Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a developmental disorder characterised in children by extremes of such behaviour as inattentivness and impulsivity. As the disorder is mostly observed in situations requiring self-application, the effect is a child out of control in a classroom or home setting. Although ADD occurs more frequently together with Hyperactivity (ADHD) than on their own, it is a separate disorder. The ratio of ADD cases diagnosed is between six to ten times greater in males than females. However the true ration general considered to exist in society in estimated at 3:1 in favour of boy (girls tend to internalise their symptoms more and suffer in silence). It is considered a congenital condition that will be with the individual for their life time.

Hyperkinetic Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the USA, is a developmental disorder characterised in children by extremes of such behaviour as, inattentiveness, impulsivity, plus hyperactivity. The disorder is mostly observed in situations requiring self-application, so the effect is a child out of control in a classroom or home setting. It is considered a congenital condition that will be with the individual for their life time. However there is a tendency for suffers to grow out of the hyperactivity after their late teens. The main difference between ADD and ADHD is that the symptoms of inattentiveness and impulsivity in ADHD are considered extensions of the primary symptom of hyperactivity. Once hyperactivity is considered under control via medication, these inappropriate behavioural responses should ease, and with behavioural therapy vanish.

1. short duration spontaneous activities
2. often leaving activities unfinished
3. very frequent changes between activities
4. undue lack of persistence at tasks set by adults
5. unduly high level of distractibility during study (such as homework or assignments)
   Plus at least 2 of the following activity problems:
   
6. continuous physical restlessness (e.g. running, jumping etc.)
7. excessive fidgeting & wriggling during spontaneous activities
8. excessive activity in a situation of relative calm (e.g. mealtimes, travel, church)
9. difficulty in remaining seated when required

1. undue lack of persistence at tasks
2. unduly high levels of distraction
3. very frequent changes between activities (when choice is available)
4. excessively short duration of play activities
   Plus at least 2 of the following activity problems:
   
5. continuous & excessive physical restlessness in school
6. markedly excessive fidgeting & wriggling in classes etc.
7. excessive amounts of non-task activity during set tasks
8. extremely often out of seat when required to be sitting

1. direct observation by Practitioner of criteria in A or B (i.e. no solely second hand reports)
2. observed abnormal levels of attention & activity, deemed excessive for the child’s developmental age in a clinical setting, outside home or school.
3. significant impairment of performance on psychometric test of attention

D. Child does not meet the ICD-10 criteria for Mania, Depression or Anxiety Disorder.

E. Child suffered onset of symptoms before the age of 6 years.

F. Duration of symptoms is at least 6 months.

G. Child has IQ above 50 pts.

Only when all criteria are met will the diagnosis be made and the appropriate form of treatment decided upon. The nature of observation at both home and school will involve close liaison between parents, teachers, GP, Educational Psychologist and Clinical Psychiatrist.

"ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER" Andy Sheppard, 1995, First & Best in Education Ltd.

"ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD), A Psychological response to an Evolving Concept", Report by a Working Party of the British Psychological Society, 1996.

"ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: Educational, Medical and Cultural Issues" Paul Cooper & Katherine Ideus, 1995, The Association of Workers for Children with Behavioural Difficulties.

"COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY WITH ADHD CHILDREN" L. Braswell & M. L. .Bloomquist, 1991, Guilford Press.

"HOW TO REACH AND TEACH ADD/ADHD CHILDREN" Sandra F.Rief, 1993, The Centre for Applied Research in Education.

"MANAGING ATTENTION DISORDERS IN CHILDREN, A Guide for Practitioners" Sam Gildstein & Michael Goldstein, 1990, John Wiley & Sons.