Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a term that is sometimes used for one of the presentations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurological disorder that causes a range of behavior problems such as difficulties with attending to instruction, focusing on schoolwork, keeping up with assignments, following instructions, completing tasks, and social interaction.

People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:

• Inattention – a person may have difficulty staying on task, sustaining focus, and staying organized, and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
• Hyperactivity – a person may seem to move about constantly, including in situations when it is not appropriate, or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks.
• Impulsivity – a person may act without thinking or have difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity could also include a desire for immediate rewards or the inability to delay gratification.