What is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Although there is a natural way to treat ADD, the most common treatment is with Ritalin. The dictionary defines ADD as a condition in children, marked by inattentiveness, dreaminess, and passivity (Random House Webster's College Dictionary 87). ADD is more clearly described as a person's difficulty focusing on a single thing for any significant period of time (Hartmann xix). ADD is a neurologically based disorder, most probably of genetic origin, that afflicts from three to five percent of America's children (Armstrong 4). ADD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate impulsivity, attention, and in some cases, hyperactivity (Chadd). In people with ADD, there may be imbalances or differences in the chemicals used by the brain to control activity, attention, motor skills, and some other aspects of behavior (Morrison 5).
             Children who were once seen as "bundles of energy," "daydreamers," or "fireballs," are now considered "hyperactive," "distractible," and "impulsive": the three classic warning signs of ADD (Armstrong 4). Hyperactivity is characterized as fidgeting, excessive running and climbing, leaving one's classroom seat. Impulsivity is blurting out answers in class, interrupting others, having problems waiting turns. Distractible is forgetfulness, disorganization, losing things, and careless mistakes (Armstrong 5). Such people are described as excessively distractible, impatient, impulsive, and often seeking immediate gradification. They often disregard the long-term consequences of their actions, so focused are they on the moment and its rewards (Hartmann xx). ADD symptoms include: difficulty paying attention, difficulty sustaining attention, difficulty listening, difficulty completing tasks, difficulty with organizational skills, avoiding tasks requiring sustained effort, losing th...