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Understanding ADHD
Understanding ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD, AD/HD, and ADD are all used to refer to what is formally called Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Throughout this Web site, we will use the term ADHD to refer to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
- ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults.
- ADHD shows itself as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically seen in ones' peers.
- ADHD is a real disorder. The brain uses various chemicals to help send messages across the nervous system. An imbalance of these chemical messengers may result in the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
Only a trained health care provider can accurately diagnose ADHD.