ADD And ADHD - Symptoms & Treatments

ADD and ADHD – Who has it and why

ADD/ADHD, or Attention Deficit/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are conditions which can greatly effect both children and adults. The condition is usually already diagnosed in small, pre-school children and includes inattentiveness, problems in concentration, and in case of ADHD, intense hyperactivity above what is considered as normal for developing children. When children with these conditions reach school age, classroom attentiveness and behavior disorders are symptomatic of degrees of this condition which can greatly affect a child's ability to concentrate in the classroom and complete homework assignments.

In later life, it can have serious effects on a person's ability to complete even relatively simple work projects, and may affect a person's ability to obtain and hold a job.

Numerous studies by both pediatric physicians, clinical and child psychologists have concluded that the condition is usually an inherited one, i.e. passed down genetically in families. It has been found that the condition is caused by a chemical imbalance or deficiency in certain neurotransmitters that effect how the brain regulates normal behavior. This chemical imbalance results in the brain not being able to send proper 'signals' to the rest of the body resulting in symptoms such as fidgeting, inability to concentrate on one particular subject, and intense eye, head and body movement which is also distractive to people coming in contact with a person affected with ADD or ADHD, and in case of hyperactivity even disturbing or destructive.

Persons afflicted with ADD have difficulty focusing on a particular activity or following instructions. In the case of school age children, they have much difficulty in participating in classroom activities such as lectures, group activities, class projects, etc. They cannot finish homework assignments and even disregard them altogether. They forget things such as study materials, and are easily distracted by things occurring outside the classroom, such as traffic, people, animals, etc.

If the child has ADHD, they show signs of hyperactivity, including impulsiveness, and are more difficult to control. They may talk excessively or be constantly moving around as if a 'motor is running'. Adults with this condition also show similar signs on hyperactive activity, which can become very embarrassing in normal situations.

Determining ADD and ADHD in children is usually done by professional psychologists who use a variety of methods including intense study of family backgrounds, observation, and study into the environmental and social surroundings of a child including family problems (like divorce, death of a family member, etc.). Use of narcotics such as cocaine by pregnant mothers may also increase the possibility of their children being born with these conditions.

Treatments for these disorders vary since each child or person is different. Some respond with the use of certain medicines such as stimulants to increase the blood flow and levels of a substance known as Dopamine, especially to the frontal lobes of the brain. These stimulants, including amphetamines are beneficial in both children and adults afflicted with ADD and ADHD, especially one known as Ritalin. Special diets that give added nutrients to the brain are also recommended.