Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Just what is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

This is a disorder that appears in childhood and usually makes itself known by hyperactivity (thus the name), forgetting, poor control of impulses, and easy distractibility.

This disorder is also referred to at times as Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in terms of neurological pathology is medically incurable and between 3 and 5% of children and adults in the United States are said to be affected by it.

Critics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder claim that it is not an actual disease at all but only an excuse for bad or abnormal behavior.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Some think that there is a deficiency in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Theories have been presented that the condition occurs in the frontal lobe of the brain because this is where attention, activity and emotions are controlled.

The thought is that there are abnormalities in the neurotransmitters in this area interfering with the ability to concentrate on a task.

There have also been studies of certain types of foods with dyes and their reaction to children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder but nothing is conclusive.

It shows up around age 7 and parents and teachers do not cause the disorder.

There has been some research that shows it runs in families but just because your father had it doesn’t mean you will.

Many times, the children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder seem to outgrow the condition.

Basically all through childhood, they are viewed by teachers, parents and peers as low performers and underachievers but later on they begin to mature and take care of responsibilities.

Some treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder include behavior modification therapy and the introduction of stimulant medication to try and increase activity to the frontal part of the brain.

Behavior modification therapy is tried first before any chemical treatments.

Behavior modification has to do with rewarding your child for the right behavior and correcting for the bad.

The idea is to focus on what the child is doing right and try to have positive outcomes.

When behavior modification does not seem to work on its own, stimulants are introduced and behavior modification is continued.

The classification of the drugs is known as psychostimulants and their intent is to allow those taking the medication to ignore distractions and focus their thoughts on the task at hand.

Psychostimulants used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder include:

• Adderall and Adderall XR
• Concerta
• Metadate CD and Metadate ER
• Methylin
• Ritalin, Ritalin LA
• Dexedrine
• Focalin

A non-stimulant drug known as Strattera was also introduced on the market.

When the stimulants or Strattera are not effective, there are other drugs that can be used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to include:

• Pamelor or other tricyclic antidepressants
• Catapres or Tenex
• Wellbutrin
• Effexor

But these medications are not without their side effects.

If adverse side effects occur then the medication either needs to be changed or the dosage altered.

Side effects include:

• Decreased appetite/weight loss
• Jitteriness
• Social withdrawal
• Stomachaches
• Sleep problems
• Headaches

Your doctor will be the best one to prescribe the therapy and medication right for you or your loved one.

The best thing that you can do if caring for a loved one with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is to be as patient and caring as possible and always remember to reinforce the positive.