Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD: difficulty
paying attention. Patient with this disorder have short attention
span. Commonly found in young children and may continue on through
their adulthood. Many ADD patients has hyperactivity disorder.
They usually have normal to high intelligence level. Their activity
level can be anywhere from normal to hypoactivity, to excessive (higher
than normal ) called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
In most cases ADD patient have a specific learning disability that prevents
them from taking in too much and sorting out information in the same way
other children do. ADD patients may require additional educational
assistance due to their learning disorder.
Cause: Studies shows that it may be inherited, but true
cause is unknown. Back in the 1970’s researchers believed that ADD
was caused by sugar intake along with food additives. Today, that
theory is controversial. Studies shows that specific foods such as;
wheat, and chocolate can trigger the condition in some hyperactive children.
Symptoms:
Continuous failure to pay attention
Short attention span
Excessive distractibility
Unable to organize or stick to an activity
Difficulty following instructions and difficulty completing a project
Hyperactivity, excessive talking and have frequent episodes of interruption
Impulsiveness
Treatment:
It is very important to have all those associated with the child to
have a close cooperation and team effort. From parents, teachers,
physicians, and psychological therapies.
Combination of medication and Psychological therapy
Usually a stimulant such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Addereall
(close supervision with doctor is needed when taking these medication–Use
as prescribed by your doctor)
Note: some stimulants for adults have a different affect
on children and the above medications mentioned often calm hyperactivity
in children. IMPORTANT: monitoring and keeping in touch with
your doctor is essential.
Joining a support group is helpful. Contact National Organization
for Children and Adults with Hyperactivity and Attention Disorders.
More Information:
Sometimes kids are rowdy and cranky just because they’re doing a kid thing. Sometimes, though, a rowdy, cranky child may be showing the symptoms of an attention deficit disorder.
Two of the most common attention deficit disorders are most often referred to as ADD and ADHD. Being diagnosed with either disorder is not confirmation that a child is bad, stupid, rebellious, or any of the other frustrating behaviors he or she may be known to exhibit.
Instead, a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD merely means your child’s brain is hardwired in a unique way, vividly different from your own. The child is likely to be exceptionally gifted in an intellectual or academic way. And he’s got a lot on his mind.
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is most often mentioned today. An ADHD child will have problems focusing on one subject for very long, especially if the subject is of no personal interest.
Along with the attention deficiency, an ADHD child is restless, has a hard time sitting still. Distractions come easily. The urge to talk comes even easier. An orderly, organized classroom can push limits of frustration, sometimes leading to impulsive behavior.
ADD, or attention deficit disorder, differs from ADHD by the absence of the hyperactivity characteristic of that disorder. In either case, it is best for the child if all authority figures in his or her life collaborates on the diagnosis. Parents, doctors, teachers, and adult relatives must understand that this child isn’t difficult. The child just processes the world differently than most children do.