About AD/HD & ADD

Topics in this section:

• What is AD/HD or ADD?
• Myths & Misunderstandings
• Causes and Brain Chemistry
• The Science of AD/HD
• Statistical Prevalence
• What We Know - Info Sheets on AD/HD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders.  It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood.  AD/HD is a chronic disorder that can negatively impair many aspects of daily life, including home, school, work, and interpersonal relationships.

Because it is a lifespan disorder that impacts so many areas of an individual's daily functioning, AD/HD is a serious public health issue.

The National Resource Center has partnered with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health to produce an introduction to AD/HD in children. This is available in both English and Spanish.

Other Web Sites:

• AD/HD Global Network (AGN)
  The AD/HD Global Network is a non-profit international foundation that seeks to support AD/HD advocacy groups and/or individuals by serving as an information and referral resource, and by providing global AD/HD training and consultancy.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/NCBDDD)
  AD/HD information page at CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
• CDC and Child Development
  CDC's Child Development page with information about major projects and activities, public health issues in child development, child development milestones, and Positive Parenting Tips sheets
• CH.A.D.D. Canada
  CH.A.D.D. Canada is a charitable organization that aims to help support, educate, and ultimately better the lives of individuals with ADHD, and those who are for them.
• Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association)
  General information on mental health issues and resources.
• NICHQ
  The National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality (NICHQ) is an education and research organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care provided to children. NICHQ's mission is to eliminate the gap between what is and what can be in health care for all children.
• The REACH Institute
  REsource for Advancing Children's Health (REACH) was founded to accelerate the acceptance and effective use of proven interventions that foster children's emotional and behavioral health.