ADHD BreakthroughsPart one of this series examined the definitions, several types, and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This second and final part looks at some causes and how parents can help their children overcome its effects.
ADHD’s environmental causes are historically misunderstood yet easily avoided.
The history of ADHD has been plagued with misconceptions. Originally, it was believed caused by an injury or infection to the brain while the child was still an infant. Later, inattention or hyperactivity was linked to an over-ingestion of artificial sugar, sweeteners and food additives. More recent research has allayed parental guilt by showing that that neither is actually responsible for forming ADHD potential in the child’s brain.
In fact, modern research indicates the same factors contributing to ADHD in children are many of the same practices expectant mothers already avoid for other important reasons. Among other potential health risks, doctors warn that mothers who smoke during pregnancy significantly increase the chances for ADHD in their children. Using alcohol and drugs similarly increases the potential.
Lead poisoning is another possible factor. While the metal has been banned from paint and other construction materials for decades, children living in older buildings and homes may still be at risk.
ADHD medications are effective, but come with controversy.
ADHD varies by child. Doctors and psychiatrists usually develop a treatment regimen that combines re-organizing a child’s work and social environments in tandem with therapy and special medications. These medications are usually stimulants of the methylphenidate variety. Two of the most popular brands are sold under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta. Another popular brand, Adderall, is kind of amphetamine.
Doses are given anywhere from once to several times a day. Effectiveness varies according to the user, and physicians may try out different prescriptions and varying dosages before settling on the best choice for sustained, long-duration use. Side effects of methylphenidate and amphetamine are not generally problematic in the long term. Though some children report feeling “revved up,” the effects are not considered harmful. Additional reported side effects include insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, and an upset stomach.
Recent research has begun to call into question the benefits of long-term medication therapy. In particular, a study related to the National Institute of Mental Health’s giant Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD recently reported that medications such as Ritalin and Concerta are no more effective after just three years than therapy administered without medication.
Therapy is a crucial step on the road to effective ADHD management.
It’s also important to understand that prescription drugs are not as effective without corresponding therapy and lifestyle management. Parents are strongly encouraged to take an active role in helping their children combat ADHD symptoms. This assistance can include:
Creating a daily routine: All children thrive on structure, and building a pattern to their daily lives helps children feel more relaxed.
Avoiding unnecessary sensory stimuli: Limiting children’s choices (in clothes to wear, what to eat for dinner, et cetera) and turning off television and video games helps their focus by removing “clutter” from their minds.
Communicate and discipline clearly and consistently: Giving clear but short instructions, and administering discipline decisively lets children understand parameters without becoming confused or distracted.
Offer rewards for positive behavior. Families may also decide to enlist the aid of a therapist, who will work with the child on building concentration and social skills. Group therapy is also sometimes effective. Parents may also take special classes and seminars to help them reorient themselves to the needs of an ADHD child.
Behavioral Disorders Related to ADHD
Between twenty and thirty percent of ADHD children also have some form of learning disability. Many struggle with writing, arithmetic, and writing deficiencies, including dyslexia. Other common disabilities include:
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: the child – usually a boy – is confrontational and argumentative with parents and authority figures. As many as one-half of all ADHD patients have some degree of ODD.
Conduct Disorder: A more serious form of ODD, children with CD are aggressively hostile. They will deliberately break rules, threaten or attack classmates, engage in theft or vandalism, and carry weapons. Up to forty percent of ADHD children have CD. Less common disabilities and problems include:
Tourette Syndrome: People suffering from this disorder frequently repeat mannerisms such as sniffling or pronouncing words. They may also involuntarily perform nervous tics
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety and Depression
Parents worried their child is displaying ADHD symptoms are encouraged to contact a psychiatrist or psychologist for help in making a formal evaluation. Many specialize in working with children. Pediatricians, neurologists and clinical social workers are also able to diagnose the disorder.
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and baby resources, unique baby gifts, baby gift baskets and baby shower favors.
Part one of this series examined the definitions, several types, and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This second and final part looks at some causes and how parents can help their children overcome its effects.
ADHD’s environmental causes are historically misunderstood yet easily avoided.
The history of ADHD has been plagued with misconceptions. Originally, it was believed caused by an injury or infection to the brain while the child was still an infant. Later, inattention or hyperactivity was linked to an over-ingestion of artificial sugar, sweeteners and food additives. More recent research has allayed parental guilt by showing that that neither is actually responsible for forming ADHD potential in the child’s brain.
In fact, modern research indicates the same factors contributing to ADHD in children are many of the same practices expectant mothers already avoid for other important reasons. Among other potential health risks, doctors warn that mothers who smoke during pregnancy significantly increase the chances for ADHD in their children. Using alcohol and drugs similarly increases the potential.
Lead poisoning is another possible factor. While the metal has been banned from paint and other construction materials for decades, children living in older buildings and homes may still be at risk.
ADHD medications are effective, but come with controversy.
ADHD varies by child. Doctors and psychiatrists usually develop a treatment regimen that combines re-organizing a child’s work and social environments in tandem with therapy and special medications. These medications are usually stimulants of the methylphenidate variety. Two of the most popular brands are sold under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta. Another popular brand, Adderall, is kind of amphetamine.
Doses are given anywhere from once to several times a day. Effectiveness varies according to the user, and physicians may try out different prescriptions and varying dosages before settling on the best choice for sustained, long-duration use. Side effects of methylphenidate and amphetamine are not generally problematic in the long term. Though some children report feeling “revved up,” the effects are not considered harmful. Additional reported side effects include insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, and an upset stomach.
Recent research has begun to call into question the benefits of long-term medication therapy. In particular, a study related to the National Institute of Mental Health’s giant Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD recently reported that medications such as Ritalin and Concerta are no more effective after just three years than therapy administered without medication.
Therapy is a crucial step on the road to effective ADHD management.
It’s also important to understand that prescription drugs are not as effective without corresponding therapy and lifestyle management. Parents are strongly encouraged to take an active role in helping their children combat ADHD symptoms. This assistance can include:
Creating a daily routine: All children thrive on structure, and building a pattern to their daily lives helps children feel more relaxed.
Avoiding unnecessary sensory stimuli: Limiting children’s choices (in clothes to wear, what to eat for dinner, et cetera) and turning off television and video games helps their focus by removing “clutter” from their minds.
Communicate and discipline clearly and consistently: Giving clear but short instructions, and administering discipline decisively lets children understand parameters without becoming confused or distracted.
Offer rewards for positive behavior. Families may also decide to enlist the aid of a therapist, who will work with the child on building concentration and social skills. Group therapy is also sometimes effective. Parents may also take special classes and seminars to help them reorient themselves to the needs of an ADHD child.
Behavioral Disorders Related to ADHD
Between twenty and thirty percent of ADHD children also have some form of learning disability. Many struggle with writing, arithmetic, and writing deficiencies, including dyslexia. Other common disabilities include:
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: the child – usually a boy – is confrontational and argumentative with parents and authority figures. As many as one-half of all ADHD patients have some degree of ODD.
Conduct Disorder: A more serious form of ODD, children with CD are aggressively hostile. They will deliberately break rules, threaten or attack classmates, engage in theft or vandalism, and carry weapons. Up to forty percent of ADHD children have CD. Less common disabilities and problems include:
Tourette Syndrome: People suffering from this disorder frequently repeat mannerisms such as sniffling or pronouncing words. They may also involuntarily perform nervous tics
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety and Depression
Parents worried their child is displaying ADHD symptoms are encouraged to contact a psychiatrist or psychologist for help in making a formal evaluation. Many specialize in working with children. Pediatricians, neurologists and clinical social workers are also able to diagnose the disorder.
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and baby resources, unique baby gifts, baby gift baskets and baby shower favors.
I’m 17 and I am pretty convinced I have it but I want to hear about what ADD people usually do as a result of their condition, so maybe I will see my psychiatrist about it.
Part one of this series examined the definitions, several types, and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This second and final part looks at some causes and how parents can help their children overcome its effects.
ADHD’s environmental causes are historically misunderstood yet easily avoided.
The history of ADHD has been plagued with misconceptions. Originally, it was believed caused by an injury or infection to the brain while the child was still an infant. Later, inattention or hyperactivity was linked to an over-ingestion of artificial sugar, sweeteners and food additives. More recent research has allayed parental guilt by showing that that neither is actually responsible for forming ADHD potential in the child’s brain.
In fact, modern research indicates the same factors contributing to ADHD in children are many of the same practices expectant mothers already avoid for other important reasons. Among other potential health risks, doctors warn that mothers who smoke during pregnancy significantly increase the chances for ADHD in their children. Using alcohol and drugs similarly increases the potential.
Lead poisoning is another possible factor. While the metal has been banned from paint and other construction materials for decades, children living in older buildings and homes may still be at risk.
ADHD medications are effective, but come with controversy.
ADHD varies by child. Doctors and psychiatrists usually develop a treatment regimen that combines re-organizing a child’s work and social environments in tandem with therapy and special medications. These medications are usually stimulants of the methylphenidate variety. Two of the most popular brands are sold under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta. Another popular brand, Adderall, is kind of amphetamine.
Doses are given anywhere from once to several times a day. Effectiveness varies according to the user, and physicians may try out different prescriptions and varying dosages before settling on the best choice for sustained, long-duration use. Side effects of methylphenidate and amphetamine are not generally problematic in the long term. Though some children report feeling “revved up,” the effects are not considered harmful. Additional reported side effects include insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, and an upset stomach.
Recent research has begun to call into question the benefits of long-term medication therapy. In particular, a study related to the National Institute of Mental Health’s giant Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD recently reported that medications such as Ritalin and Concerta are no more effective after just three years than therapy administered without medication.
Therapy is a crucial step on the road to effective ADHD management.
It’s also important to understand that prescription drugs are not as effective without corresponding therapy and lifestyle management. Parents are strongly encouraged to take an active role in helping their children combat ADHD symptoms. This assistance can include:
Creating a daily routine: All children thrive on structure, and building a pattern to their daily lives helps children feel more relaxed.
Avoiding unnecessary sensory stimuli: Limiting children’s choices (in clothes to wear, what to eat for dinner, et cetera) and turning off television and video games helps their focus by removing “clutter” from their minds.
Communicate and discipline clearly and consistently: Giving clear but short instructions, and administering discipline decisively lets children understand parameters without becoming confused or distracted.
Offer rewards for positive behavior. Families may also decide to enlist the aid of a therapist, who will work with the child on building concentration and social skills. Group therapy is also sometimes effective. Parents may also take special classes and seminars to help them reorient themselves to the needs of an ADHD child.
Behavioral Disorders Related to ADHD
Between twenty and thirty percent of ADHD children also have some form of learning disability. Many struggle with writing, arithmetic, and writing deficiencies, including dyslexia. Other common disabilities include:
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: the child – usually a boy – is confrontational and argumentative with parents and authority figures. As many as one-half of all ADHD patients have some degree of ODD.
Conduct Disorder: A more serious form of ODD, children with CD are aggressively hostile. They will deliberately break rules, threaten or attack classmates, engage in theft or vandalism, and carry weapons. Up to forty percent of ADHD children have CD. Less common disabilities and problems include:
Tourette Syndrome: People suffering from this disorder frequently repeat mannerisms such as sniffling or pronouncing words. They may also involuntarily perform nervous tics
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety and Depression
Parents worried their child is displaying ADHD symptoms are encouraged to contact a psychiatrist or psychologist for help in making a formal evaluation. Many specialize in working with children. Pediatricians, neurologists and clinical social workers are also able to diagnose the disorder.
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and baby resources, unique baby gifts, baby gift baskets and baby shower favors.
I am a libra and my girlfriend is a virgo our moons signs are mine virgo and hers a libra…
What do you think about these to signs? whats your sign
You might have seen some kids who are not able to pay attention, who cannot concentrate or who are not able to follow the instructions even after explained clearly. Such kids may be the victims of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD). ADD is a neurological disorder, which typically affects children and may persist in adulthood. Children with ADD show inability to concentrate, hyperactivity and forgetfulness. Such children have poor performance in school, troubled relationships and low self-esteem.
Causes of ADD
There are a number of factors that can contribute to develop ADD in children. Certain modifications in brain anatomy and function are considered one of the main causes of ADD. The neurotransmitter dopamine (brain chemicals) is mainly responsible for such behavioral changes. Some other causes of ADHD are heredity, exposure to environmental toxins, drug abuse and maternal smoking.
Signs and Symptoms of ADD
ADD is also referred to as minimal brain dysfunction. ADD/ADHD affects about 8-10% of school-age children. Boys are more likely to develop this disorder than girls. Children and adults affected by ADD are not able to control their spontaneous responses involving movement, attentiveness and speech, leading to hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsive behavior. Signs and symptoms of ADD are categorized as inattentiveness symptoms and hyperactivity-impulsive behavior symptoms.
Inattentiveness symptoms: Some of the common inattentiveness symptoms are as follows:
Children with ADD often fail to give close attention to details. Hence, they make several mistakes in schoolwork. They are not able to sustain attention in any kind of tasks or at play.
They usually tend to lose things such as toys, tools, books, etc.
These children are unable to follow the instructions properly and complete the assigned task.
Children with ADD are not able to organize tasks or activities. They are distracted easily.
They are frequently forgetful about daily activities.
You may notice that children with ADD don’t listen to you carefully, even if spoken directly.
They tend to avoid any task that involves mental efforts.
Hyperactivity-impulsive behavior symptoms: Excessive activity is one of the common symptoms associated with ADD. Certain symptoms related to hyperactivity are as follows:
Children with ADD often move their hands or feet restlessly. They have a tendency to squirm or fidget frequently.
They tend to leave their seats, when expected to remain seated.
Excessive scaling or running at appropriate timings is another important sign of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity symptoms are seen in the form of constant restlessness in adolescents.
Children with ADD are not able to play or do leisurely things peacefully. Incessant talking without a sense when to stop is common with these children.
Acting without thinking is the major sign of impulsiveness. Children with ADD have often a tendency to blurt out answers, before the questions are being finished. They have a tendency to interrupt with others’ conversations or games. They are too impatient to wait for their turn during a game. They tend to interrupt during social events and demand too much attention.
Inattentiveness symptoms are observed in children of 8-9 years of age. These symptoms usually persist lifelong. Hyperactivity symptoms start by 5 years of age and become extremely severe between 7 and 8 years of age. Children with ADD have low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and aggressive or violent behavior.
The treatment of ADD emphasizes on controlling signs and symptoms of ADD and improving child’s mental abilities. The treatment constitutes a combination of medications and various therapies. ADHD medications such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate can help in increasing attention and concentration and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with ADD benefit from different therapies such as behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and family therapy. A structured classroom management and parent education also play a significant role while dealing with ADD.
Autism is a bioneurological disorder characterized by a profound lack of social interaction and language skills. Its more common signs are repetitive motions, ritualistic behaviors that have meaning only for the person with autism, and emotional outbursts.
Diagnosing autism — its signs, symptoms, and treatments –becomes possible within the first three years of life.
The first symptoms parents usually notice often become apparent in infancy. The child fails to make spontaneous eye contact or actively avoids it. He does not respond to his name when it’s spoken aloud and reactions to social stimuli are absent. A prime example of this is not mirroring nonverbal cues like returning a smile when someone smiles at him. Many people with autism, but not all, exhibit a “deadpan” expression. Parents may also notice the child not asking verbally for something he wants. Instead he is more likely to point or use gestures to symbolize his wants.
This disconnection from the people around him leads the autistic child to show little interest in them. This, in turn, means he makes no effort to engage them by pointing out things they like or are interested in and doesn’t understand their emotional responses.
The child with autism displays a large amount of rigidity in his reaction to the world around him. He often has a set of rituals he has created in order to deal with his reality. Any deviation from the rituals or change in his environment can send him into a tantrum, a very strong indicator to parents that something is wrong with their child.
Diagnosing autism — its signs, symptoms, and treatments — is not a simple case of “is-is not.” Symptoms vary widely, so diagnosing autism is often a challenge. The variability makes it necessary to custom-tailor a treatment plan for each patient. Treatments will need to be applied throughout the lifespan of the autistic person, becoming a part of his daily routine.
Occupational and physical therapy are often used in the treatment of autism with good results. Occupation therapy provides training in the activities of daily living like personal grooming and dressing. Physical therapy relaxes tense muscles, allowing the release of pent-up emotions.
Applied behavior analysis deals with the emotional outbursts and rigidity and thus aids in socialization.
Recently, there has been success in nutritional assessment and supplementation in the treatment of autism. The avoidance of casein and some grains, along with dietary supplementation of vitamins A, the B complex, and D show some promise in controlling symptoms.
There are many more resources and information about autism signs, symptoms, treatments, and cutting edge medical research in, Autism: Everything Parents And Caregivers Should Know About The Disorder
Wondering What Autism treatments Work Best? Here’s a comprehensive guide about autism to help parents and caregivers avoid a fruitless and frustrating journey when raising an autistic child Knowledge is power! No disorder is as confusing to understand and as complex to diagnose.
WE BELEIVE MY 4YR.OLD HAS ADHD IM LOOKING FOR SOME PEOPLE TO TELL ME WHAT SOME OF THE SIGNS ARE SO I CAN HAVE A IDEA IF HE HAS IT !! WE DO HAVE A APPT WITH THE DOC ON THURSDAY BUT STILL WONDERING BEFORE THEN