About ADHD & ADD

Topics in this section:

• What is ADHD or ADD?
• Myths and Misunderstandings
• Causes and Brain Chemistry
• The Science of ADHD
• Statistical Prevalence of ADHD
• What We Know - Info Sheets on ADHD
• Glossary of Terms Related to ADHD

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About ADHD & ADD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders.  It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood.  ADHD 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, ADHD is a serious public health issue.

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

Other Web Sites:

• 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
  Information about major projects, public health issues in child development, child development milestones, and Positive Parenting Tips sheets.
• CADDAC (Centre For ADHD/ADD Advocacy, Canada)
  The Centre for ADHD/ADD Advocacy, Canada (CADDAC) is a national, not-for-profit organization providing leadership in education and advocacy for ADHD organizations and individuals with ADHD across Canada.
• C.H.A.D.D. Canada
  A charitable organization to support, educate, and improve the lives of individuals with ADHD, and those who care for them (not affiliated with CHADD).
• Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association)
  General information on mental health issues and resources.
• NICHQ (National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality)
  An education/ research organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care provided to children.
• NIMH Booklet on AD/HD
  This is a link to the National Institute on Mental Health's easy to read booklet on AD/HD. It is available for download and in hard copy form.
• 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.