What is the defination of ADD/ADHD according to the DSM_IV?
99024
The term "ADHD" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims or implications made by certain psychiatric or pharmaceutical organisations. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "ADHD" as a biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred Baughman, MD., Neurologist & Pediatric Neurologist.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSuch behavioural characteristics that Psychiatry created this unscientific "disease" from are, and always have been, generally considered "normal". Now, it seems, inattention or "hyperactivity" (Hyperactivity means 'excessively active'* -- what is excessive? On whose authority?? It's ridiculous!!) is abnormal, a "mental illness".\n\nFor a rundown of the exact diagnostic criteria of "attention deficit disorder" visit: http://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/diagnosticcriteria.msnw\n\nFor information on the junkscience behind psychiatric "testing" for "ADHD" visit: http://adhdtesting.org/\n\nFor a list of what inattention COULD be attributed to (rather than some fraudulent "mental illness") visit: http://adhdparentssupportgroup.homestead.com/50conditionsmimicingADHD.html\n\nFor more information, see;\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/addadhd.msnw\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/adhdfacts.msnw\nhttp://www.adhdfraud.org/\nhttp://www.ritalindeath.com/\nhttp://cchr.org/files/7515/child_drug_EN.pdf\nhttp://www.ablechild.org/\n\n"We are not "overdrugging" or misdiagnosing" ADHD. ADHD is a total, 100 percent fraud. The many millions of schoolchildren around the world who are being drugged have no disease." Fred Baughman, Jr., M.D. Child Neurologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.\n\n"Parents are seldom told that Ritalin is ‘speed’—that it is pharmacologically classified with amphetamines, has the same effects, side effects, and risks. Yet this is well-known in the profession...." Dr. Peter R. Breggin & Ginger Ross Breggin, The War Against Children, P. 84.\n\n"...But because ADD is so vaguely defined, even for a psychiatric disorder, it is tailor-made for bogus claims. There are, as the American Psychiatric Association’s latest diagnostic manual concedes, "no laboratory tests that have been established as diagnostic" for "Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder." Richard E. Vatz, Professor, Towson State University, "Attention Deficit Delirium," The Wall Street Journal, July 27, 1994\n\n"The diagnosis of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is entirely subjective… There is no test. It is just down to interpretation… The lines between an ADD sufferer and a healthy exuberant kid can b
344737
ADD/ADHD is just something one has when they are born.  However, it is not diagnosed until they are older and exhibit symptoms of it.  Sometimes it may not be diagnosed until preteen, teen, or even adult years. \n\nFor years, ADD/ADHD was assumed to be a disorder of childhood that faded with the onset of adolescence; however, the disorder is not limited to children.  There are approximately eight million American adults who have ADD.\n\nThe syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.   Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist. \n\n\nIn response to the other answers so far:\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can coexist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nThere are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.\n\nPeople are understandably squeamish about ADD/ADHD and medicating children who are otherwise healthy.  When the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  Unfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.
464459
You would get it the same place you got the diagnosis for you BiPD. If you self diagnosed it, you should really see a professional. However, to fill in some more info, ADHD children have a higher rate of developing into someone who experiences BiPD I/II. So, even if you do have ADHD, your provider will treat you for the BiPD which can not be treated (normally) like ADHD is treated. Meaning, it will be unlikely to get any Ritalin as this could exacerbate your BiPD. Unless you are a "rapid cycler" then you could get some kind of stimulant, but likely not Ritalin. Not that you were asking for it... just wondering why you WANT an ADHD diagnosis? Like I said, even if you get the diagnosis, you will be treated for the BiPD as it is dominant.  Good luck. :-)
294101
First, to the Tom Cruise above me, you can go shove off. No one gives a sh*t about your opinions when they actually live with this disorder. Besides, your "9/10" stat is totally made up and ADD and ADHD are both technically the same thing, as doctors now more formally diagnose people as ADHD-inattentive type, ADHD-hyperactive type, or ADHD-combined type.\n\nAs for the question, I'm just going to say...if the person hasn't gone to a psychiatrist and been formally diagnosed, they might as well do it. A psychiatrist can recommend some different wayts to concentrate, etc.
1171508
Symptoms of  will appear over the course of many months, often with the symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity preceding those of inattention, which may not emerge for a year or more. Different symptoms may appear in different settings, depending on the demands the situation may pose for the child's self-control. A child who "can't sit still" or is otherwise disruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer may be overlooked. The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered just a "discipline problem," while the child who is passive or sluggish may be viewed as merely unmotivated. Yet both may have different types of ADD. All children are sometimes restless, sometimes act without thinking, sometimes daydream the time away. When the child's hyperactivity, distractibility, poor concentration, or impulsivity begin to affect performance in school, social relationships with other children, or behavior at home, ADD may be suspected. But because the symptoms vary so much across settings, ADD is not easy to diagnose. This is especially true when inattentiveness is the primary symptom.\n\nAccording to the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), there are three patterns of behavior that indicate ADD. People with ADD may show several signs of being consistently inattentive. They may have a pattern of being hyperactive and impulsive far more than others of their age. Or they may show all three types of behavior. This means that there are three subtypes of ADD recognized by professionals. These are the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (that does not show significant inattention); the predominantly inattentive type (that does not show significant hyperactive-impulsive behavior) sometimes called ADDÂ—an outdated term for this entire disorder; and the combined type (that displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms).\n\nHyperactivity-Impulsivity\nHyperactive children always seem to be "on the go" or constantly in motion. They dash around touching or playing with whatever is in sight, or talk incessantly. Sitting still at dinner or during a school lesson or story can be a difficult task. They squirm and fidget in their seats or roam around the room. Or they may wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil. Hyperactive teenagers or adults may feel internally restless. They often report needing to stay busy and may try to do several things at once.\n\nImpulsive children seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act. They will often blurt out inappropriate comments, display their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for the later consequences of their conduct. Their impulsivity may make it hard for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn in games. They may grab a toy from another child or hit when they're upset. Even as teenagers or adults, they may impulsively choose to do things that have an immediate but small payoff rather than engage in activities that may take more effort yet provide much greater but delayed rewards.\n\nSome signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity are:\n\nFeeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated \nRunning, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected \nBlurting out answers before hearing the whole question \nHaving difficulty waiting in line or taking turns. \nInattention\nChildren who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their minds on any one thing and may get bored with a task after only a few minutes. If they are doing something they really enjoy, they have no trouble paying attention. But focusing deliberate, conscious attention to organizing and completing a task or learning something new is difficult.\n\nHomework is particularly hard for these children. They will forget to write down an assignment, or
342436
ADD (actually it's ADHD) is onew of the most studied conditions in medicine- it's definitely not a farce.  You don't have to be hyperactive to have it- it's more about your brain's ability to organize and focus.  A good book to read is "Driven to Distraction" by Hallowell and Ratey.  The most thorough and up-to date book I have read on the subject is "Attention Deficit Disorder" by Brown.  You should seek a clinical consultation, preferably with someone who is experienced in recognizing ADHD.  Correct treatment can make a  huge difference in your life, so so whatever it takes! P.S. contact me if you want more info...
654611
Try a comparison study of boy and girls aged 10-18 who are diagnosed with ADHD.  Compare symptoms, treatment, success of treatment, school discipline for comparable behaviors, grades, achievement and aptitude, and popularity amongst peer and with teachers.  \n\nShould be pretty interesting.
90633
Predominantly, stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, which are pharmacologically similar (and more potent) than Cocaine. \n\nThere is actually no such thing as "ADD" or "ADHD". It is a total fraud. It was and is generally considered, outside the psychiatric and drug company circles, to have been invented (it was VOTED into existence by a show of hands at an APA committee meeting) solely for profit**.\n\nSuch behavioural characteristics that Psychiatry created this unscientific "disease" from are, and always have been, considered NORMAL. Now, it seems, inattention or "hyperactivity" (Hyperactivity means 'excessively active'* --- what is excessive? On whose authority?? It's ridiculous!!) is abnormal, a "mental illness".\n\nFor a rundown of the exact diagnostic criteria of "attention deficit disorder" visit: http://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/diagn...\n\nFor information on the junkscience behind psychiatric "testing" for "ADHD" visit: http://adhdtesting.org/\n\nFor a list of what inattention COULD be attributed to (rather than some fraudulent "mental illness") visit: http://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/diagnosticcriteria.msnw\n\nFor more information, see;\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/addadhd.msnw\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/adhdfacts.msnw\nhttp://www.adhdfraud.org\nhttp://www.ritalindeath.com/\nhttp://cchr.org/files/7515/child_drug_EN.pdf\nhttp://www.ablechild.org/\n\nMike\n\n--\n\n"We are not "overdrugging" or misdiagnosing" ADHD. ADHD is a total, 100 percent fraud. The many millions of schoolchildren around the world who are being drugged have no disease." Fred Baughman, Jr., M.D. Child Neurologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.\n\n"Parents are seldom told that Ritalin is ‘speed’—that it is pharmacologically classified with amphetamines, has the same effects, side effects, and risks. Yet this is well-known in the profession...." Dr. Peter R. Breggin & Ginger Ross Breggin, The War Against Children, P. 84.\n\n"...But because ADD is so vaguely defined, even for a psychiatric disorder, it is tailor-made for bogus claims. There are, as the American Psychiatric Association’s latest diagnostic manual concedes, "no laboratory tests that have been established as diagnostic" for "Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder." Richard E. Vatz, Professor, Towson State University, "Attention Deficit Delirium," The Wall Street Journal, July 27, 1994\n\n"The diagnosis of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is entirely subjective… There is no test. It is just down to interpretation… The lines between an ADD sufferer and a healthy exuberant kid can be very blurred." Dr. Joe Kosterich. Chairman of the Australian Medical Association. Sydney Morning Herald.\n\n--\n\nDecoding Psychiatric Propaganda\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters
523891
ADD and ADHD exist. Period. You cannot refute gravity anymore than you can refute the existence of ADD. The treatment methods however are very questionable. \nDrugs are for recreation, mmkay?\nNothing wrong with being ADD, ADHD, our schooling systems just don't fit their learning abilities. \nThey learn different.\nSome people are visual learners, some are tactile learners, some are auditory learners, different learning types for different thinking types. \nYou are taught that you can only write with 1 hand. That's bullshit too, anyone can learn to write with both hands it just takes practice. I am willing to bet that most people write better with their second hand than I with my first.
1115084
I definitely have ADD.... ADHD, the inattentive type, not the hyperactive type.  I am a pediatric occupational therapist and I have a Master's degree.  My job allows me to be always moving (my body) around and keeping active.  I know if I had a desk job I would be falling asleep at work.  I would look for a career field that doesn't involve a lot of "sit at your desk and be quiet"-ness.  People with ADD/ADHD often need a lot more movement stimulation in their days in order to be functional.  If you're stuck with a desk job scenario, i would try to find opportunities for movement breaks throughout the day to re-energize your nervous system.
381513
You might define ADHD partially as a behavior of valuing many things at one time.  The result of such behavior is continual movement, esp. to and from different tasks.\n\nThe advice I'd provide for you in dealing with ADHD kids without medication is taking time to learn their interests, setting forth for them what you need from them, and experimenting with various ways of giving them what they want/value while also getting what you need/value from them.\n\nAs a behavior, ADHD could then be defined as choices a child is making unconsciously, namely the choice to spread attention on different objects of value than to focus on a small set of objects of value.  When you reduce valued stimuli, you reduce the potential for distraction from a primary task.\n\nTeaching a child to focus by reducing distractions I should think is a highly effective approach for dealing with their behavior without medication.  They thus learn to manage their own interests.
486800
Try this...\n\nResearch indicates the frontal lobes are connected to the basal ganglia, and the central aspect of the cerebellum are most likely involved in this disorder (A.D.H.D.; Formal definitions). American teachers identified A.D.H.D. in 25.5% of a group of 6,171 children but parents only identified 7.8%. Research has found, that in a study of four communities in the U.S., only 12.5% of children diagnosed with A.D.H.D. had been treated with stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta (A.D.H.D; Incidences).\n\nWhat I found:\n\n1. Space (" ") between left parenthesis ("(") and start of content.\n\n2. Missing commas (",") between items in a list\n\n3. Some punctuation in the form of commas was added to improve readability\n\nOverall, you did okay.
754214
ADD tendencies mimic ADD.  With ADD tendencies you get distracted but it is because your brain has trouble shutting off.  You have zillions of thoughts going through your head most of the time so you lose your train of thought etc.
1145173
It already IS bad. You don't mention meds for your ADD, but it could be a side-effect of the med. \n\nA symptom of ADHD is Impulsivity. This could explain the outbursts, but not the not realizing you are in an outburst part.\n\nKnowing you have a mental disorder, it wouldn't be uncommon for you to have more than one. Maybe one that, until now, has gone un-diagnosed.\n\nI would follow the advice of Answerer 2 and see your doctor as soon as possible.
988717
I would like to bring to your attention a new concept in ADD testing. An objective physiological measure of ADHD has been elusive. However, research has shown that when an ADD person tries to sit still, do a boring task, or concentrate- they actually enter stress as measured by electro dermal activity. Measuring electron flow in a circuit the body operates largely by a series of electrical impulses which have been shown to follow certain pathways and measure changes in the electrical resistance or the ability of the tissue to conduct electricity. This marker is positive in the majority of ADD clients tested. Then GSR biofeedback may be used to improve the stress result. A protocol using this valid objective physiological marker has just been published in a video- "Guide for GSR Biofeedback Techniques for the Natural ADHD Practitioner".\n\n\n\nhttp://www.opednews.com/articles/life_a_jasonmar_060608_new_concept_in_testi.htm\n\nPod-cast interviews \nhttp://www.theadhdspecialist.com/gsraudio.html\n\nhttp://www.theadhdspecialist.com/gsraudio2.html\n\nResources/ books videos- published on helping ADHD naturally\n\n Screening test concept for ADHD with GSR biofeedback techniques \nhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9659025149/
109510
I imagine if you do a simple google search for ADD symptom test or diagnosis, there will be something you can take and show your doctor. Have you expressed to your doc that you think you have this? If not, it might be enough just to discuss it with them. But no online test is going to give a definitive answer. Your doctor will still want to check you out before giving out prescriptions. Do the search and see what you can find and just schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about ADD and ADHD. They should be open and willing to talk to you about such things. And if they aren't, find a doctor who is willing to give you a second opinion.
94478
Specialists who are able to treat ADHD and ADD include child\npsychiatrists and psychologists, developmental/behavioral\npediatricians, or behavioral neurologists and clinical social workers.\nIf medication is needed, then the best professional would be a\npsychiatrist, pediatrician or neurologists. Psychologists and social\nworkers are unable to prescribe medication, although some work in\nconjunction with professionals that can.\n\n“The family can start by talking with the child's pediatrician or\ntheir family doctor. Some pediatricians may do the assessment\nthemselves, but often they refer the family to an appropriate mental\nhealth specialist they know and trust. In addition, state and local\nagencies that serve families and children, as well as some of the\nvolunteer organizations listed at the end of this document, can help\nidentify appropriate specialists.”\n\nSpecialtyCan Diagnose ADHDCan prescribe medication, if\nneededProvides counseling or training\nPsychiatristsyesyesyes\nPsychologistsyesnoyes\nPediatricians or Family Physiciansyesyesno\nNeurologistsyesyesno\nClinical Social workersyesnoyes\n\n\n\n“There are several types of specialists qualified to diagnose and\ntreat ADHD. Child psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in\ndiagnosing and treating childhood mental and behavioral disorders. A\npsychiatrist can provide therapy and prescribe any needed medications.\nChild psychologists are also qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD.\nThey can provide therapy for the child and help the family develop\nways to deal with the disorder. But psychologists are not medical\ndoctors and must rely on the child's physician to do medical exams and\nprescribe medication. Neurologists, doctors who work with disorders of\nthe brain and nervous system, can also diagnose ADHD and prescribe\nmedicines. But unlike psychiatrists and psychologists, neurologists\nusually do not provide therapy for the emotional aspects of the\ndisorder.”\nhttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#diag\n\nChoosing a doctor\n==================\n“One of the most important decisions parents make is which doctor to\nchoose for their child. This doctor will have a long relationship with\nand a lasting impact on your child and your family. It is important to\nchoose a doctor you feel comfortable with — someone you can trust when\nit comes to your child's health.”\nhttp://www.choa.org/default.aspx?id=545\n\n\n\n\nEmory Child and Adolescent Psychiatric \n========================================\n”Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston has Child and Adolescent\nPsychiatric Fellows. These are trained psychiatrists who specialize in\nChild and Adolescent Psychiatry. They complete clinical rotations and\nprovide after-hours service with attending physician coverage through\nthe Department of Psychiatry at Emory University.” Children’s at\nEgleston 404-785-6000\nhttp://www.choa.org/default.aspx?id=2584\n\n“Egleston, a part of the recently merged Egleston and Scottish Rite\nChildren’s Hospitals now called Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA),\nis a 230 bed private teaching hospital that serves as one of the\nprimary inpatient facilities for the Emory Department of Pediatrics.\nEgleston provides both primary care for children, adolescents, and\ntheir families in metropolitan Atlanta and tertiary care for patients\nthroughout the Southeast. At this time the only child psychiatric\nservice at Egleston is an active consultation/liaison service highly\nfocused on children with chronic illnesses.”\nhttp://www.psychiatry.emory.edu/clinicalsiteschildrenhospitalofatlantaategleston.htm\n\nThere are several choices on this site\nhttp://www.choa.org/default.aspx?id=993\n\n\nDr. Gore\n---------\n“Kids - I treat children, and have seen children as young as sisters\nwho were four and two years old. But I don't see kids alone. I see\nchildren as a function of where they are within their family. It's not\nOK to have parents i