Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)CATS

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ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood.

 
The most common core features include:

• Distractibility (poor sustained attention to tasks)
• Impulsivity (impaired impulse control and delay gratification)
• Hyperactivity (excessive activity and physical restlessness)
• Talk too much
• Act and speak without thinking
• Have trouble taking turns
• Interrupt others

For eligibility, these behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. The behaviors must appear before age 7, and continue for at least 6 months. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, diagnosticians rely on a variety of tools. The most important of which is information about the person’s behavior and environment.

ADHD Treatment

Current treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. They include medication, various types of psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, education, or training and support.

Useful Links
• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
www.nichcy.org/states.htm
1-800-695-0285

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1-800-232-4636

• The National Resource Center
www.help4adhd.org
1-800-233-4050