ADHD

ADHD – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. Problems associated with ADHD include inattention and hyperactive, impulsive behavior. Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school.

ADHD Causes:
* Altered brain function and anatomy. While the exact cause of ADHD remains a mystery, brain scans have revealed important differences in the structure and brain activity of people with ADHD. For example, there appears to be less activity in the areas of the brain that control activity and attention.
* Heredity. ADHD tends to run in families. About one in four children with ADHD have at least one relative with the disorder.
* Maternal smoking, drug use and exposure to toxins. Pregnant women who smoke are at increased risk of having children with ADHD. And alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy may reduce activity of the nerve cells (neurons) that produce neurotransmitters. Pregnant women who are exposed to environmental poisons, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), also may be more likely to have children with symptoms of ADHD. PCBs are industrial chemicals that were widely used up until the 1970s.
* Childhood exposure to environmental toxins. Preschool children exposed to certain toxins are at increased risk of developmental and behavioral problems. Exposure to lead, which is found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings, has been linked to disruptive and even violent behavior and to a short attention span. Exposure to PCBs in infancy also may increase a child’s risk of developing ADHD.

ADHD Signs & Symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of inattention may include:

* Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
* Often has trouble sustaining attention during tasks or play
* Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly
* Has difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks
* Often has problems organizing tasks or activities
* Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework
* Frequently loses needed items, such as books, pencils, toys or tools
* Can be easily distracted
* Often forgetful

ADHD Treatments:

There are two types of treatment for ADHD, pharmacological and Alternative ADHD Treatments for ADHD. ADHD is usually treated with the aid of stimulant drugs like Ritalin. Concerta and with non-stimulant Straterra as well as amphetamines, such as Dexedrine and Adderall.

Pharmacological Treatments:

Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a daily dosage which can be short or long acting. After this initial dosage is set there may be a need for your doctor to increase or curb the dosage for the drug to have the desired effect.

Results can vary from patient to patient so its important that you monitor and work with your doctor. Read more about ADHD medication.

Side effects may be troublesome depending on the child, which is why the child must have follow-up visits to your doctor. These may include weight loss, appetite changes, insomnia and nervous tics” ( Jefferson , 2002).

Alternative ADHD Treatments

Other treatments for ADHD include “tutoring and special education, behavioral therapy and family-group psychotherapy” ( Jefferson , 2002). Also, self-help and self-healing are possible treatments employed. Experts place a great amount of significance on the need to have “structured home and school environment” in order to inculcate various coping skills, suitable study habits and sense of discipline and responsibility into children.