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Information about Attention Deficit Disorder.
What it is and how we see it.

D. Steven Ledingham,

Attention Deficit Disorder can be both a blessing or a curse or something in between. It can be clearly frustrating for both the person with ADD and the companion who does not have ADD. One of the important keys is to increase our level of understanding of what ADD is and is not.

ADD is currently classified as a Learning Disability in the United States based on the conditions defined in the DSM IV. It is a condition which, to a large extent has observable behaviors which can help us to determine if we, or someone we know has ADD-type behaviors. A medical diagnosis is critical to eliminate other factors and conditions which can produce ADD-type behaviors but are not related to ADD.

Current medical theory supports the idea that ADD is a condition that results from under activity in the brain in production of the neurotransmitters Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

Dopamine appears to be responsible for allowing us to block out distractions and interruptions, helping us to focus and stay on track.

Norepinephrine appears to be connected with transfer of memory from short term to long term, and involved with recall.

Estimates currently place the levels of these two neurotransmitters at 10 to 15% of the levels of the non-ADD brain.

Many aspects of the ADD brain such as creativity, spontaneity, whole project thinking, free association and creative problem solving, can be considered positive, in the right situation.

On the other hand, absentmindedness, forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks, communication issues and apparent lying and self-centered behaviors can be very trying for those who must interact with them.

In around 70% of correctly diagnosed adults with ADD, medication can be very helpful. The standard medications are the Neurostimulants, which act to either increase the production or availability of Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

Often people who are uninformed or uneducated about Attention Deficit Disorder will resist using medication because they may not understand the causes or how the medication is appropriate and low risk when used correctly.

Medication is only a small part of the solution for the ADDer. Once the areas of challenge are identified, it is necessary to begin a program to train the ADDer in compensation and accommodation techniques.

These techniques will help the person to better manage their life in those areas that seem to be holding them back, and wherever possible incorporate those positives of their ADD condition.

In our "ASK about ADD" Adult Self-Help Group we believe three elements are necessary for the ADD adult to achieve their goals:

1. An accurate diagnosis

2. Medication if effective and appropriate

3. A structured program to learn compensation techniques

Because the ADD has such a profound impact on the development of life, learning and social skills, many life skills are actually learned in ways that create problems for the ADDer and hold them back in achieving their goals.

ADD is not a condition that has anything to do with IQ. Often the ADDer is very smart, but has difficulty in communication and follow through.

It is important to accept Attention Deficit Disorder as a Learning Disability, something that is very real and if left untreated may cause a serious impact in all major life areas including employment and relationships.

The focus of the person with ADD is often effected by having a very poor sense of past or future, and a strong sense of only being in the now. This can make planning very difficult, as well as the usual understanding of consequences ineffective.

In addition, dyslexic or aphasic conditions, problems with auditory processing, visual processing and sequential memory difficulties may co-exist with the ADD and need to be considered.

The process of learning how to accommodate ADD can often take two to three years, but short term improvements can often be realized in the first three to six months.

An area that is important is improving self-image, self-esteem and personal self-talk, those things that you say to yourself about how you really view and feel about yourself. A long history of personal failures adds to the believe that "I can never learn," or "I will always fail-so why try." Often this can be projected out by the ADDer on others in conversations, so they feel criticized, put down, blamed and ashamed before the conversation even begins. Maintaining a positive attitude and not engaging in arguments is critical in making progress with the ADDer.

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