How To Combat Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD
With bouts of inattentiveness, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity, millions of children in the United States are plagued by attention deficit disorder.
The chronic disorder, which is also commonly referred to as ADD or ADHD, has the potential to continue on into adulthood, where issues of self-esteem, strained interaction with others, and poor performance in school or work often takes place.
No one knows exactly why attention deficit disorder strikes some children, but researchers have their theories. Some believe the issue begins during the growth and development inside the womb, while others feel heavy drug use and a lower socio-economic status play an important role. Many cases of ADD often points towards biological inconsistencies, where the genes that control the levels of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) are different in ADD patients than in other children.
When diagnosing attention deficit disorder, it is the signs and symptoms that become very important because most doctors are reluctant to confirm ADD until a child showcases what they believe to be the core symptoms of the condition. These signs appear early in the child’s life, which eventually become an ongoing part of their behavioral patterns. It is through these symptoms that they suffer continuous problems that surface at home and at school.
A doctor may come to the conclusion that a child has attention deficit disorder if they show six or more signs or symptoms for a period of at least six months. The common symptoms may arise around the age of seven, although it is not uncommon to see the signs at a much earlier age. It is important to note that the signs needs to be consistent, since it is relatively normal for a child to occasionally shows signs of inattentiveness.
A child with ADD may often fail to pay close attention to the details regarding school activities. Consistent careless mistakes in work may follow. A child may often have trouble paying attention during playtime or when completing simple tasks. A child may seem to not listen when directly spoken to. Children with attention deficit disorder often avoid tasks that cause them to think or focus for long stretches of time. They may often lose important items, such as books, pencils, and even their toys. Attention deficit disorder patients also lack sufficient organizational skills, become easily distracted, or often forget important details.
With attention deficit disorder, it is important to approach a diagnosis regarding the condition with caution since a mis-diagnosis may cause unnecessary medication. This type of error often masks underlying problems the child is experiencing with their parents and teachers. When a child exhibits the warning signs of ADD, it is important to get immediate help for the problem because the condition is known to increase the risk of drug and alcohol abuse, injury, car accidents in teenagers, poor grades, depression, and a heightened sense of anxiety.
When it comes to finding the most effective treatment for children affected with attention deficit disorder, there are numerous approaches to consider, many of which stir a wide range of debates and controversy. Since attention deficit disorder is a condition that mostly surfaces when an individual is young, the touchy subject of medication and experimental techniques has often overshadowed the age of the patient.
To date, many children are treated with the use of psycho-stimulant drugs and other types of prescribed medications, which relieve the majority of symptoms associated with attention deficit disorder, but fail to cure the condition. In regards to age, a lot of parents are hesitant to treat their children with prescription drugs and opt for counseling, special concessions within the classroom, family and community support, which other parents include with the use of various medications.
Some of the best treatments also start at home with a wide range of self-care methods that include extreme patience and support. Many children with attention deficit disorder also greatly benefit from therapy sessions with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. They may undergo social skills training or find comfort in a support group with other parents and children with ADD. Some doctors also suggest that a combination of therapy and medication is the best approach.
To find out more information about Attention Deficit Disorder please visit our web site at http://www.all-about-add-adhd.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Arnold
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Combat-Attention-Deficit-Disorder-and-ADHD&id=633338