ADD/ADHD, Preservatives, and Money: A Dangerous Trio
I was born in 1950, and when I was going to school there was no such thing as ADD/ADHD. I never even heard the term “hyperactive.” The closest we came was to call someone squirrelly.
But now there are “official” reports that claim that 3%-5% of the U.S. population has ADD/ADHD, and up to 7,000,000 children (the numbers vary in the reports) have been diagnosed.
What is going on?
I find it almost impossible to believe that human brain chemistry has changed so radically in fifty years. Instead, our environment must have caused this change, and I see two direct links. The first one is the gargantuan profits that pharmaceutical companies are making from their ADD/ADHD drugs. And the second is the enormous change in the quality of our food.
Since the Vioxx scandal has already taught us how ruthless the pharmaceuticals can be in pursuit of their profits, I’m going to talk about our food supply instead. When I was growing up, the only food I knew of that had preservatives was bacon. But now when I go to the grocery store, I can’t find a mayonnaise without them. Most breads, including those baked by the store, have chemicals, and even the raw chicken has sodium phosphates.
There were also few fast-food restaurants when I was a child, while now many children eat several meals a week in them. I remember the time I checked out the ingredients in a plain hamburger, and I found that the bun had more chemicals in it than food! And regular restaurants aren’t much better, since they buy their food from the same manufacturers who make the food in our grocery stores.
In 1974, Dr. Benjamin Feingold, an allergist and pediatrician, published Why Your Child is Hyperactive and discussed the connection between chemicals in food and hyperactivity (now called ADD/ADHD). And since this research has been available for over thirty years, we have to wonder why food manufacturers are continuing to pour chemicals into our food.
The answer, of course, is money. They think preservatives will increase their profits. And they’re not the only beneficiaries. The drug companies are selling billions of dollars of drugs a year. Doctors make money from seeing children and prescribing medications, labs make money from blood tests, therapists make money from individual and family counseling, and some schools make money from having more “disabled” students.
So if your child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and is either taking drugs or being pressured to start, I urge you to do your own research.
There could be another way.
How to Successfully Manage ADD/ADHD Without Drugs
http://ADHD-Help-No-Drugs.MustSee.info
About the Author
Cynthia Rymer is a former teacher who had borderline ADD/ADHD as a child and
is a writer, artist and taught a variety of people in a variety of places for 13 years.
Conner’s Rating Scale – A Tool for Diagnosing ADHD
As more and more people have become aware of the occurrence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the incorrect diagnosis of the dysfunction has, unfortunately, become commonplace. One of the tricky things about ADHD is that all people, at one time or another, display some of the symptoms of the condition, and this is particularly true of children. It is important to understand that a correct diagnosis of ADHD can only be arrived at after measuring certain criterion, using certain tools. We will take a look at one of these tools and the criteria measured with it in this article.
Conner’s Rating Scale
This tool is used by parents, teachers, and also by the adolescent in order to report on criteria that he or she feels may be present. It has been designed specifically for ADHD testing, and is used in the first criterion for diagnosing ADHD.
The first criterion of correctly identifying the ADHD dysfunction states that in order to properly be diagnosed, the subject must have had six or more or the following symptoms evident for at least six month prior to the test. In addition, these symptoms must have played a disruptive and inappropriate role for that age level. The symptoms include:
Excessive talking
Blurting out at inappropriate times
Trouble getting activities organized
Frequent losing of objects needed for tasks or activities
A lack of focus on tasks
Careless mistakes or a lack of close attention to details
Failure to complete tasks and to follow instructions
Dislikes prolonged mental effort
Easily distracted
Trouble awaiting a turn
Interrupts
Fidgeting
Frequently “on the go”
As you can see from this list, many of the criteria used to diagnose ADHD are also a part of the natural development of any child. That is why it is so important to measure the child’s symptoms over a period of time, using the correct tools, such as Conner’s rating system.
Although the initial evaluation needs to be done at a personal level, no diagnosis of ADHD is correct without the support of a psychiatrist. Again, it is imperative to note that ADHD follows very strict parameters; misdiagnosing a child could result in irreversible damage.
About the Author
Addiction, anger management, self-esteem and behavioural issues are just a few of our struggles that can be overcome with the assistance of a Psychologist. St. Catharines residents looking to be understood, are only a phone call away from licensed professionals, with years of experience.
Treatments for ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. According to a majority of medical research in the United States, as well as other countries. It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it’s not yet understood why. Children with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. ADHD is currently considered to be a persistent and chronic condition for which no medical cure is available. ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children and, over the past decade, has been increasingly diagnosed in adults. About 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD retain the disorder as adults. ADHD has also been classified as a behavioral disorder and a neurological disorder or combinations of these classifications such as neurobehavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders.
ADHD is common, affecting 4% to 12% of school-age children. It’s more common in boys than in girls. ADHD is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention. People with ADHD have differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activity. These symptoms appear early in a child’s life. Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, often with the symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity preceding those of inattention. ADHD is a developmental disorder that is often said to be neurological in nature. ADHD has also been classified as a behavioral disorder and a neurological disorder or combinations of these classifications such as neurobehavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders. These compounded terms are now more frequently used in the field to describe the disorder. Effective treatments for ADHD are available. ADHD is treated most effectively, and cost efficiently, with medication. Psychotherapy is another option, with or without medication.
Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium mayhave benefits with regards to ADHD symptoms. Use tools that help you stay organized. Get plenty of exercise. Try this breathing exercise for starters. These medicines improve attention and concentration, and decrease impulsive and overactive behaviors. About 80 percent of children who need medication for ADHD still need it as teenagers. Over 50 percent need medication as adults. Some of the medicines for ADHD are methylphenidate , dextroamphetamine , pemoline , atomoxetine , and a combination drug called Adderall. Behavioral therapy (BT) helps people develop more effective ways to work on immediate issues. Social skills training can also help children learn new behaviors. Support groups help parents connect with other people who have similar problems and concerns with their ADHD children. Family counseling helps treat ADHD because it keeps parents informed and also shows them ways they can work with their kids to help.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment Tips
1. Reduce seating distractions.
2. Use a homework folder for parent-teacher communications.
3. Always be on the lookout for positive behaviors.
4. Teach good study skills.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium mayhave benefits with regards to ADHD symptoms.
6. Atomoxetine , has been tested in controlled studies in both children and adults.
About the Author
Juliet Cohen writes articles for depression clinic and how to treat depression
ADHD In Children
There are several parents who live in the fear of whether their child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Unlike many other disorders and other problems, ADHD can be one which bears both psychological and social impacts on virtually everyone who has anything to do with the child. ADHD, acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurological syndrome, mostly found in young children aged below 7 years. ADHD can be characterized by forgetfulness, hyperactivity, mood swings, distractibility, and poor impulse control. ADHD can effect on both children and adults and as many as 5 to 8% of all children are victims of this psychological disorder. It is estimated that many children with ADHD go undiagnosed each year.
It is reported that most ADHD cases in children develop before the age of 7, but the diagnosis comes only when there are problems in their development. For instance, parents or other relatives notice symptoms of ADHD in a child only when he/she exhibits a behavior which is inappropriate in attention or the child shows disability to keep track of his/her belongings. When your child shows any of these disabilities, it is necessary for you to seek out the help of a pediatrician.
There are mainly three types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and a combined type. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD include impulsive behavior (such as excessive talking, interrupting others, and blurting out answers before the question should be answered); destructiveness; restlessness; difficulties in reengaging a previous task; and inattentiveness which can be both a difficulty with sustaining attention. While for some children who are predominantly inattentive type of ADHD, the symptoms of ADHD can be sluggish behavior, daydreaming, confused behavior, hypo active, and staring occasionally. Further, some of these symptoms may not appear all in a sudden, or they’ll remain hidden until the child find himself/herself in a situation when he/she starts behaving a bit out of place.
Well, now from a parent’s prospective, what the parents have to do if they think that their child is suffering from ADHD. The first thing you need to do is to talk to your health care provider. If you feel that your child is having difficulties in paying attention to what you are saying or doing, or if is see any of the symptoms of ADHD, then contact your physician as soon as possible. Your physician can easily recommend the next step to proceed.
In most of the cases, your physician will refer a psychiatric doctor for diagnosis of the condition. A psychiatric doctor will perform a series of tasks like talking to the child, observing him/her while playing and socializing as well as some other tests. If the physician certifies that your child has ADHD then there are several courses of action which you and your physician can talk about to determine how to find the solution for ADHD.
The treatment for ADHD includes a broad range of medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, and others. While some of these medications can result in increasing the levels of hyperactivity disorder in children without ADHD, in children who have ADHD disorders, these medications can help to focus and keep them in control. There are also several other types of alternative medications such as specific diets, Vitamin B6, and the use of pycnogenol. However, it is recommended to consult your physician before starting the treatment process.
About the Author
Read out Alzheimer’s treatment . Also check out for herbs for anxiety
New ADHD Educational Resource Now Available
(ARA) – Millions of children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) themselves, or know a family member, friend, student or co-worker affected by this common neurobehavioral disorder, now have a new informative resource, www.focusonadhd.com, to help them better understand and manage the condition. The comprehensive Web site offers up-to-date information, resources and encouragement to educate people about the impact of ADHD across different life stages.
The site includes a wealth of information about ADHD diagnosis and management, dispels common myths about the condition, and offers information about currently available treatment options that can be discussed with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
“Not having enough information about ADHD and how to manage it or knowing where to go for help can be major barriers to diagnosis and treatment,” says Peggy DeFelice, M.D., a clinical care physician in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Kids First Flourtown — The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Primary Care Network. “Left untreated, children with ADHD can suffer academically and experience behavioral, social, and emotional problems through adulthood. FocusonADHD.com is an informative and helpful resource for individuals with ADHD as well as those who take care of, teach, and work with people who have the disorder.”
Among the site’s features:
* Interactive ADHD Awareness Quiz: Visitors can test their “ADHD AQ” (Awareness Quotient) by separating fact from fiction to see how much they know about ADHD.
* “Ask the Expert”: A panel of experts answers a new ADHD-related question each week; visitors can submit questions and review answers to other previously featured questions.
* Latest ADHD Treatments: Up-to-date information about a variety of currently available treatment options, including behavioral therapy and medication, which can be discussed with a doctor or other healthcare professional. The site also includes descriptions of different types of healthcare professionals and what each specialist can do to help individuals with ADHD, as well as helpful links to how to find these specialists.
* ADHD Library: Helpful materials including a symptoms checklist, educational tip sheets for teenagers with ADHD and their parents and teachers, and a glossary of common terms that people may come across as they explore ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
* The Faces of ADHD: Short stories about children, adolescents and adults with ADHD, offering visitors to the site a glimpse into the worlds of these individuals.
FocusonADHD.com is sponsored by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, makers of CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) CII, a prescription medication that is part of a total treatment program for managing ADHD. The Web site is not intended to substitute for a clinical and psychological evaluation by qualified medical professionals with experience in the diagnosis and/or treatment of ADHD.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the Author
Courtesy of ARA Content