What is ADD/ADHD?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder or disruptive behavior disorder commonly found in children between the ages of six and twelve years. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and have problems paying attention and controlling their impulses. Such behavioral trends hamper their performance at school and at home.
Although ADHD is usually discovered during the early school years, it is sometimes found in adults as well. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have trouble being organized, managing time, determining goals, or undertaking a given job. This may also affect their self-esteem and impede their social relationships. ADHD is more common in boys than in girls.
To explain ADD/ADHD in scientific terms, we can say that in individuals with ADD/ADHD, the frontal cortex (surface) of the brain receives lesser blood flow and has more trouble using glucose than those without ADD/ADHD. This directly obstructs the tasks performed by the frontal cortex namely initiating behavior, inhibiting impulses, and controlling working memory.