ADHD Is: An attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects children and adolescents and can continue into adulthood for some.
Children with ADHD: Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They can't seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act.
Symptoms: ADHD in children are generally grouped into three categories: Inattention: is easily distracted; does not follow directions or finish tasks; does not appear to be listening when someone is speaking; does not pay attention and makes careless mistakes; is forgetful about daily activities; has problems organizing daily tasks; avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort; often loses things, including personal items; has a tendency to daydream. Hyperactivity: often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting; does not stay seated as expected; has difficulty playing quietly; is always moving, such as running or climbing on things; talks excessively. Impulsivity: has difficulty waiting for his or her turn; blurts out answers before the question has been completed; often interrupts others.
Adult Behavior: Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, employment, relationships, self-esteem, and addictions.
Symptoms: Adult ADHD symptoms may be different than the symptoms in children. Additionally, they may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of behavioral issues. Symptoms include: chronic lateness and forgetfulness; anxiety; low self-esteem; employment problems; difficulty controlling anger; impulsiveness; substance abuse or addiction; poor organization skills; procrastination; low frustration tolerance; chronic boredom; difficulty concentrating when reading; mood swings; depression; relationship problems.
Causes of ADHD: The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including: Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents. Chemical imbalance: Experts believe an imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that transmit nerve impulses may be a factor in the development of ADHD symptoms. Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD. Head injury: There are reports of children with head injuries, particularly with concussions, developing behavioral problems that may mimic ADHD. http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
Children & Adolescent Treatment: Studies have established the safety and effectiveness of using stimulant medications, other drugs, and behavioral therapy. These treatments … relieve the symptoms of ADHD and they improve the child's ability to follow rules and to improve relationships with parents and peers.
A multidisciplinary approach is most effective treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD. The components of a multidisciplinary approach to treating ADHD include: Education for both parents and child or teen about diagnosis and treatment; ADHD medication; Behavior management therapy; School teacher involvement; School counselor involvement. http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-treatment-overview
Medications: Ritalin With all ADHD medications, the goal is to make your child's day go more smoothly, more productively. Until recent years, this was done by giving a child two or three doses of the stimulant Ritalin, which is considered a short-acting medication -- it wears off after three or four hours. Many newer medications are longer-lasting for up to six, eight, 10, or 12 hours. Stimulants are still the mainstay treatment … in recent years the FDA has approved Strattera, a nonstimulant ADHD medication. In September 2005 the FDA issued a public health advisory about reports of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents taking Strattera. http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/features/choosing-adhd-medication-child
How Stimulants Work: We don't know exactly why it produces the effects it does. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) was first synthesized in 1944 in an (unsuccessful) attempt to create a stimulant that would not induce addiction or tolerance. Ritalin is very closely related to amphetamine: similar in chemical structure, metabolization and clinical effects.
Amphetamine Side-Effects: Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; unpleasant taste; vomiting; weakness; weight loss. Severe allergic reactions; blurred vision or other vision problems; change in sexual ability or desire; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; new or worsening mental or mood problems (eg, aggression, agitation, anxiety, delusions, depression, hallucination, hostility); numbness or tingling of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; painful or frequent urination; red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; seizures; severe or persistent headache; severe stomach pain; severe weight loss; shortness of breath; sudden, severe dizziness or vomiting; slurred speech; uncontrolled muscle movement; unusual weakness or tiredness.
US Military: If you are taking Ritalin that is a disqualifier from service end of story. If you "took" Ritalin, it may or may not be a show stopper depending on certain variables (age last taken, period of time taken etc). The implications are it is a nasty drug with lasting psychological side affects which could make such a person a hazard to themselves and others. http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/geo-strategic-defense/ritalin-military-service-9024/
Under the old standards, any history of ADD or ADHD was disqualifying. While waivers were sometimes possible, they were among the hardest categories of waivers to get approved. Under the new standards, ADD/ADHD is disqualifying only if the applicant has been treated with ADD/ADHD medication within the previous year and/or they display signs of ADD/ADHD. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/asthma.htm
Only in America: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also known by its older name, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is distinctly a phenomenon of the late 20
th and early 21
st Centuries. At no previous time in history have so many children been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and placed on medication on the basis of what could be characterized as unruly behavior. Increasingly, children as young as three years old are being treated with stimulant medications. ADHD is also a distinctly American phenomenon. As of 1997,
90 percent of the Ritalin produced worldwide was consumed in the United States. The rates of diagnosis are still much lower in
Europe.
Neurofeedback: Drake Institute has made biofeedback or neurofeedback the centerpiece of our non drug ADHD treatment programs. Unlike drugs when used for ADHD treatment, neurofeedback used properly does not cause negative side effects. In addition, brainmap guided neurofeedback can produce long term improvements which drugs cannot. http://www.drakeinstitute.com/adhd-treatment.
Nutrition: Nutritional issues play a huge role in ADHD. After genetics, diet is the second most important factor. Nutritional deficiencies and excesses, as well as food sensitivities can have a huge impact on ADHD symptoms.
One way in which children may become deficient in important nutrients involves repeated courses of antibiotics in early childhood. In a study of 350 hyperactive children at the University of Surrey in England, a significiantly higher percentage of children with ADHD were found to have taken several courses of antibiotics in early childhood than those without ADHD. Further investigations found that children who had taken three or more courses of antibiotics before the age of three had significantly lower levels of zinc, selenium, calcium, and chromium. http://www.ohlonecenter.org/research-papers/attention%C2%ADdeficit-hyperactivity-disorder-herbal-and-natural-treatments/
Tonics Herbs: Bidirectional and multidirectional herbs are called Tonics Herbs; they are capable of both increasing and decreasing the activity of the body’s systems, as needed, thus restoring and maintaining balance, naturally. Tonics do not over-stimulate the body. See: http://thehealthalert.blogspot.com/2012/02/elixirs-snake-oils-tonics.html
Garlic alone can provide us with over two hundred unusual chemicals that have the capability of protecting the human body from a wide variety of diseases. The sulfur containing compounds found in garlic afford the human body with protection by stimulating the production of certain beneficial enzymes. Excerpt: Barks Herbs Roots Twigs-The Earth Pharmacy©
The TONIC Nutritional Garlic Supplement is made from a centuries-old recipe originally taken seasonally to prevent colds and flu. The combination of organic ingredients contains the power of raw garlic and no unpleasant residue formulated to help maintain Good Health, Naturally.
This is not medicine or medical advice. Supplements may react adversely with synthetic drugs.
Consult doctor for all health concerns.
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