What Is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are a neurological disorder that causes a range of behavior problems, such as having trouble focusing on school or work, following instructions, and completing tasks, as well as difficulties with impulse control and appropriate social interactions. ADD is a national health crisis that continues to grow—yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and incorrectly treated illnesses today.

Who has ADD / ADHD?

Both adults and children are affected. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 20% of boys and 11% of girls are being diagnosed with the condition. Statistics show that 33% of kids with ADD never finish high school (3 times the national average) so they end up in jobs that don’t pay well. According to one study from Harvard, 52% of people with untreated ADD abuse drugs or alcohol.

Core Symptoms of ADD/ADHD

A short attention span for everyday tasks (e.g. chores)
Distractibility
Procrastination
Organization problems
Problems with follow-through
Poor impulse control (e.g. speak before thinking)
What Causes ADD/ADHD?
Although genetics, maternal alcohol or drug use, birth trauma, jaundice, brain infections and head trauma can play a causative role in ADD symptoms, the increase in people being diagnosed with it is likely related to influences in our world today that negatively affect brain function, including:

Limited physical education in school
Excessive use of video games
Diets filled with processed foods
Exposure to environmental toxins (i.e. pesticides in food)

Untreated ADD/ADHD is associated with higher incidences of:

Depression
School Dropout
Substance Abuse
Incarceration
Job Failure
Obesity
Divorce