What is ADD/ADHD?
ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is broken down into three subtypes:
Combined Type
Predominantly Inattentive Type
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type.
ADD is often
used as a generic term for all types of ADHD. ADD and ADHD are basically the same
thing. ADD/ADHD is a diagnosable, treatable, biologically based disorder.
The primary symptoms include some combination of inattentiveness or
distractibility, impulsivity, and in some people physical restlessness or hyperactive
behavior. The person, or child, finds it difficult to sustain attention to tasks, finds it
difficult to control impulses, has problems with delayed gratification and engages in
excessive activity and is physically restless. ADHD is a diagnosis applied to
children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a
period of time. The most common core features include:
Having a LOT of difficulty sustaining attention.
Making careless mistakes, not paying attention to detail.
The child or adult with ADD often "doesn't seem to listen", seems tuned out.
Children fail to follow instructions, don't get schoolwork or chores done.
Lots and lots of difficulty with organization, keeping track of things.
Losing things often -- particularly things like supplies, homework, papers, etc.
Getting easily distracted by outside stimuli, like people talking or things going on outside the window.
Forgetting to do things -- very frequently, which means things don't get done
Physical restlessness for some people, fidgeting, can't sit still, etc.
For many children, a lot of difficulty remaining seated, waiting in line, etc.
Being physically "on the go" for some people, overactive in their behavior.
For children, having difficulty playing quietly or co-operating within a group
Reacting impulsively, without thinking first -- with ADHD it is often a matter of "act before you think," instead of "think before you act"!!
In order to diagnose ADD/ADHD
"these behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive. The behaviors must
appear before age 7, and continue for at least 6 months. A crucial consideration is that
the behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person's life, such
as school, home, work, or social settings. These criteria set ADHD apart from the
"normal" distractibility and impulsive behavior of childhood, or the effects of
the hectic and overstressed lifestyle prevalent in our society." (ADDA)
It is believed that ADHD occurs in 3% to 5% of children in the USA, and roughly half of
those children continue to have significant levels of ADHD symptoms as adults, which means
perhaps 2% or 3% of the adult population has some levels of ADD/ADHD. Boys are 2 to
3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, however this may occur due to boys being
more active than girls. Dr Jaksa believes that ADHD runs in families and is often
left undiagnosed with sufferers being labeled lazy or uncaring. Also, he states
that roughly 30% of individuals with ADD/ADHD also have some type of learning disability.
He believes that it is essential for parents to get an early and accurate diagnosis, as
well as comprehensive educational testing, and educational accommodations when necessary.
It is necessary to have ADHD/ADD diagnosed by a professional who has experience with
ADD/ADHD.
The Causes of ADD/ADHD?
There is much controversy over the causes of ADHD/ADD. On one hand there is the belief that ADHD is not caused by parenting, family issues, teachers, schools, TV, food allergies or excess sugar. While on the other, there is the belief that ADHD can be caused by food and food additives. The National Institute of Health (NIH) concluded that 5% of children with ADHD may be affected by food additives and refined sugar. It is also possible that ADD children metabolize fats and carbohydrates differently than other children, and react to food additives when other children do not. Furthermore, the Center of Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) determined that a significant number of children do react to certain foods and additives, and it has recommended that parents try elimination diets prior to trying stimulant medications. For more information on foods and ADD children visit Theresa Gallagher's web site.
Some believe that ADHD/ADD is caused by brain injury, such as exposure to toxins and drugs prior to birth, and in these cases neurological impairment lowers the IQ and causes a number of other problems. Others believe that it is very likely caused by biological factors and has a strong genetic basis. There is however a great deal of evidence that ADHD runs in families, which is suggestive of genetic factors. If one person in a family is diagnosed with ADHD there is a 25% to 35% probability that any other family member also has ADHD, compared to a 4% to 6% probability for someone in the general population.
The debate and controversies over the cause/s of ADHD will probably continue for some time, therefore it is important for parents to seek out answers and make decisions based on their own child's uniqueness.
(Information gained from ADDA)
Interested in further reading? Visit one of the areas below or our list of books on the subject of ADD/ADHD
Parents of Allergic Children Articles:
Guiding Principles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder presented by The National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Attention Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity and Behavioral Problems. An article by Mark S. Thell
Attention Deficit Disorder: A Dubious Diagnosis?
Dietary Treatment For Hyperactive Children
Ask Dr. Lieberman. Essential Fatty Acids and ADD.
Effects of a few foods diet in attention deficit disorder
Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity. An article written by Mike Crusco, a school psychologist.
Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Ear Infections And Preventing The Development of Hyperactivity, Attention Deficits and Autism by William Crook M.D.
Repeated Antibiotics and ADHD - Graphical explanation of this interaction by Dr. William Crook
Other Factors Related to Brain Dysfunction in Children by Dr. William Crook
The Immune System by Dr William Shaw
Web Links and Articles on ADD/ADHD
ADD Action Group The ADD Action Group is a non-profit organization that helps people find alternative solutions for ADD, Learning Differences, Dyslexia, and Autism.
ADD and the Allergy Connection
ADD Foundation.org This organization supports people with attentional issues. It is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and all board members are either parents of children with ADD, or adults with ADD.
ADD Resource - check this site for links to other ADD sites
Allergy, Sensitivity & Environmental Health Association
Guiding Principles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder presented by The National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
What Does ADD Look Like? an article by Rebecca Booth
Bob's Little Corner of the Web - DSM IV Diagnostic criteria for ADD, treatment information and links.
Born To Explore The Other Side of ADD - a website produced by Theresa Gallagher. Theresa gives positive information on ADD.
CPSI - Autism and Diet Research
Internet Resources for Special Children (IRSC) a wealth of information about sites to visit.
ORDER IN THE HOUSE! Articles from a national newsletter for parents, educators and behaviour management specialists about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related topics. Edited by Sue Dengate, published from 1993-1999, mailed to up to 800 individuals and organisations
SERI - Attention Deficit Disorder Resources
Report by Dr. Lieberman on the 1999 Conference - ADD Causes and Possible Solutions
Triggering Attention Disorder -ADHD Is Fastest-Growing U.S. Child Disorder Study Shows Diet May Be Effective In Treatment Yet It May Not Be The Answer For Every Child.
A Cause Of Hyperactivity - ABC News - Study Suggests That Hyper Brain Gets Less Blood
Neurofeedback Gains Attention for ADD Kids WebMD article on neurofeedback
RESEARCH ARTICLES View some research articles in the area of ADD and ADHD
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