Is Attention Deficit Disorder a form of mental illness?

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Just wondering.
I thought that ADD was a neurological disorder. Does that equate with "mental illness" per se?
Yes, ADD or ADHD is a type of mental illness. It is a medical issue. Certain genes cause a predisposition to develop ADD and ADHD. It has been shown that people with ADD or ADHD have decreased function in a part of the brain called the pre-frontal cortex. This part of the brain is responsible for focus, motivation, and prioritizing, among other things.

ADD is typically treated with psychostimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. There is also one non-stimulant medication approved for ADD called atomoxetine. Studies show that psychotherapy is not useful in the treatment of ADD, though counseling to help sufferers develop coping mechanisms can be effective. ADD also has a high rate of co-morbidity with other mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.  (+ info)

What are some characteristics of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

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What are some characteristics of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Severe trouble focusing, easily side tracked, hyperactivity (sugar rush), racing thoughts, restlessness, insomnia, etc.

Unlike ADD, ADHD is much easier to diagnose, as it is very detrimental to everyday life. Be warned though, a lot of symptoms can be caused by simple stress and depression, and doctors seem to love to prescribe amphetamines to ease these symptoms up. Only use these medications if you cannot function without them! They are horrible for you!  (+ info)

Could I have Attention Deficit Disorder?

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According to this website, (http://www.all-natural.com/add.html), I may have ADD because I often, (some all the time, but "flare-up", as in get worse for a short period of time).

My Symptoms are;
Disruptive Behavior,
Clumsiness,
Bouts of fatigue, weakness and listlessness,
Poor concentration ability,

School failure despite normal or high IQ (IQ is 131, took one just to see at IQtest.com)

Irritable, uncooperative, disobedient, nervous, depressed,

Nose and skin picking or hair pulling, (I have acne, and constantly try and pop them),

Dark circles or puffiness below the eyes.

Do you think I have ADD, and if so, should I get test?
Where should I get test? I'm guessing at the hospital.


I'm 15 years old by the way.
Most of these symptoms are not indicative of a person with ADD.  (+ info)

I trying to find research on chewing gum and attention deficit disorder?

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I have been told that sugarless chewing gum is a better treatment for ADHD than drugs. I have been searching the Web but haven't found any information on it.
No. Gum chewing is not an effective treatment for ADHD.

If you have ADHD, the best treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral interventions, with some studies showing that the behavioral interventions don't work unless someone is on medication. Check out the NIMH website for further information.

You need to see a good clinical psychologist for a thorough evaluation to include a clinical interview and normative behavior rating forms. Other disorders may also look like ADHD.

Good luck.  (+ info)

How to Find the Latest Research on Attention Deficit Disorder?

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try the website yahoo or google  (+ info)

Seeking a doctor who can tell me if i have Attention Deficit Disorder?

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i've been wondering if i have ADD. i went to google and read some characteristics of add and some of their habits and there are some categories that fits me. i am looking for a doctor or specialist who can help me to know if i do have ADD or not.
are there any source or contact info that you guys know that i can use and ask information about my worry about ADD like email address or website?
The problem is most people have ADD symptoms. It's kind of like a lot of people who think they are depressed because they aren't happy all the time. If it is really affecting your life by all means go see a psychiatrist (not a psychologist). The medications they prescribe for ADD are dangerous but work pretty well. Good luck!   (+ info)

What sort of treatment is there for attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity?

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stimulant medication for raising ability to focus

one on one therapy with a special ed teacher to work on focusing skills and time awareness

utilizing lists, a watch that can be set to beep every 15 min. as a reminder to pay attention, possible use of headphones with relaxing music when focus is needed to block out extraneous noise,

structuring home, school/work envioronment to avoid clutter and disorganization

follow a routine/schedule daily!!!! (VERY important)  (+ info)

Attention Deficit?

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Does anyone have personal contact with or are you a person who starts some project and can't seem to get around to completing it in a timely fashion...starting and stopping and coming back to it perhaps in days, weeks or possibly never? Is this A.D.D. or can it be for other reasons this cycle is repeated? What does one do about it? It seems that we overuse drugs to remedy "EVERYTHING", so suggesting alternatives would be welcome!
I wouldn't be so quick to put a label on a problem. Seems this day and time, people look for labels.

It could be something like ADD or even a time management issue, as others have stated. Undiagnosed, it's hard to say.

I've never been diagnosed with anything, yet I find that making lists for days that I have alot going on really does help me stay targeted and focused and accomplish more. While I don't always finish everything, I finish more with a list because it help keeps me going.

For example, I'll put:

10:00-10:30 - Dishes
10:30-11:00 - Vacuum
11:00-11:30 - Lunch

The time focus helps, too. Even if I get off track by a phone call or something, it really makes me more productive at the end of the day.

My son has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. And while he is ok without meds, some meds seem to help him focus more. So, if it is a "medical" problem of sorts, then meds may be helpful, but not necessarily (some don't help him much). But, I'd be careful about even taking OTC drugs, even if they're supposed to be more natural. Some of them can still have side effects or problems associated with them. And don't rely on the package to list these, do some research on whatever "supplement" you choose to consider.

So, if you feel you have a real problem, go to a doctor. For this type of problem, skip the family doctor or general practitioner, as generally, they don't know much about this and even if you ask them point blank, they can't diagnose this or even be willing to refer you to someone that can. I asked my son's pediatrician for 18 months before I took it upon myself to take him to a specialist.

If you feel you may have ADD or something similar, you need to go to a neurologist. But, check with your insurance provider first. You may need to get a referral from your primary physician. But, remember, this is just a piece of paper. It's not "permission." Your primary physician can't tell you that you cannot go to a neurologist or any other specialist.  (+ info)

How did you overcome your Attention Deficit Disorder?

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Was ADD an obstacle for you? How'd you overcome it?
Well, for me, no one had a clue what was wrong. ADD wasn't exactly a well known thing yet. I learned to force myself to concentrate. It isn't easy whatsoever. But it is a matter of compartmentalizing my brain. For example, when I studied I put on a cd I knew really well and set it on repeat. Not only did I know the songs, but I knew what order they came in. Part of my brain listened to the music while the rest of my brain read whatever textbook I needed to read.

These days I work with music on or an audiobook or the television on in the background. Nothing so riveting that I need to focus on it too much, but nothing that I will completely ignore either. My teachers used to have my mother give me small chores and as I succeeded at them without having to be told twice give me the same ones, but add another. Never much, set the table for dinner, clean my room, simple stuff. It helped me learn to focus. Butt they never felt the need to resort to any kind of medication for me.  (+ info)

How can i treat my attention deficit disorder?

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like what healthy foods could i eat to help me concentrate often because i tend to daze off all the time and i am sometimes forgetful at things plus what techniques or exercises could i use.
What did you say?  (+ info)

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