You may wonder what is the difference between ADD and ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects children and adolescents. The condition once known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has now been classified as a type of ADHD. Some 3% to 5% of children suffer from this condition.

People with ADHD may show inattention, hyperactivity or both at levels that exceed the norm for their developmental stage. This may hamper their ability to function effectively at school, at home or in certain situations. Although the causes of ADHD are unknown, this condition affects areas in the brain that manage impulse control, problem solving, forward planning and understanding others. ADHD is treatable, but if it is left untreated, the symptoms may continue into adulthood.

Inattentive Type
There are three subtypes of ADHD. The first is the inattentive type. ADHD symptoms appear as a lack of attention to detail that may manifest in carelessness when completing schoolwork or other activities. Children might find it difficult to concentrate on play or assigned tasks. They may have problems with listening, following instructions and getting organized. They may avoid tasks that call for focused thinking and may be easily distracted. They may lose items such as homework or toys. Children with ADHD may find it difficult to follow conversations. If six or more of these symptoms are present, then it is likely that your child has this type of ADHD.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
The second subtype is the hyperactive-impulsive type. Children who have this type of ADHD may find it difficult to sit or play quietly, may be fidgety and may always be on the go. They may spend an unusual amount of time running or climbing, may talk excessively and may find it difficult to wait to hear a question before answering. They may interrupt when it's not appropriate and may find it difficult to take turns or wait in line. Children with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD may grab things from others and may be impulsive, resulting in accidents and injuries. If six or more of these symptoms are present, then it is likely that your child has this type of ADHD.

The third type of ADHD, known as the combined type, combines the symptoms from the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

Does My Child Have ADHD?
ADHD generally develops before the age of seven and lasts for six months or longer. ADHD symptoms generally appear in more than one setting (such as both at school and at home) and significantly affect the child's ability to function successfully. To be diagnosed as ADHD, the symptoms must not be related to another psychiatric disorder, such as a personality disorder, mood disorder, anxiety disorder or developmental disorder. Since all children may show symptoms that mimic ADHD at some time, it's important to exclude other potential causes, such as stress, depression or anxiety over something that is happening at home, at school or socially (moving house, divorce, illness or bereavement). If the symptoms are severe, persistent and pervasive, then it is possible that your child has ADHD.

Diagnosis and Risk Factors
ADHD is thought to involve differences in the brain, and boys are two to three times as likely to develop it as girls. If a parent or sibling has had ADHD, that increases a child's risk of developing it. Mothers who drink and smoke during pregnancy may also increase the risk of their children developing ADHD. Exposure to lead through the environment or drinking water may also be a risk factor. ADHD is diagnosed by doing a full medical evaluation to rule out other causes of the behaviors. Once it has been diagnosed, there are effective treatments for this illness.

Medication for ADHD
The treatments available for ADHD include medication and behavioral therapy. There are three types of medication that are commonly used, depending on the symptoms that a child exhibits. Stimulant medications are the most common. Side effects may include stomach problems, insomnia and irritability. Ritalin is the best known of these medications. Non-stimulant medications, which appear to have fewer side effects, have been used in the last five years. Antidepressants are sometimes used, though in rare cases this may increase the risk of suicide, according to a US Food and Drug Administration warning issued in 2004. Behavioral therapy has also been shown to be effective. It may include reorganizing children's space and using rewards for appropriate behavior.