ADD/ADHD Symptoms and Treatment
Introduction
 ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder; ADHD stands for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. When these conditions were first discovered they were
referred to as minimal brain damage and later minimal brain dysfunction when
more information was discovered. At present time these conditions are recognized
as a chemical imbalance or deficiency in the brain. Most people with ADD/ADHD
are considered average or above average intelligence and may or may not have
other learning disabilities. Normally in a human brain there are chemically
controlled circuits that filter out or keep in the background, all other
impulses that may enter the attention center of the brain while trying to focus
on one thing in particular. In a person with ADD/ADHD the chemical deficiency is
present. They have difficulties because they cannot properly block these other
impulses or push them in to the background. Therefore they see and hear too much
and become overwhelmed by all the information going into their brains for
processing. They cannot control or organize this information, become easily
distracted and impulsive as they jump from one activity to another.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
 In order to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD you must present at least 8 of these
symptoms for at least 6 months.
- Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in seat
- Difficulty remaining seated when required to do so
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Difficulty awaiting turn in games or group situations
- Blurts out answers to questions before the question has been completed
- Difficultly following through with instructions
- Difficultly sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Shifts from one uncompleted activity to another
- Difficultly playing or completing tasks quietly
- Talks excessively
- Interrupts or intrudes on others
- Does not seem to listen to what is being said to him/her
- Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
- Engages in physically dangerous activities without considering possible
consequences
All of these symptoms must occur often and not necessarily always. Other
possible symptoms include language or learning disabilities, chronic medical
conditions and other emotional and behavioral problems.
It is important that you obtain a diagnosis from a medical professional
before acting upon any symptoms. If the diagnosis is for a child parents should
consult with their child’s teacher. They are in a unique position to monitor a
child in a school setting seeing their interaction with other children, adults,
and with authority.
Treatment
The most important part of treatment is communication and cooperation between
all parties involved, whether it be parents, children, teachers, physicians,
schools and/or counselors. Together all the involved parties can select an
appropriate treatment program consisting of an educational plan, medication,
behavior and cognitive programs, counseling, and support programs.
Medication
 There are several types of prescription medications used to treat ADD/ADHD. Each
medication has different properties that suit specific people and specific
situations. The main type of medication used is a stimulant. This type of
medication helps by altering the amount of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the
brain that are involved in filtering out distractions and reducing activity
levels. Of the stimulant medications, Ritalin and Adderall are the most commonly
prescribed. The other type of medication used to treat ADD/ADHD is an
antidepressant. These target the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine
helping to combat the emotional feelings associated with ADD/ADHD. All people do
not get the same results from the same kind of medication or the same dosage.
Also medication alone is not an answer to ADD/ADHD and should be part of a total
treatment program.
Behavioral Issues
 It is important to note that medication will not correct behavioral problems. It
will only combat the lack of focus and hyperactivity in a person. Often people
diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will experience repeated failure at home, in school or
at work, and in relationships. Their self-esteem is always at risk and it is
important to encourage, reward and build up positive behavior and actions. Most
people will require counseling to help them combat their emotional and
behavioral symptoms. Patients can exhibit feelings associated with anxiety,
stress and possibly depression because of their condition.
Conclusion
One in twenty children will be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Out of these children
only 20% will be asymptomatic by the time they reach adolescence. 30% of
children diagnosed will exhibit symptoms by the time they reach their teens, and
50% of children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will exhibit two or more symptoms for
the remainder of their adult life. Looking at these statistics it is easy to see
that ADD/ADHD is a very common. It is important that the symptoms are recognized
and diagnosed early so that these people have a good chance at learning to cope
with their condition. When patients receive the proper medication, have an
educational plan, and get counseling to combat emotional issues due to their
condition, people with ADD/ADHD live much more manageable lives.
Works Cited
ADD Partnership of Ohio. Attention Deficit Disorder: A Handbook. Stark County:
ADD Partnership of Ohio, 1992. Book.
Diseases & Conditions
Top Lists:
Top 10 Most Common Genetic Disorders
Top 15 Most Disturbing Skin Conditions
10 Unusual Phobias
Informational:
Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis
What is Turner Syndrome and Why Does it Affect Only Females?
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and How to Treat the Symptoms
Herniated Disc: Symptoms and Treatments
Pinch Nerve: The Cause of Remote Pain
Dealing With a Child Who Has a Fever
How Unhealthy Diet Could Trigger Inflammatory Arthritis
Phobias: Understanding How They Develop and Treatments
Depression Facts, Symptoms & Treatment
Earaches - Causes and Treatments
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder and How to Deal with It
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Does Light Therapy Help?
What Really Causes Dandruff and How Can You Treat the Symptoms
Treating Plantar Fasciitis or Heel and Arch Pain
Symptoms and Treatments of Aplastic Anemia
Using Sclerotherapy to Get Rid of Varicose Veins
Are the Side Effects of HGH Supplements Worth It?
ADD/ADHD Symptoms and Treatment
What are the Options for Hair Loss Treatments
Options for Frontal Hair Loss Treatment |
