ADD and ADHD are not diseases or mental retardation. People with ADHD are usually physically healthy and are often very smart and creative.
There are three patterns of behavior - hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity. A child may exhibit some or all of these behaviors.
No single cause has been found, although researchers have found chemical, size, and function differences in the brains of children with ADD and ADHD. Many have a close relative with the disorder.
While there are many different treatments available, including medication and behavioral therapy, there is no cure.
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Sites 8
- Child and Youth Health: If Your Friend Has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Learn what it is, the problems it causes, what parents and friends can do, medicines that help and tips from kids.
- Child and Youth Health: ADHD - What Is It? Learn symptoms and signs, causes and triggers, and how it is diagnosed.
- ADDmirableTeens Support for teen sufferers includes messages, chat, and photos. [Free membership required to post.]
- A Kid in My Class Has ADHD Describes what it is, what to do and not do, and good things about ADHD.
- 50 (or so) Great Things About Having ADD Focus on the more positive aspects of this disorder, including energy, persistence, and tolerance for chaos.
- OK, I Have ADHD, but Does Mom Have it Too? Describes what it's like to have a parent who also has ADHD.
- KidsHealth: Someone I Know Is Hyperactive Article explains what ADHD is, who gets it, what the symptoms are, and how it can be treated.
- TeensHealth: ADHD and ADD Article about what it is, signs and symptoms, causes, treatments, and how to cope.