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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by Arthur Buchanan
Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating, can't seem to follow directions, and are easily bored and/or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive (do not think before they act). Although these behaviors are in general common in children, they occur more often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD. These behaviors interfere with the child's ability to function at school and at home. What Are the Symptoms of ADHD? Symptoms of ADHD are generally grouped into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Inattention
* Is easily distracted. * Does not follow directions or finish tasks. * Does not appear to be listening when someone is speaking. * Does not pay attention and makes careless mistakes. * Is forgetful about daily activities. * Has problems organizing daily tasks. * Avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort. * Often loses things, including personal items. * Has a tendency to daydream.
Hyperactivity
* Often squirms, fidgets or bounces when sitting. * Does not stay seated as expected. * Has difficulty playing quietly. * Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things. (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as a sense of restlessness.) * Talks excessively.
Impulsivity
* Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn. * Blurts out answers before the question has been completed. * Often interrupts others.
What Causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including: * Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.
* Chemical imbalance: Experts believe an imbalance of the chemicals that help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other, called neurotransmitters, may be a factor in the development of symptoms.
* Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD than in children without the disorder.
The following are other factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD or that may trigger symptoms:
* Poor nutrition, infections and substance abuse (including cigarette and alcohol use) during pregnancy may be contributing factors, since they can affect the development of the baby's brain. * Exposure to toxins, such as lead, in early childhood can also affect brain development. * Injury to the brain or a brain disorder.
It is important to note that eating too much sugar on the part of the child does not cause ADHD. However, a proper diet is essential for normal development in children. ADHD is also not caused by watching too much TV, a poor home life, poor schools or food allergies.
How Common Is ADHD?
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. It is estimated to affect 3%-7% of children (more than 2 million American children) and is more common in boys than in girls. It most often is discovered during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention. ADHD can continue into the teen years and adulthood.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no laboratory tests for ADHD, the doctor may use various tests -- such as X-rays and blood tests -- to determine if there is a physical disorder causing the symptoms. Certain mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, have some symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. For that reason, a complete psychiatric assessment is needed to accurately diagnosis ADHD.
If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or another health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat ADHD. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's symptoms and behavior. The doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.
How Is ADHD Treated?
ADHD cannot be cured, but many of the symptoms that interfere with functioning and cause distress can be controlled. Treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of medication and various psychosocial therapies.
Medication: Certain medications called stimulants may be used to help control hyperactivity and impulsive behavior and increase attention span. Commonly used stimulants include Adderall, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin and Ritalin. Some children with ADHD respond to antidepressant medications such as Wellbutrin. Another ADHD medication, Cylert, was withdrawn from the market in March of 2005. Its use had been declining due to problems with liver damage in some who were taking the medication.
Psychosocial therapies: These are treatment approaches that focus on the behavioral, psychological, social and work/school problems associated with the illness. Psychosocial therapies that may be used for ADHD include:
* Special education: This is a type of education that is structured to meet the child's unique educational needs. Children with ADHD generally benefit most from a highly structured environment and use of routines.
* Behavior modification: This includes strategies for supporting good behavior and decreasing problem behavior by the child.
* Psychotherapy (counseling): Psychotherapy can help a person with ADHD learn better ways to handle their emotions and frustration, and improve their self-esteem. Counseling also may help family members better understand the child's disorder and cope with the challenges of living with a child who has ADHD. * Social skills training: This can help the child learn new behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing, that will enable him or her to better function in social situations. * Support groups: Support groups are generally made up of people with similar problems and needs, which can help with acceptance and support. Groups also can provide a forum for learning more about a disorder and the latest approaches to treatment. These groups are helpful for adults with ADHD or parents of children with the disorder.
What Are the Side Effects of Treatment?
The medications used to treat ADHD are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, certain side effects may occur. Common side effects of stimulants include:
* Loss of appetite * Trouble sleeping
Common side effects of antidepressants include: * Dry mouth * Sleepiness * Irregular heartbeat
What Is the Outlook for Children With ADHD?
It is very important that children with symptoms of ADHD seek care. Without treatment, ADHD can interfere with a child's performance in school as well as their ability to make and keep friends, which can negatively impact the child's self-esteem. In addition, children with ADHD are at risk for developing conduct disorder, depression or an anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have a learning disorder. Teens with ADHD are at greater risk for car accidents, early pregnancy, tobacco and alcohol use.
But, when treated, most people with ADHD (between 70% and 80%) experience at least some relief of symptoms. Many of the symptoms of ADHD diminish by early adulthood. However, up to 50% of people with ADHD as children continue to have some problems as adults.
Can ADHD Be Prevented?
ADHD cannot be prevented or cured. However, early identification and diagnosis, as well as a carefully designed treatment and education plan, can help a child with ADHD adjust to the disorder. Many people with ADHD learn to focus their attention, develop their personal strengths, minimize disruptive behavior, and become productive and successful.
\ Mental Health:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem at work, or before taking a test or making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life. An anxiety disorder is a serious mental illness. For people with anxiety disorders, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be crippling. What Are the Types of Anxiety Disorders? There are several recognized anxiety disorders, including: * Panic disorder: People with this condition have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. Other symptoms of a panic attack include sweating, chest pain, palpitations (irregular heartbeats) and a feeling of choking, which may make the person feel like he or she is having a heart attack or "going crazy." * Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): People with OCD are plagued by constant thoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The disturbing thoughts are called obsessions, and the rituals are called compulsions. An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly washes his or her hands. * Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. People with PTSD often have lasting and frightening thoughts and memories of the event, and tend to be emotionally numb. * Social anxiety disorder: Also called social phobia, social anxiety disorder involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule. * Specific phobias: A specific phobia is an intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as snakes, heights or flying. The level of fear usually is inappropriate to the situation and may cause the person to avoid common, everyday situations. * Generalized anxiety disorder: This disorder involves excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there is little or nothing to provoke the anxiety.
What Are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder? Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include: * Feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness * Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts * Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences * Nightmares * Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing * Problems sleeping * Cold or sweaty hands * Shortness of breath * Palpitations * An inability to be still and calm * Dry mouth * Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet * Nausea * Muscle tension What Causes Anxiety Disorders? The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown; but anxiety disorders -- like other forms of mental illness -- are not the result of personal weakness, a character flaw or poor upbringing. As scientists continue their research on mental illness, it is becoming clear that many of these disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain and environmental stresses. Like certain illnesses, such as diabetes, anxiety disorders may be caused by chemical imbalances in the body. Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of chemicals in the brain that control mood. Other studies have shown that people with certain anxiety disorders have changes in certain brain structures that control memory or mood. In addition, studies have shown that anxiety disorders run in families, which means that they can be inherited from one or both parents, like hair or eye color. Moreover, certain environmental factors -- such as a trauma or significant event -- may trigger an anxiety disorder in people who have an inherited susceptibility to developing the disorder. How Common Are Anxiety Disorders? Anxiety disorders affect about 19 million adult Americans. Most anxiety disorders begin in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. They occur slightly more often in women than in men, and occur with equal frequency in Caucasians, blacks and Hispanics.
About the Author
Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show!
http://freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3 THIS LINK WORKS, LISTEN TODAY!
With Much Love,
Arthur Buchanan
President/CEO
Out of Darkness & Into the Light 209 Ellis Ave. Suite 1313 Bellevue Ohio, 44811
567-214-1133 (home)
www.adhdandme.com (New Children's Book)
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