Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a neurological disorder that brings on a range of symptoms including hyperactivity, inattentiveness and poor impulse control. Although popular belief often links hyperactivity to sugar, food additives and allergies, there is no scientific evidence of such an association. ADD does run in families, however, especially through the male line. In individuals without a family history, possible causes may include a long and difficult labor, the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby's neck and smoking, substance abuse or certain illnesses during pregnancy. 
[SOURCE: Gayle Zieman, "Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults," Clinical Reference Systems, Annual 2001]

Evaluating ADHD Therapy Approaches                                                                                     


A large clinical trial, the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA), compared the effectiveness of long-term medication, behavioral therapy, a combination of medication and behavioral therapy or community-based care for 579 children aged 7 to 10 years and diagnosed with ADHD. The study found that treatment with stimulant medication was highly effective for 80 percent of children. Symptoms of ADHD improved dramatically in all four groups. Those in the drug only and combined groups had the best results. Parents expressed the greatest satisfaction with behavioral or combination therapy. 
[SOURCE: Mark Wolraich, "ADHD Therapy: Optimizing Functional Outcomes," Contemporary Pediatrics, January, 2003]

Is It ADD or Bipolar Disorder? 
                                                                                   

Symptoms of attention deficit disorder are frequently similar to those of bipolar disorder (or manic depression), particularly in adults, and there is considerable overlap between the two illnesses. An adult with attention deficit disorder may have chronic problems with impulsive behavior, procrastination and money management. A person in the manic phase of bipolar disorder is more likely to have episodes of grandiosity, increased spending, hyper-religiosity or hyper-sexuality that are not consistent with that individual's usual personality. 
[SOURCE: Hal Elliott, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: A Guide for the Primary Care Physician," Southern Medical Journal, July, 2002]

Poor Sleep Also Affects Attention 
                                                                                                           

Individuals who don't get enough good sleep often have short attention spans and exhibit symptoms such as restlessness, impatience, impulsive behavior and learning disabilities that can be easily mistaken for attention deficit disorder. One case report of three adults being treated for attention deficit disorder found that they actually suffered from obstructive sleep apnea. Persons with obstructive sleep apnea-usually loud snorers-have repeated sleep interruptions every night, often without knowing it, as they struggle to maintain normal breathing. About three percent of Americans, including children, have the disorder. It can be treated with weight reduction and a CPAP mask to maintain a steady supply of oxygen during sleep. 
[SOURCE: Sohail Naseem, Bashir Chaudhary and Nancy Collop, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults and Obstructive Sleep Apnea," Chest, January, 2001]