What is ADD/ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been combined to diagnose individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for impulsivity, hyperactivity, and/or inattention. Let's look at ADD and ADHD separately to gain a better understanding.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Brain damage studies were first conducted on soldiers post World War I. Some soldiers contracted encephalitis and displayed characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and conduct disorders. In the 1940s some soldiers who sustained brain injures displayed behavioral disorders. From some of these cases, researchers and medical professionals began to focus more time on brain functions. They later discovered that hyperactivity can be linked to exposure to lead and toxins as well as fetal exposure to drugs and alcohol.

Many researchers assumed that brain damage was a cause of hyperactivity and that is why ADD was once called "minimal brain dysfunction". From these early studies, researchers were able to expand their research and learn that ADD is genetic. Research continued to develop and ADD experts claimed that ADD was not a disorder, but a natural condition.

The diagnostic testing for ADD has broadened to include many people without brain defects. People with temperament issues are also being diagnosed as ADD. This is why ADD is commonly referred to as ADHD or ADD/ADHD. To begin, ADD was considered to effect inattention only without hyperactivity. The criteria for inattention are as follows:

• Failure to give attention to details
  
• Difficulty maintaining attention when assigned a task
  
• Daydreams or seems to not listen
  
• Fails to finish work or follow instruction
  
• Unorganized
  
• Has difficulties with schoolwork
  
• Loses or misplaces things like their backpack
  
• Easily distracted
  
• Forgetful
  

A child was diagnosed with ADD if they had at least 6 of the above symptoms.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Many children met the diagnosis for ADD, but also had "extra" symptoms. These symptoms lead researchers to broaden their results for ADD and start including new symptoms. They expanded ADD to AD/HD or ADHD, which basically includes everything about plus hyperactive symptoms. Those symptoms are as follows:

• Fidgety or failure to sit still
  
• Runs or climbs excessively, restlessness
  
• Difficulty playing quietly
  
• Excessive talking
  
• Acts "on the go"
  
• Leaves seat in classroom
  
• Interrupts or intrudes on others
  
• Difficulty waiting their turn or waiting in lines

ADHD affects approximately 8 to 10 percent of school-aged children. Boys are more prone to ADHD than girls. Some children are misdiagnosed due to stress at home such as a divorce, a move, an illness, change in school, or other events that lead to a child acting out or becoming forgetful.

ADD/ADHD will be diagnosed by a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist. To diagnose ADD/ADHD your doctor will perform a physical examination and discuss any concerns and symptoms you may have about your child. You need to know your family's health history, your child's health information such as allergies or medications they are currently taking. ADHD has been linked to the genetic history of your family and knowing this information will help your doctor to diagnose the type of ADHD your child has.

You will be required to fill out a questionnaire about your child mostly behavior information such as how they act at school, at home, and among friends. Your doctor may require the phone numbers of those individuals who see your child on a daily basis.

Many people with ADD/ADHD have extremely high IQs, but others assume they cannot pay attention. This misconception is completely false. In fact, most people with ADD/ADHD "hyper focus" on anything that captures their attention. This may cause them to "tune out" anything else and it makes it difficult to get their attention away from whatever has their attention at that point in time. People with ADD/ADHD need to maintain interest in something and if there is no interest, they tend to "daydream" or tune out everyone and everything around them. This is why many people with ADD/ADHD take prescription medications such as Ritalin. These stimulants help to artificially stimulate the brain and allow the person with ADD/ADHD to tolerate a duller setting then they could otherwise.

Most cases of ADD/ADHD are treated with medication and behavioral therapy. It is important to closely monitor your child's treatment plan and make regular adjustments with your child's doctor if you notice your child is not responding to the treatment. It is essential to your child's plan that you actively participate in the treatment program. Medications are often given to children with ADD/ADHD. It is important to remember that medication can affect kids differently. There are three main types of medication that your doctor may prescribe for your child; stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.

Stimulants are the best known treatments for helping a child with ADD/ADHD. The doses usually last for about 4 hours; some can last up to 12 hours. As with any medication, there are side effects. Decreased appetite, stomachache, irritability, and insomnia are the main side effect with stimulants. Non-stimulants are quickly becoming popular since they last up to 24 hours and have fewer side effects. Lastly, antidepressants are another treatment option. Antidepressants have been under debate for several years as they have been shown to increase risk for suicide in children and teens. Always discuss the use of medication with your child's doctor before you begin treatment.

Behavioral therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective methods for treating ADD/ADHD. By giving clear directions and a consistent lifestyle pattern to your child, they begin to develop behavioral changes from negative ones to positive ones. It has been proven that children need structure. By creating a consistent routine, you will help your child know what is expected of them. Organize your child's daily routine, place their backpack, clothes, and toys in the same place every day so they will be less likely to lose them. Teach your child how to avoid distractions by turning off the television, radio, and games when they are focusing on homework. Always limit your child's choices to be between two things so they aren't overwhelmed or over stimulated. Avoid long-winded explanations with your child. Using clear, brief directions with your child will help them understand their responsibilities. Don't be afraid to discipline your child. By using timeouts or removal of certain privileges, your child will quickly learn better behavior. You can also use goals and rewards to teach your child how to track positive behavior and then reward them for their efforts. Remember, they are a child and not an adult so don't expect an overnight change. Help boost your child's self esteem. Helping your child learn talents about themselves will help them to experience success within themselves. It will also teach them concentration and social skills by being involved in music, art or sports.

Recent research on ADD/ADHD has shown that some cases are linked to diet. While this is just a theory, many parents are changing their child's diet to incorporate foods that may help brain activity. ADD/ADHD people can reduce the level of unfocused or misdirected energy by starting the day off with a healthy protein breakfast. Studies have shown that a sold protein breakfast can increase concentration, reduce restlessness, and increase mental health and physical calm.

Studies have found that a significant number of children with ADHD are deficient in essential fatty acids. Fatty acids have been shown to make the brain release nerve tissue in the body and they are critical for proper growth, mental function, immunity to colds and viruses, and brain development. Our body cannot produce two fatty acids called Omega-3 and Omega-6. By incorporating these fatty acids into your child's diet, you may help reduce the effects of ADD/ADHD.

Take an active role in helping your child control their ADD/ADHD. Remember, they too can become frustrated and it is not easy for them. Find a doctor who will listen to your needs and concerns and will work with you and your child. If you do not want medical prescriptions for ADD/ADHD, try consulting a therapist to be part of the treatment plan for your child. Report to your doctor if your child has undergone dramatic life changes such as; a divorce, a move, an illness, change in school, or other events that lead to a child acting out or becoming forgetful. If your child has already been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD one of the above life-changing situations can make their ADD/ADHD worse.

Some children have allergies or teeth problems that lead to emotional behavior that can be misdiagnosed for ADD/ADHD. Always discuss with your child what options are available. You may find that working closely with your child will be a better treatment program than using medical prescriptions for treating ADD/ADHD.

It is important to teach your child that ADD/ADHD is not a "problem". It is merely a different approach to learning! Help your child find success in school and at home. A child with ADD/ADHD responds better to positive reinforcement instead of punishment.