About ADHD & 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
• Glossary of Terms Related to AD/HD

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:

• AD/HD Global Network (AGN)
  A non-profit international foundation that supports 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
  Information about major projects, public health issues in child development, child development milestones, and Positive Parenting Tips sheets.
• 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.