Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD): What Is It?

The neurodevelopmental disorder Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), sometimes known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is characterized by chronic attentional deficits and, in many cases, impulsive and hyperactive conduct. These frequently result in a variety of behavioral problems, posing serious difficulties at school and at work as well as impeding peer interactions and social growth. A growing public health concern, ADD/ADHD is one of the conditions that are currently treated wrongly and with great misunderstanding.

Who is ADD/ADHD in?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 9.4% of kids between the ages of 2 and 17 have been given an ADD/ADHD diagnosis. A child with this illness is likely to also have a learning disability, which will make it even more difficult for them to succeed academically. Although ADD/ADHD symptoms first appear in childhood, if addressed, they can last a person their entire life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.2% of adult women and 5.4% of adult males have ADD/ADHD, and only 20% of those people have ever gotten a diagnosis or treatment. Because inattention is a major problem for females, this ailment is frequently disregarded.

According to statistics, 33% of children with ADD/ADHD never graduate from high school, which puts them in low-paying occupations. According to another study, youngsters with untreated ADD/ADHD have a roughly twofold increased risk of developing an alcohol use disorder or other drug misuse problem and tend to start using sooner than other kids.

Untreated ADD/ADHD is linked to increased risk of:

Depression
Dropout
Addiction to drugs
Incarceration
Traffic Collisions
Failure at Work and Unemployment
Financial difficulties
Obesity
Divorce and Suicide

The main signs of ADD/ADHD

A limited ability to focus on simple things (e.g. housework)
Distractibility
Procrastination
Disorganization
Follow-through issues
Poor impulse control (e.g. speak before thinking)

It’s vital to understand that while some ADD/ADHD symptoms resemble those of other mental
health issues including oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, autistic spectrum disorder, and
bipolar disorder, each has a separate underlying cause and course of therapy.

Why does ADD/ADHD occur?

The likelihood of developing ADD/ADHD is markedly increased by having a first-degree relative who has it. ADD/ADHD symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, low birth weight, birth trauma, maternal smoking, alcohol use, jaundice, brain infections, and head injuries. However, many unhealthy factors present in today's society that impair brain function are also likely contributing factors to the rise in cases, including: Insufficient physical education in the classroom Excessive video game use Processed foods, synthetic preservatives, and artificial colors in the diet Exposure to poisons in the environment (i.e. pesticides in food)

Ready to learn more? Contact a care coordinator today!

Why Choose Amen Clinics for Brain SPECT Imaging?

At Amen Clinics, we’ve found through over 30 years of practice that seeing your brain is essential for developing your personalized treatment program. As part of a comprehensive evaluation, the brain scans give our physicians additional information to make a clear diagnosis and to find the right solutions for your need, so you can finally start feeling better.

Unhealthy SPECT Brain Scan

Healthy SPECT Brain Scan

SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) is a nuclear medicine study that evaluates blood flow and activity in the brain. Basically, it shows three things: healthy activity, too little activity, or too much activity. A healthy “active” scan shows the most active parts of the brain with blue representing the average activity and red (or sometimes red and white) representing the most active parts of the brain. In the healthy scan on the left, the most active area is in the cerebellum, at the back/bottom part of the brain. The brain scan on the right shows overactivity in the deep limbic system (the brain’s emotional center), a pattern commonly seen in depression.

Ready to learn more? Contact a care coordinator today!

7 Types of Depression

Our brain imaging work at Amen Clinics has helped us identify 7 different brain patterns associated with depression. And each type requires its own treatment plan.

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“With A Better Brain Comes A Better Life”

– Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD): What Is It?

Who is ADD/ADHD in?

Untreated ADD/ADHD is linked to increased risk of:

The main signs of ADD/ADHD

Why does ADD/ADHD occur?

Ready to learn more? Contact a care coordinator today!

Why Choose Amen Clinics for Brain SPECT Imaging?

Unhealthy SPECT Brain Scan

Healthy SPECT Brain Scan

Ready to learn more? Contact a care coordinator today!

7 Types of Depression

“With A Better Brain Comes A Better Life”

– Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

Our Testimonials

We are here to help!

Send us a message

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