Were you always getting in trouble for talking in elementary school? Were you known for losing or misplacing things you needed? Did your parents have to tell you "a million times" to do your homework or chores? Did you have a tendency to procrastinate and run late? Did you do well on IQ tests but come across as "spacey" or an "airhead?"

These may be personality traits, but if they cause distress and/or affect functioning, they could be caused by a treatable mental disorder such as an anxiety disorder, mood disorder, learning disability or attention deficit disorder (ADD).

ADD is reported to occur in up to 7 percent of children and continues into adulthood more frequently than was once thought. Careful psychological and/or psychiatric evaluation can help determine a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

ADD is manifested by symptoms of inattentiveness, distractibility and often (but not always) hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

By definition, ADD has to be present by 7 years of age and be consistent over time, not intermittent. The symptoms must cause dysfunction in more than one area of functioning, not just in school.

Research shows that ADD tends to run in families, and that it involves neurochemical imbalances in certain brain areas.

Thorough evaluation is important to determine the cause of the attention problems and to look for other problems that often occur with ADD, such as learning disabilities and anxiety disorders, so they can be treated as well.

Evaluation usually involves a clinical interview, some formal written assessment and a review of the history from family members and previous schools. A physical examination and general medical evaluation should be done to rule out underlying medical conditions.

People with untreated ADD are less likely to succeed at higher education and more likely to abuse drugs, smoke cigarettes, get in automobile accidents and have unstable work histories and relationships.

It is critical for people with ADD to get a proper diet and enough sleep. Exercise also can help. Counseling and some behavioral techniques, such as using a personal calendar, are sometimes recommended.

Some dietary supplements are reported to be helpful, but none have been adequately, systematically studied.

Sometimes, behavioral therapies provide enough support to improve functioning. If not, prescription medications may be indicated.

A promising new agent called atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for childhood and adult ADD in 2002.

Prior to the release of Strattera, psychostimulant medications -- primarily a form of either methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine -- were the main medications used for ADD. Some well-known examples are Ritalin, a brand name for methylphenidate, and Adderall, a brand name for a mixture of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine salts.

You may be aware that Adderall and Ritalin are frequently shared, sold or abused in high school and college settings.

These "speed"-like medications are carefully regulated by the FDA. They are habit-forming and potentially life-threatening if taken in high doses, misused by snorting or shooting or used by persons with cardiac problems.

Adverse effects include rapid heart rate, weight loss, insomnia, agitation and hallucinations.

The medications can bring on or exacerbate some psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. People can get very fatigued and depressed when they stop these medications.

Also, there have been a few reported cases of sudden death in children taking Adderall.

While psychostimulant medications should be treated with respect and caution, they can treat a neurochemical imbalance in persons with ADD and can be very effective and helpful. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with ADD can finally sit still, get organized, stay focused and achieve up to their full potential.

If you are struggling in school and have some of the symptoms discussed above, seek treatment and evaluation. If you are diagnosed with ADD and take one of these medications, don't share it with friends, neighbors or family members.

Furthermore, if you think that any of your friends may have ADD, educate them about ADD and encourage them to seek help.

Giving them some of your own medication does not help them in the long run.

Remember that these medications are not harmless just because they are available by prescription. They can interact with other medications and can exacerbate some medical and psychological problems.