The most recent models that attempt to describe what is happening in the brains of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder suggest that several areas of the brain may be affected by the disorder. They include the frontal lobes, the inhibitory mechanisms of the cortex, the limbic system, and the reticular activating system. Each of these areas of the brain is associated with various neurological functions.
There are several areas of the brain potentially impacted, and there are several possible "types" of ADHD. Daniel Amen, a medical doctor using SPECT scans as identified six different types of ADHD, each with its own set of problems, and each different from the other "types." In our practice we used five different "types" of ADHD, identifying each "type" with a character from the Winnie the Pooh stories (Pooh is inattentive, Tigger is hyperactive, Eeyore is depressive, and so on).
The frontal lobes help us to pay attention to tasks, focus concentration, make good decisions, plan ahead, learn and remember what we have learned, and behave appropriately for the situation. The inhibitory mechanisms of the cortex keep us from being hyperactive, from saying things out of turn, and from getting mad at inappropriate times, for examples. They help us to "inhibit" our behaviors. It has been said that 70% of the brain is there to inhibit the other 30%.
When the inhibitory mechanisms of the brain aren't working as hard as they ought to, then we can see results of what are sometimes called "dis-inhibition disorders" which allow for impulsive behaviors, quick temper, poor decision making, hyperactivity, and so on.
The limbic system is the base of our emotions and our highly vigilant look-out tower. If over-activated, a person might have wide mood swings, or quick temper outbursts. He might also be "over-aroused," quick to startle, touching everything around him, hyper-vigilant. A normally functioning limbic system would provide for normal emotional changes, normal levels of energy, normal sleep routines, and normal levels of coping with stress. A dysfunctional limbic system results in problems with those areas.
The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder might affect one, two, or all three of these areas, resulting in several different "styles" or "profiles" of children (and adults) with ADD ADHD.
Learn more about the impact of ADHD on children and teens, treatment options for ADHD, and much more at the ADHD Information Library.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Root Cause Proposal for ADHD, Dyslexia, Headaches and Other Conditions -- Public Request for Research
Eugen Oetringer, computer specialist and author, discovered that certain therapies for ADHD, dyslexia and headaches employ the same techniques used in large computers to remove capacity bottlenecks. Today, his child, formerly suffering from ADHD and dyslexia, is essentially cured through one of those therapies. With these experiences, the conclusion became: Capacity bottlenecks are a root cause of ADHD, dyslexia, headaches and other mental conditions and disorders.
Teacher Tips: Increasing Your ADHD Students Time On Task
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.
What is Hyperactivity in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Most of the ADHD kids that are seen in a private practice setting are hyperactive kids simply because they get into the most trouble. Their parents are usually pulling their hair out and saying, "We've got to get this child some help.
How To Handle Depression In A Child With ADHD - Helping Child With ADHD
Children who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk of depression and related disorders, depression is so likely to occur with children with ADHD, because of the constant attacks and stresses ADHD puts on their self-esteem. Whether it is a sense of frustration at seeing friends and peers alike succeed, whether it is impatience and or irritation exhibited by teachers, peers or family members, it is little wonder that ADHD children become so despondent.
Exploring The Dmae Adhd Link
ADHD is characterized by a lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Which makes a person with this condition distracted, restless and fidgety, with a lack of regard for social niceties. There are a number of medications that can be prescribed to address the behaviors of ADHD, however to avoid or reduce dependence on medications, some people have looked at other alternatives like the DMAE ADHD connection.
ADHD The Easier Solution
ADHD is a very rapidly growing part of the health care industry.
The symptoms are varied, including: irritability, hyperactivity and
behavioral problems.
People with Attention Deficit Disorder
Today, we hear about the medical condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD), and wonder if our children might just be hyperactive.
Tips for the Classroom Teachers with ADHD Students
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom! It is hard enough being a classroom teacher today, but when you add to the difficulties two or three children with either Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or minor head injuries from FAS, managing a classroom can be a real challenge!
The ADHD Information Library has designed a web site just for you classroom teachers. We have taken 500 classroom interventions that we have gathered over the years from dozens of sources, and placed them on the site for you to visit, consider, and use if appropriate.
Director of National Center for Girls and Women with ADHD Releases Critical Analysis of Legacy Parenting's 'Total Transformation Program' for Child
Noted ADHD specialist, Dr. Patricia O. Quinn, MD, provides favorable analysis of The Total Transformation Program, a child behavior program developed by James Lehman and distributed by the Legacy Parenting Company.
Intro to Medications for ADD ADHD
The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are stimulant medications. Anti-depressant medications, and even anti-convulsant medications, are sometimes used as well, though this is less common.
Online Business Podcasting Expo Jan 19-21, 2007 Offers Seminars For Overcoming Challenges for ADHD Entrepreneurs, Quickbook Training, Outlook Tips, Po
The Business Podcasting Expo is an Online Audio/Visual Business Conference with seminars including ADHD Challenges for Entrepreneurs, Quickbook Training, Outlook Tips, and Installing WordPress. The BizPodExpo also offers introductory classes on Podcasting, and how to increase your search engine ranking using this audio/video social media. There will be thousands of dollars worth of giveaways and prizes, and a Data DVD of all recorded seminars is included with full Admission. The event is sponsored by Co-Op World and PodcastDirectories4Sale.com
How Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Diagnosed?
Assessing whether a certain individual is suffering from Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder or not is far harder than it appears to laymen like ourselves. This is because, not only does it?s symptoms largely overlap those of hyperthyroidism etc. they are also largely exhibited by ?normal? human beings some time or the other every single day. Therefore the first important step towards diagnosing the disease is to consult a trained health care provider regarding it. Things only seem scary when we are treading over 'new ground', so to speak. Take small but deliberate steps and a positive end will begin to appear on the horizion.
Diagnose And Understand The Symptoms Of Attention Deficit Disorder
Millions of children throughout the United States suffer from attention deficit disorder in one form or another. Symptoms of this problem include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and inability to pay attention for long periods of time. You may also hear this chronic disorder referred to as ADD or ADHD. It can continue on into adulthood, causing problems with daily life, poor self esteem, trouble interaction, and bad performance in work or school.
Nutrition as Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD Alternative Treatment: Help is as Close as the Kitchen
The quality of food we eat (or lack thereof) has a profound affect on Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. For many people, nutrition alone can effectively work as an ADHD alternative treatment.
ADHD: Fact or Fiction?
Although ADHD affects more than 15 millions Americans every year, many people don?t believe the condition exists. People deny that is symptoms which include hyperactivity, distractibility, and uncontrollable impulses are anything more than disobedience or lack of self control. Here are some answers to the more common misconceptions and myths about ADHD.