Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – previously referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – is a neurological condition affecting children and adults that is characterized by individualized challenges with inattention, impulsivity and/or hyper-activity. In the 90’s, ADD was reclassified as ADHD because “hyperactivity” exemplified similar patterns and challenges associated with ADD. (However, a subtype of ADHD means one has ADHD minus hyperactivity.) Adults with ADHD experience functional difficulties in two or more environments such as: academic, occupational and/or social settings.

Receiving proper treatment can cease hapless employment records, partnership problems, work & home misunderstandings, in-completion of projects and even addictions. Once understood as “deficient of attention” as of eighteen years ago, it is recognized as a “deficient of interest.” This means when the ADHD brain is under-stimulated, it will search for what does interest it – sometimes leading to unhealthy interests such as: over-eating, driving too fast, over-spending, relationship difficulties and addictions.

Let’s also be clear that adults and children with ADHD are very bright, creative, innovative, resilient, capable and often gifted. These strengths and uncovered talents may not be focused upon because the Adder is trying to “fix weaknesses” and match with what they believe are societal’s standards. Often this leads many, ADHD or not, into stuck states. Adders also believe their unique strengths, which come so easily to them, exist for others — this is not the case. In fact, in certain situations, Adders excel above others which sometimes brings about condescension from individuals whom do not yet understand the paradox of ADHD.

Five percent of adults in the world population have ADHD. Eighty percent of adults with ADHD are not properly diagnosed and/or receiving accurate treatment.

ADHD varies person to person and if impacted within the family, variances remain.