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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Questions

Attention deficit is a neurological disorder that can affect anyone. This condition is commonly referred to as ADD. There can be many symptoms such as concentration issues, poor attention span, impulsiveness and distractibility. When someone believes they may have ADD or know someone who does have this condition many questions can arise. Read below where Experts have answered many commonly asked questions.

What are the symptoms of attention deficit disorder?

There are many signs and symptoms of ADD. Below are a list of these signs and symptoms:
• Troubles paying attention
• Difficulty finishing daily tasks like work
• Organization problems
Anxiety
• Being sexually distracted
• Compulsive spending
• Troubles holding or keeping jobs
• People with Add frequently lose their keys and other everyday items
• Lack of attention to detail
• Driving violations
• Mood swings
• Tendency to needlessly worry all the time

Attention deficit disorder affects about 5% of the population and is most found in children. However, there is a growing number of adults who have been diagnosed with this disorder as well.

Can someone with ADD join the military?

Under the new military guidelines, attention deficit disorder can only disqualify someone if they are currently under treatment or have had treatment within the last 12 months. Individuals who currently display symptoms of ADD may be disqualified until clear for service by a military physician. However, the military personnel can determine if an applicant with ADD has proven they can function efficiently and may qualify them for active service.

How is attention deficit disorder diagnosed?

The DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is what psychologists and other health care provides use to determine if someone has ADD. This disorder has a distinctive pattern that it is associated with. These are the criterion that the DSM uses to classify ADD.

Criterion A:
• Lack of attention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsiveness
• Symptoms and sign are generally experience by the age of 7, but are often not diagnosed until the signs progress later in life.

Criterion B: This classification studies the ability to function in both school and home settings. Below is a list of some of these functionality problems associated in Criterion B. ADD
• Inappropriate behavior in social settings both at school or at home
• Problems understand and completing studies and homework academically
• Occupational problems – problems completing tasks at work or holding a job

There are other levels of criterion used as well, but they are used to diagnose more severe mental disorders.

Who diagnoses attention deficit disorder?

There are a few steps to take to be properly diagnosed with ADD. A primary care physician can begin the process by asking a series of questions. An interview by clinical psychologist or psychiatrist is often needed as well as testing to help determine if it is in fact ADD.

What are the signs of ADD?

ADD is a genetic neurological condition that causes behavioral problems. This condition causes problems in several areas of life. Below is a list of symptoms that have been linked to ADD:
• Attention problem
• Hyperactivity
• Problems following verbal direction
• Inability to complete tasks at home, school or work
• Failure to understand instruction
• Organizational skills
• Reluctance to engage in tasks that will involve mental stimulation
• Regularly misplaces things needed for everyday use
• Has difficulty playing or doing everyday tasks while remaining quiet
• Difficulty sitting still, always needs to be doing something

The symptoms of ADD can become quite unbearable. Often, people with this condition can have a hard time concentrating on everyday tasks, rather it be at home, school or even work. This can get frustrating to someone and those around them. So, how does someone find out if they have this condition? When questions arise regarding attention deficit disorder, individuals can turn to the Experts that can help answer these questions and more.
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