Disorder, attention deficit (ADD)

Disorder, attention deficit (ADD): An inability to control behavior due to difficulty in processing neural stimuli.

In November, 1998 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a consensus report developed by a panel of experts. The panel concluded that:

Ritalin and other therapies may correct classroom behavior problems but there is no evidence that this improves a child's academic performance.

Although there is no independent, validated test for ADD, some well-tested diagnostic interview methods have proved useful.

Short-term trials of Ritalin and other drugs show beneficial effects on some behaviors and are superior to behavior modification training. Combining the two resulted in improved social skills. Numerous other treatments have been tried, including vitamins, herbs, biofeedback and eliminating some foods such as sugar. None have proved effective. Doctors and schools usually do a poor job of communicating and coordinating when treating children with ADD and follow-up often is poor. Teachers and parents can play a key role in successfully treating ADD.