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
Dealing with ADHD
If you’ve been noticing peculiar behavioral patterns in your child, he may be exhibiting typical ADHD behavior. ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition in children which compels them to act differently than most kids their age. You may also be more familiar with ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder. This term was later changed to ADHD to create a more accurate description of this condition.
ADHD is caused by the lack of neurotransmitters that are essential to controlling behavior and organizing or managing thought. Studies have also shown ADHD development linked to smoking and taking addictive substances during pregnancy.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD HAS ADHD
1. He speaks louder than everyone else does. Often, you will notice children with ADHD to be a little loud, calling attention to himself.
2. He suddenly interrupts a conversation or an activity from out of nowhere. This includes going up to strangers to talk to them in a familiar way as if he knows them personally.
3. He is restless. He can’t stay put in one place for a short period of time. He is always walking or running around.
4. He cannot concentrate. His mind is always wandering off and he doe not seem to absorb whatever is being said to him.
5. He has trouble following instructions.
6. He has trouble finishing anything, i.e. schoolwork or any other activity
7. He forgets easily, i.e. something that was told to him only a couple of minutes past.
8. He plays too loudly. As in talking loudly, he cannot play without making any noise. Often, he would talk to himself loudly while playing.
9. He is always disorganized and cluttered.
10. He loses things easily.
If your child displays a number of these symptoms, it is best if you have him evaluated by your doctor. It will also help to talk to the people around him who see his day-to-day activity such as his teachers, babysitter, friends, his friends’ parents, and such.
Often, a child will behave in front of his doctor so you might have to bring him to a child psychologist for further evaluation. This will allow you to get an accurate prognosis and allow you to follow through properly instead of going the whole gamut of rounds of doctors.
DEALING WITH YOUR CHILD’S ADHD
You may think in the beginning that your child was only misbehaving and acting so rudely because he lacked discipline. But now that you’ve discovered that he has ADHD, you can get advices from your doctors and his psychologists on how to control his behavior.
There are medications available such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Ask your doctor about it first and see what will work best for your child. There are also organizations that can help you help your child cope with ADHD. You can likewise create a system where his hyperactive behavioral pattern will be modified. Since children with ADHD also go to a regular school, work with his teachers to help him have a better performance in school.
Lastly, your utmost patience is needed to be able to properly care for your child with ADHD.
About the Author
Steve works for MTBBN where you can search Baby Boy Names, Top 100 Baby Names, and Unusual Baby Names.
The Cost of ADHD - Treatment a Must for Emotional, Physical and Financial Health
According to recent studies, ADHD is one of the most costly health conditions in the U.S. - topped only by alcohol abuse and clearly ahead of drug abuse in terms of cost.
Annually, alcohol abuse costs American families $86 billion in lost household income. The annual cost for ADHD is $77 billion and the annual cost for drug abuse is $58 billion.
Hard costs, like out-of-pocket medical treatment, are only one aspect of lost income. ADHD high school graduates and college graduates make considerably less money annually than their non-ADHD counterparts.
Research indicates that it doesn’t matter if the person with ADHD has the same level of education as someone who does not have ADHD, the person with ADHD will make less money than the person without ADHD. The numbers are between $4500.00 and $10,000.00 annually. People with ADHD suffer from symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity - which are not always conducive to the work environment.
Although about half the children with ADHD learn to adequately manage their symptoms into adulthood, the other half continue to struggle as they transition from school to work. If ADHD goes untreated into adulthood, the symptoms can affect their financial health by making it harder to hold down a job, making it harder to obtain the education needed to land high-paying jobs and it can cause more lost work days.
Many psychiatrists that treat adults with ADHD ask their clients to bring in their employee evaluations, most of the evaluations brought in read like a textbook case. The ADHD adult will talk out of turn, have difficulty following through with instructions, show lack of focus, have difficulty finishing projects and complain of being disorganized.
Symptoms like these make it very hard for an adult with ADHD to maintain a successful work environment. More often than not, these are the employees that get passed up for a promotion or are under-employed according to their abilities.
Not only does the adult with ADHD have more problems at work, without successful treatment the ADHD adult typically also has:
_ Higher Divorce rates.
_ Lower levels of satisfaction with all aspects of their lives.
_ Less likely to have a positive self- image or be optimistic.
_ More likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.
_ More driving accidents.
Most experts agree that if ADHD is detected and treated at a young age, the ADHD adult will be less likely to struggle with work and their everyday duties.
The key is in finding successful and healthful treatment for the ADHD adult.
About the Author
Jeannine Virtue is a freelance writer who focuses on health related issues. For information about effective and healthy treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder in adults and children, visit the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center at http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com
ADHD - Does Nutrition Play a Factor?
Relatively unknown just two decades ago (although discussion of the disorder has occurred in medical circles for over half a century) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder awareness is critical in the lives of those who make a career out of working with children. Teachers, child psychologists, counsellors, and others are all given at least some exposure to the symptoms and solutions of the disorder.
The people most affected by ADHD, of course, are the children with the disorder and their parents. An ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards the general improvement of many areas in the lives of someone with this condition, and many people wonder just what role diet plays as far as ADHD.
Before we get into some specific areas, it is important to note that scientific research has never positively linked any diet to the direct causes or symptoms of ADHD. Most of the work in this area remains theoretical.
Diet of the pregnant mother
The first area where nutrition may come into play as far as the development of ADHD is when the fetus is in the womb. The probable links to ADHD development here include the usual suspects such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other types of drugs.
Diet after weaning
The symptoms of ADHD tend to show up during the preschool years, and they can be aggravated by certain type of diets. Many children are ingesting too much sugar and caffeine in their diets today in the form of “easy” and junk food, and of course these ingredients will cause a reaction of hyperactivity in children without the disorder. The reaction is far greater in children with ADHD.
The Feingold Program is a diet which has not been positively proven to alleviate ADHD symptoms by science, but has been upheld both by doctors and parents who work with ADHD afflicted children. This diet essentially takes out any unnatural food products in a nutrition regime, including artificial coloring and sweeteners, flavours, and preservatives.
ADHD is largely a disorder whose origins are not fully known. The nutrition of the ADHD positive child is important, but has not yet proven to be linked to the actual development of the condition. Still, watching the nutrition a child with ADHD takes in may mean that the symptoms of the disorder are not as acute.
About the Author
Mississauga marriage counselling is only a phone call away. Counsellors and therapists are available to help you and your spouse work through your problems.
What is the Difference between ADHD and ADD
What’s the Difference Between ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?
When you look at the last couple of years many different terms for infants, adolescents and adults with ADHD have been introduced. They were mainly influenced by American descriptions of the classification system DSM-IV:
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the term utilized in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria.
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or even without hyperactivity is the older term from the DSM-IIIR. So in a select number older literature you will find this term as a synonym for ADHD.
The difference between ADD and ADHD, in short, is basically nothing. However, I’m sure you desire to get an even more detailed explanation. This will be elaborated further.
Again, the new Diagnostic criteria is ADHD but there is still some referral to ADD. So no need to be confused. They are now all referred to as ADHD even if there is no hyperactivity for that particular patient.
While the differences are not substantial, there are different varieties of ADHD just as there are different varieties of cancer.
A select number professionals however use the term “ADD” although it is the equivalent as if they used the term “ADHD.” To sum it up, ADD technically is ADHD and vice versa.
There are 2 main categories of ADHD: Inattentive and Hyperactive. Both are considered ADHD. If someone is diagnosed with ADD it’s the equivalent of “ADHD: Predominately Inattentive.” Predominately inattentive means that the hyper-active elements of ADHD aren’t as relevant, however not entirely excluded with that individual.
The Inattention Symptoms of ADHD
An individual with ADHD will do any or even all of these things that display a lack of attention chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:
* Loses things
* Seems not to listen
* Has difficulty keeping attention on something
* Avoids tasks requiring focus for any sustained amount of time
* Gets simply distracted
* Is incredibly un-organized
* Has problems following instructions
* Short-term forgetfulness
* Makes careless mistakes
The HyperActive Symptoms of ADHD
A individual with ADHD can do any or even all of these things that display Hyperactivity, chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:
* Interrupts constantly
* Talks too much
* Can’t stay still or even fidgets
* Has problems with sitting quietly and doing activities
* Difficulty waiting in line or even taking turns
* Incredibly impatient
* Runs around excessively
This should clear up the different between ADHD and ADD. The terms are now the same, except using ADHD now there are inattention and hyperactive terms used or not used to describe ADHD patients.
About the Author
Copyright 2005 Fern Kuhn, RN Specializing in Diabetes
http://www.diabetestestingcenter.com
http://www.attentiondeficitdisordercenter.com
http://www.anxietydisordernews.info
Are ADD & ADHD Truly Learning Disabilities?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often referred to in the same breath by the general public as learning disabilities. However, they actually belong to a separate group of disorders. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) puts ADD and ADHD in the “Other Health Impaired” category. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 20 to 30% of children with ADD or ADHD also have a learning disability, which further complicates the process of distinguishing between the two. Both types of disorders share a similar host of symptoms, but should be regarded individually. Some of the possible signs of ADD and ADHD include:
1. Problems with memory
These include disorganization and forgetfulness. Those with organization issues may constantly lose important personal items, such as their textbooks or house keys. Others who have trouble recalling or retrieving information may often forget to finish their tasks, like chores or homework. In both cases, the short-term memory is the area that is most affected. Using additional cues-sound or pictures, for example-may help children to remember things more easily. This explains why people often have an easier time remembering the plots of movies that they’ve seen than those of books that they’ve read.
2. Problems with impulse control
This is demonstrated by what may seem to at first to be behavioral problems, such as restlessness, impatience, and talking out of turn. However, these are in fact cognitive issues that have little to do with a child’s character and everything to do with how their brains interpret information. Giving children with impulse control problems tasks that work with their natures, rather than against them-like allowing them to move to different parts of the house while studying-can help them to maximize their educational opportunities.
3. Problems with maintaining focus
Some common indications of this are lack of attention to detail and making frequent, unnecessary errors. Most children with ADD or ADHD are just as intelligent as those without such disabilities, but simply don’t have the skills necessary to concentrate on one task for a sustained period of time. Varying the volume and pitch of your voice may aid in keeping a child with ADD or ADHD focused.
ADD and ADHD are two of the most common childhood disorders in the United States. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, a child must meet with a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD and ADHD. The psychiatrist then makes an assessment and talks with the child’s parents and teachers, who must complete a behavioral inventory. All other possibilities must be ruled out before diagnosing a child with ADD or ADHD.
If a child is diagnosed as having ADD or ADHD, there are a variety of treatment options available, including medicine, therapy, and a combination of the two. Parents of children with ADD and ADHD must be willing to work closely with their child’s psychiatrist to find a system of treatment that suits their child. They should also keep their child as informed as possible every step of the way, no matter how young they may be.
Jane Saeman runs an In-Home Tutoring Service called Aim High Tutors. Find out how to help your student reach their full potential at http://www.aimhightutors.com and http://www.aimhightutors.com/blog.
