AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ] is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability estimated to affect between 3-5% of the school age population (Professional Group for Attention and Related Disorders,1991). No one knows exactly what causes AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ]. Scientific evidence suggests that the disorder is genetically transmitted in many cases and results from a chemical imbalance or deficiency in certain neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help the brain regulate behavior. In addition, a landmark study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health showed that the rate at which the brain uses glucose, its main energy source, is lower in subjects with AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ] than in subjects without AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ] (Zametkin et al., 1990).
Even though the exact cause of AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ] remains unknown, we do know that AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ] is a neurologically-based medical problem. Parents and teachers do not cause AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ]. Still, there are many things that both can do to help a child manage his or her AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ]-related difficulties. Before we look at what needs to be done, however, let us look at what AD/HD [ ADD OR ADHD ] is and how it is diagnosed.
