AKA
ADHD, Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, Hyperkinetic Disorder (this is the official UK name)
What is it?
ADHD is characterised by periods of impulsiveness and inattention. It's more than being a daydreamer or a fidget. ADHD affects about 3-5% of us. And twice as many boys as girls.
ADHD sufferers are often easily distracted or forgetful. They find it hard to concentrate and sit still. They may blurt things out rather than wait their turn. Most sufferers are diagnosed in childhood and go on to develop coping strategies which enable them to lead perfectly 'normal' lives in adulthood.
Does it mean I'm stupid?
Nope. It has nothing to do with intelligence. ADHD kids can score highly on IQ tests. But they find it hard to achieve their potential. About half will get suspended from school at some point. About one in ten will be expelled. That said, ADHD types can be high achievers. Their drive, determination and single mindedness (combined with an ability to take risks) can get them far. Rumour has it Albert Einstein and George W Bush had ADHD.
Classroom chaos
I remember a kid at school. Totally wired. Disruptive. Wouldn't sit still. Drove the teachers nuts. They said he was bad. Impossible to teach. He got permanently excluded. Looking back - he had the clearest case of ADHD ever. It just wasn't recognised in the Dark Ages when I was growing up.
Nowadays, kids with ADHD are better understood and diagnosed properly. Sufferers should be properly assessed by experts (usually child psychiatrists). They should then get help and advice, along with their families. That may mean more educational support. Or counselling. Some are even prescribed medicines which help them keep their ADHD under control. So that they can get on with learning. And making friends.
Is it a medical condition?
Classifying ADHD is a controversial subject. Some people believe ADHD isn't a medical condition. That there's nothing wrong with the kids. They believe that the way schools work, forcing us to sit still for hours just doesn't suit everyone.
ADHD isn't caused by E numbers in food. Or bad parents. Or your PS3 games. It's largely genetic. And unavoidable.
Further help and advice
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated February 2009
Previous article
nichaela, 13
my wee brother has ADHD/ASD. he got bulyed for 3 years because every1 thought he wasnt 'normal' dont know wat i would do wifout him i wouldnt change him 4 da world love him lots x..0..x...0..x..0..x..0
Chloe, 11
this boy in my class has adhd and is sooo annoying
Ali, 17
My sister has ADHD. I have read extensively on the condition and have talked to her psychiatrist. Although I know ADHD is genetic, I've never been able to find out whether a sibling to a person with ADHD means I am more likely to pass it on to my children should I have offspring someday?
sophie, 16
i have adhd and im on ritalin, it dosent reely help me lol, but sumtimes it calms me down, i hate taking it but my friends say im carmer when i take it.
Sarah, 17
wow i never heard if this and i think i have it i get bored easily and i get distracted easily i cant read while theres music playing or people talking and sometimes i cant sit still without shaking my legs and twidling my thumbs
sam, 14
i try not to start to hit anybody but instead shutdown its easy as long as people can leave you alone
sonia, 18
i've ADHD and it was really hard for me in school cos no1 in school really understood it, i used 2 loose my temper dead quit, and get told off. but now i can carm myself down b4 a do out .
onelife
bodymind_everyone_add