Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is the older, more common name for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reason that the term ADD still persists to this day is popular usage by teachers, parents, and the media. ADHD is broken down into three subcategories, or types. These are the Predominately Hyperactive Type, the Predominately Inattentive Type, and the Combined Type. Each type has its own distinct symptoms.

The Predominately Hyperactive Type is the type that caused the medical profession to change the disease's name from ADD to ADHD. This type is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. These include the inability to sit still, the child may fidget, or wriggle their hands or feet, the child may also get up and run around or play when the situation, such as a classroom or church setting, calls for sitting still for an extended period of time. Examples of impulsive behavior are problems waiting in line or for his/her turn, or may blurt out answers before hearing the whole questions. This is type often caught by teachers because the child is disruptive in class, often talking out of turn and he or she is unable to stay seated during reading periods or assigned work time.

The Predominately Inattentive Type is still called ADD by many people because a child suffering from this type of ADHD tends to daydream, become easily distracted by insignificant things, making careless mistakes on schoolwork or other activities that require patience and instruction following, or may just lose things needed for an activity, their toys, books, etc. A child with this type of ADHD is often overlooked in the school setting because they are quiet and cooperative with the teacher. This child appears to be working on the assignment, and they often are, but they are unable to fully comprehend and understand the instructions, so they make frequent mistakes. Due to this, the child may receive failing grades in school, even if he or she is actually very intelligent.

The Combined Type is exactly what it sounds like, it shows symptoms from both the Predominately Hyperactive Type and the Predominately Inattentive Type. This type also happens to be the most common type of ADHD.

ADHD is difficult to diagnose because there are other disorders or stress at home that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. The first step to receiving an accurate diagnosis is to pay attention to your child. If your child only seems to act up or run around when you are getting ready to leave, it is unlikely that your child has ADHD and instead is just excited. If, however, your child frequently runs around uncontrollably no matter where you are, then he or she may have ADHD. It is important to keep an accurate record of your child's actions if you suspect ADHD, the doctor will ask you several questions about your child's actions and if there is any stress at home. By stress, doctors are usually referring to a divorce, a move, a parent's job loss, an illness, or even a new sibling. Many people don't realize their children can be just as affected by financial problems as an adult. They may not even realize their children know of and understand the problem.

The first step your doctor will take when you suspect ADHD and have valid proof of problems at home, is to do a physical exam and run some tests to determine if there are underlying medical reasons for your child's actions. He or she will also take a medical history because ADHD has been shown to run in families. They will want you to bring in any medication your child is on, so that they may check to see if your child's actions are the result of a side effect and if so, switch your child to a different medication. For example some asthma medications have been shown to cause hyperactivity in some children. Your doctor will also want to exclude the possibility of stress causing the actions so you will probably be asked to fill out some paperwork about recent moves, pregnancies, adoptions, job loss, or anything else that may cause you or your child stress. Your child's ears and eyes will also be checked to exclude the possibility that your child has hearing or vision loss causing them to not pay attention to, or maybe not even hear the instructions in class or at home. Other adults who see your child on a regular basis, usually school teachers but may also include friends' parents, may also be interviewed for their observations of your child.

If, after all this, your doctor is not sure about ADHD, your child may be referred to a neurologist, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist, depending on what your doctor may think could be the problem instead. If your doctor suspects Tourette's syndrome or another neurological problem, your child will see the neurologist. If he or she suspects a learning disability, you will be sent to the psychologist and if your doctor suspects depression or some other mental illness, your child will see the psychiatrist. After these doctors perform their evaluations and tests, the results are sent back to your primary doctor and he or she will make the final diagnosis.

Unfortunately there is no cure for ADHD at this time, but the disease can be successfully managed. Current treatments for ADHD include medications, if needed, behavior therapy, and parental education. The most common medication for ADHD is Ritalin, a stimulant. There are potential short-term side effects associated with using any stimulant drug, such as insomnia, stomachache, and irritability. Another medication group currently used, but less popular, is nonstimulant drugs. These drugs were only recently approved for use with ADHD, but they have the added benefit of working better for some children, having fewer side effects, and lasting up to 24 hours between doses. The last group of medications that have been shown to work with ADHD are antidepressants, these have risks as well. The most recent risk discovered with antidepressant use in children was an increased risk of suicide. If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant, make sure you go over these risks very well with your doctor. These medications can effectively treat ADHD, especially when used in conjunction with behavior therapy. This therapy works to re-teach your child how to react to situations that would normally cause him or her to act out due to the ADHD. Examples of such therapy include creating a schedule for your child so that he or she knows where they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to be doing at all times of the day, and organizing their things so they are much less likely to lose them. Parental education is part of the treatment for ADHD because a parent is so involved with the treatment course. This often includes support groups, and a parenting class specially geared toward parents of ADHD children so they may learn a better way of disciplining their child. Family counseling may help in this area.