Does your child have problems concentrating or remaining on an activity? Impulsive? Then your child probably has a specific learning difficulty called Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD).
The American Psychiatric Association of Washington, D.C., describes ADHD as a disorder characterized by "hyperactivity, impulsiveness and an incapacity to sustain attention or concentration." Stated simply, ADHD can be characterized by two distinct sets of symptoms: inattention and hyperactivity.
This disorder is difficult to diagnose because no specific medical laboratory markers exist for ADHD. Only behavioral assessment tests, observations from teachers and parents, and clinical assessments provide its diagnosis. According to studies, there is growing evidence that the principal cause of ADHD is genetic. Its non-genetic causes were also found to be neurobiological in nature such as prenatal stress and low birth weight, traumatic brain injury, maternal smoking during pregnancy and very severe early deprivation. ADHD is a medical illness likened to diabetes or asthma because this condition can be successfully managed, but not cured.
It is sad to note that a significant number of students do not reach their utmost potentials because they have particular problems concentrating and remaining on their tasks. They have difficulties with reading, spelling, writing and other aspects of the course. Left untreated, they feel isolated from their peers; suffer low self-esteem; experience failure at school and problems at home, which may lead to substance abuse and depression. Parents, however, must not lose hope for many researches regarding this disorder abound.
ADHD is being recognized as an epidemic in the United States. As estimated by the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C, about 3 to 5 percent of American children suffer from this disorder. This is an alarming trend, but what is more troubling is that these more than 6 million American children are being treated with central nervous system stimulants, usually methylphenidate (Ritalin) when there is a more natural approach.
Diet is very important to an ADHD child. This is according to a 1997 study written by Jean Breakey in the Journal of Pediatric Child Health. Research from 1985 to 1995 concluded that diet certainly affects some children and that symptoms relating to ADHD, such as sleep problems, physical symptoms and mood changes, can change with diet.
Research has shown that long chain fatty acids could have real benefits for a range of learning and behavioral conditions. Why? This is simply because approximately 20% of the dry weight of the brain and approximately 30% of the retina are made from these elements. These fatty acids increase our energy level and ability to concentrate, aside from providing greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold, and helping pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications.
However, the average Westerner's diet is usually processed food high in carbohydrates and sugar. Many people fail to realize the importance of fatty acids. There are certain types of fat that are indispensable for living healthily, and these are the two 'families' of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. The body actually uses three (3) major types of omega 3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. These fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development. The body more readily uses these compounds, as against the short chain saturated fats, which generally ought to be avoided. Long chain fatty acids are regarded as essential because they are important for most key processes in our life.
However, these acids can only be sourced from our diet because our bodies cannot make them. The main sources of the omega-3s containing DHA and EPA, the key ones for the eye and brain, can only be found in fish and seafood. On the other hand, green vegetables, certain nuts and oils are the dietary sources for omega-6 fatty acids. There must be a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet because omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while most omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation. An appropriate balance of these essential fatty acids helps maintain or even improve health. A balanced diet should consist of about one to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.
Parents, give your children oily fish and green leafy vegetables now!
Read more about weight loss, creatine, hoodia, fish oil, and green tea.
Tips For Living Successfully With ADD / ADHD
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How Effective Are Ritalin and Dexedrine in Treating the Symptoms of ADHD?
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine in their various forms, in treating the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in children, teens, and adults. Even though stimulants are not the only effective option in the treatment of the disorder, stimulants may be a good choice, and their use should be discussed with your physician.
Add: How Does Dopamine Affect Adhd?
An article in Scientific Daily, dated August 8, 2007, suggests that a lack of dopamine in the brain may be related to attention deficit. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that controls attention, motor activity, learning, motivation and reward, mood, sleep, and milk production. This study found that low levels of dopamine may actually be one cause for ADHD. Though the study no doubt extends to ADD sufferers, as well, the test was done with ADHD subjects alone.
Homeschooling For Adhd Child - How To Effectively Home School Adhd Child
How do you help your child with adhd at home? A child who has ADHD can be trying at the best times, and is especially onerous for the non-professional, and sadly, there is a severe lack of knowledge, awareness and indeed available information for the parents, 2 key topics which is often raised by parents are concerns regarding medication, as well as the suitability of homeschooling. Because children typically suffer from ADHD at around preschool age, then it is in their best interests to be homeschooled.
Has ADHD Put Your Career in Danger? 3 Steps to Get You Back on Track
"Roger, you must get those contracts completed for this month's sales and don't forget, we have a meeting tomorrow at 9:00. Don't be late again!"Roger was a super salesman, but he risked losing his job because he was too busy rushing from client to client to get his paper work completed.
Autism and ADHD Linked to Child Vaccines
In a study review conducted by David A. Geier, B.
Teacher Tips: Improving Compliance in the Classroom with ADHD Students
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate themselves to our children! We know how difficult it can be working with ADHD children, so here are your teacher tips for the week, brought to you by the ADHD Information Library and ADDinSchool.com.
Causes of ADD/ADHD Behavior
Most medical professionals say that the cause of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is genetic. But they also agree that there are other conditions which can lead to lack of focus and hyperactivity. Here are a few of them:
Dexedrine, Cylert, and Adderall in the Treatment of ADHD
Dexedrine is not prescribed very often for the treatment of ADHD out here in California, but those patients that we've seen on it have done well. Typically it is prescribed to patients who have not responded to Ritalin very well.
How to Get a Good Diagnosis to See If Your Child Has ADHD
Your child's teacher says that you need to find out if your child has ADHD or not. What do you do? Here are some tips from the ADHD Information Library.
What is the Difference Between ADHD and ADD
What's the Difference Between ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?When you look at the last couple of years many different terms for infants, adolescents and adults with ADHD have been introduced. They were mainly influenced by American descriptions of the classification system DSM-IV:ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
is the term utilized in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria.
Old Wives Tales and Other Things That Just Might Help with ADHD
Here are some tips that I have picked up from parents that I have met over my 15 years working with ADHD kids and their families. These are not clinically tested.
Intro to Being an ADHD Parent
In my fifteen years of private practice working with children with ADHD, one of the common concerns that I observed by parents was the fear that they had done something, or failed to do something, that caused their child's ADHD. I guess it is normal to blame yourself when your child is having problems.
Find Out What Reading Comprehension, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and a Special Report Have in Common
In celebration of the newly launched website for the Center for Learning and Behavioral Solutions, the Center is offering a free downloadable report: "How to Avoid the Top 10 Parenting Mistakes When Your Child is Struggling in School" (http://www.centerforlearning.net).
Results of VYVANSE (Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate) Pivotal Trial in Adult ADHD Presented at Major Scientific Meeting
All doses of VYVANSE studied demonstrated significant efficacy within one week of daily treatment.