Disorder, attention deficit (ADD)

An inability to control behavior due to difficulty in processing neural stimuli.</P> In November, 1998 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a consensus report developed by a panel of experts.

The panel concluded that:</P> > >Ritalin and other therapies may correct classroom behavior problems but there is no evidence that this improves a child's academic performance.</LI></UL> Although there is no independent, validated test for ADD, some well-tested diagnostic interview methods have proved useful.</P> > >Short-term trials of Ritalin and other drugs show beneficial effects on some behaviors and are superior to behavior modification training.

Combining the two resulted in improved social skills.

>Numerous other treatments have been tried, including vitamins, herbs, biofeedback and eliminating some foods such as sugar.

None have proved effective.

>Doctors and schools usually do a poor job of communicating and coordinating when treating children with ADD and follow-up often is poor.

Teachers and parents can play a key role in successfully treating ADD.</LI></UL>