ADHD:
Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD often has been considered a childhood disorder but the reality, through current research, has determined 70-80% of kids diagnosed will still have it the rest of their life. Currently, there is no cure, but it is treatable with medication therapy, behavioral therapy and alternative medicine treatments. Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderADHD is currently afflicting approximately 9% of the children in the United States and approximately 4% of the adults. Many doctors and researchers though feel these numbers are way to low as a lot of people have never been diagnosed with it. Diagnosis is totally subjective since no two people will show the same set of symptoms. As of now, there is actually no testing procedure to verify its occurrence.Ongoing research is now also suggesting, and recommending to the front line general practitioner, if ADHD is suspected and/or diagnosed, keep on the lookout for other secondary conditions also. Behavioral conditions, learning disabilities, high levels of anxiety and stress, depression, learning disabilities or speech problems may all show up as a group or in individual situations. From research, the following seem to show some possible links into the cause of this condition: - Heredity- The #1 cause in approximately 80% of the afflicted children comes from another family member with a known history of the disorder.
- Reduced brain activity levels (lower blood flow, glucose levels and electrical activity) in certain areas of the brain.
- A chemical imbalance in the frontal areas of the brain sometimes caused by the chemical inbalance resulting from a round of childhood or adult vaccinations.
- Pre-natal exposure to toxins such as nicotine, alcohol and high levels of lead.
- Premature birth, head injury or certain illnesses tend to lead to the possibility of ADHD
- The delayed growth and maturing of the brain before birth.
- Food additives, preservatives and other allergic reactors can increase sensitivities.
Food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate in controlled studies of two different groups noticed the children that were receiving these additives had less control and greater hyper-active behavioral patterns. Many doctors and researchers are now beginning to understand parent's attitudes that these substances do seem to affect their children detrimentally. With the removal of food dyes, preservatives and too many sugary foods, their children can lead a more normal life. Common Symptoms With ADHDThere are three main groups of symptoms in any person afflicted with ADHD. Not everyone though will display each of these symptoms. A normal response from an afflicted individual will be inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Occasionally, some children do not show the hyperactivity sign so it is not unusual to hear the terminology ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder.Frequently though, the following are often reported as a routine symptom, commonly known as a secondary condition, also. - Anxiety
- Depression
- Learning Disabilities
- Confrontational Defiance
Because there is no current testing methods to determine ADHD, instead a general physical exam, detailed history and data collecting from numerous tests are used for evaluation. Everything collectively is then studied to see if the right criteria are met to conclude a diagnosis. ADHD TreatmentsSome of the more promising methods of treatment which help most people are detailed below. But again, since no two people have the same symptoms, no two people are necessarily on the exact treatment plan either. This is why it is imperative you keep constant contact with your health professional for guidance and adjustments.- Prescription drug therapy to reduce overall symptoms
- Parental education and training to understand and work with the afflicted child
- Social skills training techniques
- Diet and lifestyle counseling
- Alternative therapy treatments
- Set up structured routines for at work, school, home etc. and adhere to these routines consistently.
- Structured but consistent exercise program
Other Common Roadblocks One of the most unexpected casualties of this condition is the struggles of the other members of the family. Having a child with ADHD places extremes on each and every family member. Many of these issues must be confronted and solved every day.- Discipline for out of control behavior
- Treatment options
- Trying to structure a family life for the rest of the family
- Feelings of self-guilt or self-hatred for being a poor parent
- Emotional toll from caring for a ADHD child
- Constant criticism, or advise, from others about how they would handle this situation
- Siblings feelings of hatred, jealousy, or resentment because the other child gets all of the attention
This list can go on forever and yet change with every passing day. It is vitally important the parents and other family members receive some much needed help, education and guidance from a support group, doctor or practitioner or any way and means available in your area. Dealing with a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be a long and difficult struggle until the correct course of treatment has been found and instituted.
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This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.
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