and families. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is the most commonly reported childhood behavioral disorder, affecting between 3 and 7% of American children. It is characterized by poor attention span, impulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity in some children. The diagnostic criteria are strictly observational, and there are no objective laboratory tests to confirm that diagnosis. Subjective evaluations of annoying, distracting, or inattentive behavior make the “diagnosis” of ADD/ADHD speculative at best. It inhibits a person's ability to stay on a task and to exercise age-appropriate decisions. There are many different types of ADHD: a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype (affects the social aspect of a person with ADHD, louder individuals), a predominantly inattentive subtype (the opposite or impulsive, these people tend to gaze off and keep to themselves), and a combined subtype (which includes periods of both impulsive and inattentive). ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, although the condition can continue into the adult years.
Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. ADHD probably results from multiple factors. In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible environmental factors, and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and the social environment might contribute to ADHD.
Results from several international studies of twins show that ADHD often runs in families. Researchers are looking at several genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder. Knowing the genes involved may one day help researchers prevent the disorder before symptoms develop. Learning about specific genes could also lead to better treatments. Children with ADHD who carry a particular version of a certain gene have thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain
Research
ADHD and ADD
ADHD is real in the view of many scientific researchers and families. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is the most commonly reported childhood behavioral disorder, affecting between 3 and 7% of American children. It is characterized by poor attention span, impulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity in some children. The diagnostic criteria are strictly observational, and there are no objective laboratory tests to confirm that diagnosis. Subjective evaluations of annoying, distracting, or inattentive behavior make the “diagnosis” of ADD/ADHD speculative at best. It inhibits a person's ability to stay on a task and to exercise age-appropriate decisions. There are many different types of ADHD: a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype (affects the social aspect of a person with ADHD, louder individuals), a predominantly inattentive subtype (the opposite or impulsive, these people tend to gaze off and keep to themselves), and a combined subtype (which includes periods of both impulsive and inattentive). ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, although the condition can continue into the adult years.
Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. ADHD probably results from multiple factors. In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible environmental factors, and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and the social environment might contribute to ADHD.
Results from several international studies of twins show that ADHD often runs in families. Researchers are looking at several genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder. Knowing the genes involved may one day help researchers prevent the disorder before symptoms develop. Learning about specific genes could also lead to better treatments. Children with ADHD who carry a particular version of a certain gene have thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain