A child bounces around, unable to focus. She fidgets. She gets upset when she's required to concentrate. Forgetfulness is common. Knowing the facts about her behavior can help determine whether she suffers from a medical condition or is just a normal, boisterous child. But parents oftentimes are confused by ADD ADHD and the difference between the two.

Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are the same thing. The ADD name has been phased out of the medical community although it's still used in the vernacular. ADHD is the more widely used term now, but what it is?

ADHD is a fairly rare condition, despite all the hype. It is characterized as a condition that causes difficulty with attention, impulse behavior and over activity. It affects about three to seven percent of children and about two to four percent of adults. Not all children who are "hyper" have ADHD and many are unjustly classified as such by well-meaning school systems. The only way to gain a proper diagnosis of ADHD is through a doctor. Be very cautious of labels that come from any other source.

The condition itself has been studied and recognized for more than a century. It has undergone several name changes, too, before ADD became ADHD. In the past it has been called such things as brain damaged syndrome and hyperkinetic impulsive disorder. So myths that ADHD is a "new" condition perhaps brought on by the distractions of today's fast-paced world are false.

The symptoms of the condition are what make it difficult to diagnose. Often both children and adults can display one or several of these during certain periods, but they won't carry through on a regular basis. The symptoms of ADHD are many and must be present for more than a short period of time for a diagnosis to take place. Generally, symptoms must be consistent for at least six months. It takes at least six of the following symptoms for a diagnosis of ADHD and other criteria may apply as well. In general, the main traits of ADHD include:

Inability to pay close attention to details. Careless mistakes are often made.

Has trouble paying attention.

Fails to follow instructions.

Has difficulty organizing things.

Seems not to listen when spoken to.

Forgetful in regular activities.

Loses items on a regular basis.

Easily distracted.

Fidgets.

Unable to sit still.

Talks excessively.

There are many different forms of ADHD and a bevy of other symptoms as well. The best way to find out if a child or adult suffers from the condition is to speak with a medical professional. There are medications and alternate therapies that can help reduce or eliminate the symptoms and enable the person to live a very normal, productive life.

ADHD may be a condition that requires help, but it does not mean the child or adult affected cannot lead a normal, successful life. The key to dealing with it is proper identification, treatment and patience.