What is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?

Is your teen struggling in school? Have you wondered if your teen has ADD (attention deficit disorder) that is causing their problems in school? There is no simple yes or no, and if it is ADD it will have to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. First let's talk about what ADD is, then we will cover signs and symptoms of ADD that you can look for to find out if you should have your teen evaluated. ADD is basically exactly what the name implies, the inability to pay attention. Because ADD doesn't include the hyperactivity part like attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, many kids with ADD may be overlooked.

Inattention can certainly affect a teens performance in school, but if the behavior is only at school, it may not be ADD. To be diagnosed with ADD, the symptoms must be present in more than just one setting. In other words, if your teen is struggling in school but doesn't appear to have any problems concentrating and paying attention in other settings, such as at home, work, or in social settings, he/she probably does not have attention deficit disorder.

Some basic criteria to look for before having your teen evaluated, and should include least six of the following to a degree that it interferes with your teens daily functions, include:

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes mistakes in schoolwork
• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks
• Seems not to listen when spoken to directly
• Fails to follow instructions or finish work
• Has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
• Difficulties with schoolwork or homework
• Loses things like school assignments, books, tools, etc.
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful about daily activities

As you can see by the list, any one or two of these on its own is not enough to be determined ADD, and could in fact be the result of some other type of problem, like hearing loss, a personality disorder, learning disability, teen depression, or other problem. That is why they have to meet at least 6 of them. The culmination of these behaviors, displayed consistently over a period of at least six months, and affecting your teen in more than one setting, may indicate that you should have your teen evaluated by a doctor for ADD.

ADD is not something that just comes on suddenly. Although it is not understood completely by medical professionals, it is thought to be genetic. You will most likely be asked how long your teen has displayed these symptoms, as it is commonly thought that these symptoms will be present by about 7 years of age. Of course, any time you feel that your teen is at risk or suffering, it is appropriate to ask for help. Whether they are suffering from ADD or suffering from some of type of problem, if you can't help them, don't be afraid to seek help and counsel from a psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or your family medical doctor. Parenting teenagers is never easy, but your teens health and success should be a top priority and concern.