ADD/ADHD stands for: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyper Kinetic Disorder (ADHD). ADD/ADHD is a neurological-based medical condition and is not caused by poor parenting and diet.

ADD/ADHD is a genetic disorder that can co-exist to a greater or lesser degree, with any one of other disorders (e.g. dyslexia, autism, learning disorder, dyspraxia, conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder). ADD/ADHD would seem to be more prevalent among boys than girls. Girls would more often be diagnosed as having ADD. There is a belief though that many young people with ADD often go undiagnosed because their attention deficit does not present itself as outwardly as the hyperactivity/impulsivity that exists in ADHD. Diagnosing whether someone has ADD/ADHD is very difficult as many biological and psychological problems can display symptoms similar to those exhibited by ADD/ADHD sufferers. For example, anxiety, depression and certain types of learning disabilities may have similar symptoms. However, it is important that ADD/ADHD is diagnosed as those with it are at a greater risk of dropping out of school, academic underachievement, and social and emotional adjustment difficulties.

Three types of ADD/ADHD have been identified: Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Predominantly Inattentive Type, and Combined Type. Symptoms of the disorder include: a person who seems more active than others; displays extreme forgetfulness and disorganisation; can't stay seated or quiet, blurts out answers, behaves aggressively, or struggles academically. Those with the mainly Inattentive type of ADD/ADHD tend to daydream and have difficulty focusing. Treatment for ADD/ADHD can combine medical, educational, behavioural and psychological interventions.