Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, is a disorder thought to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain which causes distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. This disorder effects 3-5% of school aged children, and nearly 8% of adults, although the percentage for adults is mostly estimated since many adults with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder and are not treated for it.

 

 

 

 

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The kinds of symptoms that a person displays or experiences with ADHD can vary widely between individuals, but the inability to focus very long coupled with excess energy (when caffeine or sugar is not to blame) can be the biggest clue for a doctor. However, these symptoms must be present long term and must be significant enough to impact daily life for a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to be accurate. Other symptoms of ADHD include not being able to catch small details or not being able to listen intently for long.

 

What can happen if ADHD is left untreated?

If a person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not treated for it, then many things can happen over time that not only impact daily life, but life in general as well. Children and adults with untreated ADHD can have extensive family problems leading to fighting or feuding, and can have social problems or become antisocial. Decreased self-esteem can lead to secondary depression that if left untreated can create more problems for those suffering from these effects. Many untreated children with ADHD find it hard in school and can even suffer from learning disabilities. Learning disabilities can also lead to secondary depression.

 

How is ADHD treated?

Many have found that a combination of treatments leads to the best reaction to overall treatment. Medications may be used along with therapy or counseling so that someone suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can learn coping skills. Some people with ADHD resort to natural treatments. Children may find it beneficial to learn adaptive behaviors, so that they can recognize when they are acting out and work to correct it. ADHD coaching is often found useful by adults who need an extra bit of help dealing with their disorder.

 

The types of medications used are primarily psychostimulants that work to correct the imbalance of brain chemicals, but there are also natural remedies for those with mild symptoms that can be treated easily. There are many types and kinds of ADHD medications so if you opt to be treated medicinally, your doctor will decide which approach could work best for you and in what dose. Adjustments to that dose or medication may be necessary to give you the best possible results.

 

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a fairly common disorder that is also widely misunderstood. With greater research has also come a greater understanding of what ADHD is and how we can help those who have it live free of the stigma of ADHD and with lessened symptoms that allow them to enjoy all that life has to offer.

 

 

Symptoms of ADHD

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The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are many and can be varied. The symptoms of two people with the same disorder can be very different. The symptoms can also be different based on the age of someone with ADHD because of how symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness are displayed.

 

ADHD in Children

 

Hyperactivity is one of the easiest symptoms to spot in pre-school aged children. Talking (or mumbling before proper words are learned), an inability to sit still, and constantly being distracted by something new are all signs of being hyper, and if this is seen for long periods of time when sugar or caffeine are not to blame then it may be a symptom of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

 

Children often show their inattention symptoms once they reach school age and grades suffer because they cannot pay attention to their studies long enough to really learn what they are being taught. It is then that they may also show their symptoms of impulsiveness when answering too quick to a question without really thinking about what the answer is, usually getting it wrong. These too factors can combine to create poor grades and subsequent depression based on that and the isolation they feel from other classmates.

 

ADHD in Teens & Young Adults

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder continues to show itself in schoolwork and grades for those teens and young adults who have ADHD. The same inattention to school work, inability to concentrate or finish homework, and impulsivity regarding answering questions will most likely follow those with ADHD through middle school, high school, and beyond.

 

Once entering the work force, those with ADHD may see a lack of quality in their work, or may not be able to hold a job long because of a lack of motivation or because it simply doesn’t interest them anymore. This can also lead to depression and a feeling of low self-esteem.

 

ADHD in Adults

 

With up to 8% of the adult population suffering from the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and many of them not being diagnosed or treated correctly for those symptoms, it can be very difficult to hold a job, be good at it consistently, and earn promotions in that job because of the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness that may be present in adults with ADHD.

 

It can also be difficult to hold lasting and meaningful relationships which, again, can cause a secondary symptom of depression. Marriages can be strained and raising children can be difficult depending on the symptoms of ADHD that are displayed.

 

 

Because everyone’s set of symptoms are very different, the symptoms that each person has may lead to different difficulties when facing life. With a doctors correct diagnosis and proper treatment, the effects of symptoms on one’s daily life can lessen so that a happier and more productive life can be had. If you or someone you know has ADHD be sure to understand what the disorder is and how it is treated so that you have a better understanding of your own actions or the actions of others, as well as how to help yourself or them.

 

 

Medication for ADHD

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Medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be beneficial to both children and adults who suffer from the disorder. However, it is not the only treatment option, and a doctor will decide what may work best for you or for your child. The medications on the market today are specifically made to help those with ADHD and can be classified into two main groups: stimulant medications and non-stimulant medications

 

Stimulant Medications for ADHD

Stimulants are the most widely prescribed medication for ADHD for both children and adults. Widely known medications such as Ritalin, Adderal, and Dexedrine fit into this subcategory of stimulant medications. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of dopamine levels in the brain, and one of the functions of dopamine is to control attention. It also controls motivation, pleasure, and movement. By regulating the dopamine levels, doctors can regulate the attention spans and energy levels of those they are treating.

 

These types of medications for ADHD come in both short and long-acting types that either have to be taken a few times a day or just once, depending on the medication. As with all medications, there are side effects that you or your child may experience on these drugs and with stimulants, you may see mood swings, restlessness, headaches, loss of appetite or more. Once again, this depends on the specifics of the medication that you or your child has been prescribed.

 

Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD

In most cases, non-stimulant medications are used only when stimulant medications have not worked to control the symptoms well enough, or created intolerable side effects that made the medications ineffective for treating the ADHD symptoms. Right now, there is only one non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA that is specifically used to help control the symptoms of ADHD, Strattera, but atypical anti-depressants and certain blood pressure medications are also used and can be helpful in treating symptoms. Non-stimulant medications work differently from stimulants in that they boost the levels of norepinephrine, which is a different brain chemical.

 

While the positives of non-stimulant medication include also helping with anxieties or depression and having long-lasting effectiveness, these types of medication do not seem to be as helpful in controlling hyperactivity as the stimulant medications are. Because of this, non-stimulant medications may or may not be a good choice for you or your child, depending on the symptoms exhibited. The side effects of non-stimulant medications are usually milder than those found with the use of stimulant medications which make them a good choice if the side effects of stimulant medications made those type of solutions ineffective in your treatment or the treatment of your child.

 

 

Because there are so many medications available, the best medication for your own personal brand of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can only be determined by your doctor. Only they can decide which types of medication would be most beneficial to you or your child, and they may even want to try natural or herbal remedies before any medications are prescribed. Whatever the symptoms you or your child experience, there are ways to help, and with the best medication, you or your child can begin to feel better and more productive in everyday life.

 

 

 

Attention Deficit Disorder

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While it is estimated that 3-5% of  school-aged children are affected by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which at present times accounts for as many as 3.5 million children, it is still a widely misunderstood disorder. Even adults suffer from the condition, although many aren’t diagnosed, or aren’t diagnosed properly. Having a clear understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder can help to put you at ease about the diagnosis of ADD for you or someone you know.

 

What Causes Attention Deficit Disorder?

ADD is considered a neurobiological disorder. This means that there are biological factors which influence certain parts of the brain and cause the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. Knowing what causes this condition can lead to better treatments and better understanding by the public about just what Attention Deficit Disorder is. As with most medical conditions, this disorder is still being researched.

 

What Are The Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder?

The symptoms of ADD can be broken down into three main categories, although there are other symptoms that may or may not be present in every person with ADD. Constantly being distracted, or being easily distracted from a task is one of the easiest symptoms to recognize, as is hyperactivity. Impulsiveness may be harder to spot in children, but the lack of impulse control is another symptom that if noticed over a long period of time may point to Attention Deficit Disorder. Other symptoms such as forgetfulness and mood swings may be present.

 

What Are The Classification Types of Attention Deficit Disorder?

There are three subtypes of ADD that focus on what the symptoms are showing for each individual, since each person with the disorder will display their own unique set of symptoms. Those with the Predominantly Inattentive Type of ADD are mostly very distracted with a short attention span, and those with the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type will show more energy and lack of impulse control. There is also a Combined Type that is used to classify those people who exhibit a strong amount of both types previously mentioned.

 

What Are The Stereotypes Of Attention Deficit Disorder?

Contrary to what many believe about the symptoms of ADD, it is not caused by brain damage. This was an early belief by doctors and has since been ruled out as a cause. And although many of the symptoms may point to excess sugar in person’s diet, often times sugar plays a very little role, if any at all, in the displayed hyperactivity or compulsiveness of those with this disorder. Attention Deficit Disorder is in no way a sign of poor parenting, and it shouldn’t be looked at as such. ADD does NOT only affect children, and it is estimated that up to 8% of the adult population also suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder.

 

What Are The Treatments For Attention Deficit Disorder?

While there are many natural and herbal remedies for ADD out there today, many still choose to be treated by medication. There are always new medications arriving on the market to help curb the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder for both children and adults. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder and decide the best treatment option for you or for someone you know.

 

 

*We do not and cannot, due to FDA regulations, claim that any medicinal, herbal or natural recommendations  can treat a disease. Therefore, the information found on BestADHDMedication.com can only claim that some individuals do benefit from the following.