f developmentally inappropriate inattention, but the authors note that more research is necessary to determine if this is really a valid diagnostic category or not (APA, 1987).
It is important to note that the presence or absence of actual hyperactivity (as opposed to inattention or impulsivity) is no longer considered the deciding factor in the diagnosis of ADD. It used to be thought that hyperactivity always disappeared at adolescence, whereas other symptoms might persist. We now know, however, that hyperactivity may continue through adoles cence and on into adulthood. "Rather, when any two out of three of the original symptom areas (inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity) are present, the syndromal quality of the disorder seems to remain relatively constant in adolescents and young adults" (Cantwell, 1987, p.8).
Thus, ADD can no longer be considered a disease of childhood that can be "grown out of" in some way. Instead, it is a frust ratingly heterogeneous yet distinctive disorder which afflicts approximately three to five percent of American children. It is estimated that between one and two-thirds of those originally diagnosed with ADD will continue to suffer from it as adults, and it is six to ten times more likely to afflict males than females (APA, 1980; Wolkenberg, 1987).
The same clinical picture is presented again and again. A child with ADD is characterized as easily distracted, physically uncoordinated, hard to control, and often aggressive, with poor peer relations and poor academic performance due to inattention rather than unintelligence. All too often this frustrated and rejected child grows up to be an adult with ADD: he will be prone to short, turbulent romances and friendships, have trouble holding a job, and will be generally less successful in all areas of life than others his age. ADD sufferers are also more likely than the general population to get in trouble with the law, have accidents whic...