Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, is a neurobiological disorder affecting many people around the world. It is characterized by easy distractibility and a difficulty in staying focused on a task or activity for any period of time. Hyperactivity may or may not be present in persons with ADD, if so this is referred to as ADHD. ADD affects everyone differently. Researchers believe chemicals in the brain that are not working properly cause symptoms of ADD. Medication and psychological treatment may be prescribed to help cope with these symptoms though. Persons with ADD are in need of help from many of the people in their surroundings. They are very dependent on their parents, siblings, teachers, and relatives. With help from everyone persons with ADD can succeed in their environment.
History of ADD
ADD is a disorder that for quite some time no one could explain. Until 1902, people thought these types of children were just not good learners. In 1902 it was labeled as Morbid Defect of Moral Control. In 1922 it was called Post-encephalitic Behavior Disorder followed by Minimal Brain Dysfunction in 1960, and Hyperkinetic Impulse Disorder in 1968. It was not until 1980 that it was called ADD+H (Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity) and ADD-H (Attention Deficit Disorder without Hyperactivity). In 1987 it was called ADHD, which mean Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and then in 1994 there was ADHD and ADD. ADD being Attention Deficit Disorder without the Hyperactivity. ADD has gone through many different names over time.
Causes of ADD
Although no one is completely sure what causes ADD, researchers believe the symptoms of ADD are caused by a neurological dysfunction within the brain. Studies have shown the link between a person's ability to pay attention and the level of activity in their brain. ADD is a disorder that can either be acquired or inherited.
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