ADHD Treatment

ADHD Combined Type

2007-01-14T19:37:00.000+02:00

This type of ADHD has six or more symptoms listed in the DSM-IV for Psychiatric disorders in both hyperactivity and inattention. This is the most severe type of ADHD, and it is the most difficult to treat.

In the category of hyperactivity/impulsivity, an individual must have six or more of the following symptoms: often fidgets while sitting, often leaves seat in structure setting, often runs around inappropriately (restlessness), often has trouble playing quietly, often talks excessively, often blurts out answers before question completed, often has difficulty waiting turn and often interrupts or intrudes on others. Some of these symptoms must have present before the age of seven, and they must have lasted for at least six months.

In the category of inattention, an individual must have six or more of the following symptoms: often makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work and other activities, often has difficulty keeping attention sustained in task or play activities, often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly, often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities, often avoids and dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, often loses things that are necessary for everyday life, often is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and often is forgetful in daily activities. Some of these symptoms must have been present before the age of seven, and they must have lasted at least six months.

The combined type of ADHD is actually the most common among ADHD sufferers. They are also the individuals most at risk for other negative problems in their lives due to the nature of the disorder. First of all, children with Combined Type ADHD have higher rates of conduct disorder (Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder). Also, they have higher rates of bipolar disorder. As a while, children and adults with combined type area at a higher risk for other psychiatric disorders. Parents who have a child with this type must be extremely vigilant in the care of their children. They really must constantly be on the lookout for problems in other arenas of their lives besides specific symptoms of ADHD. As a side note, speaking to a medical professional from the outset can minimize any chance that your child will experience difficulties in their lives. Just keep in mind that problems in the emotional, psychological and social domains are a result of a response to having ADHD, and not the disorder itself.

As your child with Combined Type ADHD reaches their teenage years and into young adulthood, they will be at a higher risk for many things such as illegal drug use, general illegal activities, overdrinking and other activities of concern. Raising your child will involve more dedication and vigilance in all areas.

ADHD Treatment

ADHD Treatment

2006-06-17T12:05:00.000+03:00

Understanding ADHD

Although this disorder has been researched and studied for over acentury, there are still aspects of it that are not understood by thegeneral public. ADHD is a disorder that affects a person's abilityto pay attention and focus. This sounds simple enough, but thedisorder shows up in people in different ways. Some cases of ADHDinvolve hyperactivity, some do not. Some people are better at keepingtheir hyperactivity under control. Also, the general public tends toforget that impulsivity is part of ADHD as well. Impulsivity covers awide range of behaviors, from verbal blurting to drug abuse. Becausethe description of symptoms has changed so much over the years, manypeople were not diagnosed with ADHD until they were adults. Withthese cases, there are secondary problems that often come with ADHD,such as depression and anxiety.

Some of the main signs of ADHD are not being able to pay attentionto the task at hand, lack of follow through, loses things easily,makes careless mistakes, has trouble paying attention to details,difficulties organizing, interrupting others, restlessness and overlyactive. Not every person has every symptom, and some symptoms aremore severe in some people compared to others with the disorder. Thisis why the disorder can be so difficult to discern. Also, many peoplehave trouble with these things at one time or another. But peoplewith ADHD have such a hard time that it affects them emotionally and developmentally.

It is still not known exactly why people are born with ADHD. It isknown that many cases are genetic, but not all. Doctors do know thatthe way your brain is wired will determine whether you have ADHD ornot. People with ADHD have a low level of dopamine in their brains.Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that affects focus and attention.

In regards to treating ADHD, I believe there is a realmisunderstanding. It is very true that medication helps with thedisorder. It helps you focus longer, get things done and evens outemotions as well. But it is by no means a cure all. It is veryimportant to get individual counseling, and possibly familycounseling if needed. ADHD can make you feel like the oddball, and itcan make adolescence particularly difficult. Get as much help as youcan. Most importantly, help yourself. It has been found that regularexercise if very good for the symptoms of ADHD. It stimulatesendorphins in the brain and calms the internal restlessness thatpeople with ADHD have. Another thing that is helpful for people withADHD is meditation practice. Starting off each morning by meditatingcan be calming for anyone, but particularly for individuals who havetrouble focusing and slowing their minds down. Take a few minuteseach day and breathe. It costs nothing and it can really affect yourlife positively.

Ulla Saastamoinen is an Online Business Entrepreneur and hasrecently created an eBook "How to live with ADHD" at:
http://www.101-healthy-recipes.com/adhd/

ADHD

Natural Treatments for ADHD

2006-05-21T15:17:00.000+03:00

There are many natural treatments now available for the treatment of ADHD. This doesn't mean they actually work, but they are available. Sticking to simple and common sense treatments will work far betterthan any fad diet claiming to cure ADD.

First of all, diet is extremely important to all of us butespecially important for the individual with ADHD. They can have apowerful effect on your mindset, emotions and how you behave. This,of course, can be negative or positive. The right diet can actuallydecrease the amount of medication you need. There are four importantthings in an ADD friendly diet; lots of water, high protein intake,moderate carbohydrate intake and a low to moderate fat intake. Taking extra vitamins such as a daily multivitamin can be beneficialas well.

Another important aspect of natural treatments for ADHD is exercise.Exercise releases lots of endorphins, increases brain blood flow andhas positive effects on how well all your systems work. This isespecially important for individuals with ADD who have sensitivesystems and areas of the brain that are chronically underactivated. People with ADD should exercise at least five times a week, and it isgood for them to do intense cardio to get their heart, body and mindgoing. Exercise allows the extra restlessness and energy to bereleased from the body and mind of the individual with ADHD. Itquiets everything down a bit, and it really is the best medicine forthem.

Meditation is another natural form of treatment that is great forthe individual with ADD. Just sitting and breathing on your own fortwenty to thirty minutes can significantly slow down your mind andsettle your restless thoughts. Meditation can have an extremelypositive effect on your life if you do it regularly.

There are also supplements you can take that are natural and can beconsiderably helpful to the individual suffering from ADHD. One ofthese is an amino acid that works somewhat like a stimulant but isnot as powerful or as harsh. It is called L-tyrosine, and people maytake from 500mg-1500mg three times daily for positive effect. Somepeople will be more comfortable on the lower side, some on the higherside. You take this before you eat to increase affect.

Anothersupplement that can help with depressive and anxiety symptoms thattend to accompany ADD is 5htp. This can be taken 50-100 mg threetimes daily. It produces serotonin and works somewhat like an SSRIantidepressant. This supplement can be quite helpful if you do notwant to take synthetic drugs. Another helpful drug is St. John'sWort, which is taken for depression. This also works like anantidepressant, but it is natural.

ADHD