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What is ADD / What is ADHD?

People with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) usually suffer from an underactivation of the brain. To understand this underactivation, we like to compare the brain to a car that is stuck in first gear. No matter how much the driver steps on the gas pedal the car will never be able to go beyond a certain speed - no matter how capable or powerful its engine.

One way that this underactivation can be identified is through EEG analysis. EEG (electroencephalographic) technology enables us to record and understand brainwaves. For example, slow brainwaves are associated with “unfocused" or "spacey" behaviors. In contrast, fast brainwaves are normally produced when a person focuses and concentrates. People with ADD or ADHD often show an excess of slow brainwaves or insufficient fast brainwaves, or both. Typically, this results in impulsive and hyperactive behavior.

Another crucial effect is an inability to concentrate and process information normally regardless of intelligence level. In fact, the I.Q. of persons with ADD/ADHD is often above average, but an underactivation in the brain blocks this potential. This gap between potential and actual performance throughout the lives of ADD/ADHD sufferers often leads to low self-esteem, psychological/emotional problems and underachievement at school and work.

Doctors prescribe drugs for ADD/ADHD because they are presumed to stimulate the brain; in essence, they temporarily "rev up" brain functioning. On such stimulants, patients are temporarily able to focus, stay on task and filter out distractions. Unfortunately, once the medicine leaves the person's system, so do the positive effects. Because many do not outgrow ADD/ADHD, one can become dependent on medication for improved functioning, indefinitely. And many times a tolerance builds up thus requiring higher doses.

An estimated 10% of the population is afflicted with ADD/ADHD. If undiagnosed and untreated, people with ADD/ADHD are at much higher risk for developing substance abuse disorders, psychiatric dysfunction and antisocial behavior.