About AD/HD & 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

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders.  It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood.  AD/HD 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, AD/HD is a serious public health issue.

The National Resource Center has partnered with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health to produce an introduction to AD/HD 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.
• CH.A.D.D. Canada
  A charitable organization to support, educate, and improve the lives of individuals with ADHD, and those who care for them (not affiliated with CHADD).
• 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.