What Is ADHD?

What Is ADD ADHD?

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a diagnostic label that we give to children and adults who have significant problems in four main areas of their lives: Inattention, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity, and Boredom. ADD or ADHD is a neurologically based disorder, not the result of "bad parenting" or obnoxious, willful defiance on the part of the child (although a diagnosis of ADHD does not rule out that there is either bad parenting or defiant behaviors by the child taking place in the home).
 
ADHD of one kind or another affect about 5% of the children in the United States, and about 3% of all adults in the USA. 

About 35% of all children referred to mental health clinics are referred for ADHD. It is one of the most prevalent of all childhood psychiatric disorders. As we mentioned, it affects about 5% of children, about 3% of adults. You may see published estimates stating that ADHD may effect as many as 10% to 25% of children in America, but these numbers are not really supported by research data, and are probably inflated. The 5% number is a solid number supported by research. Even at 5% each classroom in America will have one or two (2) ADHD kids in the class. So it is a very real, and very significant problem across America.