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Frequently Asked
Questions about ADHD |
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Is it
called ADD or ADHD?
The clinical diagnostic term used by professionals is ADHD, which
stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The name ADD is
also commonly used by many people in the general public and the media. |
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What is
ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, also called ADD)
is a neurobiological condition that affects an estimated 4-7% of the
U.S. population. ADHD is an ongoing condition that affects children,
adolescents, and adults of all ages. It occurs in both males and
females, and in people of all races, socioeconomic status, and cultural
backgrounds. ADHD may cause significant impairments in many areas of
life such as school, home, the workplace, and in family and social
relationships. AD/HD is genetically influenced and runs in families.
ADHD occurs on a spectrum of severity. Not every person
with ADHD presents all the possible symptoms than can be associated with
ADHD, nor do the symptoms cause the same level of impairment in all
people. Some people have mild ADHD and may experience only transient
periods of impaired functioning. In others ADHD may be severe,
characterized by more symptoms, more severe symptoms, and chronic
impairments in ability to function. ADHD can be diagnosed and treated at
any point in the lifespan when it causes significant levels of
impairment for the individual. |
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Is there a
cure for ADHD?
No. ADHD is not a disease or illness, therefore there is nothing
to “cure.” ADHD is a biological, genetic condition that people have for
their entire lives. |
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Who is
qualified to diagnose ADHD?
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation can be provided by a licensed
health care professional with training and knowledge about ADHD. |
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How is ADHD
diagnosed?
A diagnostic evaluation can be provided by a qualified health
care professional. ADHD cannot be diagnosed accurately just from brief
office observations, or just from talking to the person. For more
information please see the diagnosis page. |
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Can ADHD be
treated effectively?
Yes. With accurate diagnosis and treatment, ADHD can be managed
effectively during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Research and
clinical experience have shown that the most effective treatment for
ADHD includes a combination of therapy/counseling and medication. Some
of the common goals for therapeutic interventions are to develop an
understanding of ADHD from a biological perspective, improve
self-esteem, alleviate feelings of guilt and shame, and improve
communication and social skills. Behavioral coping skills that are
often addressed in therapy include improving organization skills,
improving time management skills, and improving efficiency and
productivity in school, the workplace, and in tasks of everyday living. |
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I was never
hyperactive as a child. Is it still possible that I may have ADHD?
Yes. Approximately one-third of people with ADHD never have
symptoms of hyperactivity. Females with ADHD are less likely to have
symptoms of hyperactivity compared to males. |
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Will my
medical insurance cover costs for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD?
Most types of health insurance policies cover the diagnostic and
treatment services provided by ADHD Centers professionals. |
