Health In Health Magazine » ADHD & ADD http://www.healthinhealth.com Health In Health - Free Health Guide Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:13:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Conner’s Rating Scale – A Tool for Diagnosing ADHD http://www.healthinhealth.com/adhd-add/conner%e2%80%99s-rating-scale-%e2%80%93-a-tool-for-diagnosing-adhd-34.html http://www.healthinhealth.com/adhd-add/conner%e2%80%99s-rating-scale-%e2%80%93-a-tool-for-diagnosing-adhd-34.html#comments Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:01:21 +0000 Health In Health http://www.healthinhealth.com/adhd-add/conner%e2%80%99s-rating-scale-%e2%80%93-a-tool-for-diagnosing-adhd-34.html 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.

]]> http://www.healthinhealth.com/adhd-add/conner%e2%80%99s-rating-scale-%e2%80%93-a-tool-for-diagnosing-adhd-34.html/feed 0 Treatments for ADHD http://www.healthinhealth.com/adhd-add/treatments-for-adhd-33.html http://www.healthinhealth.com/adhd-add/treatments-for-adhd-33.html#comments Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:59:43 +0000 Health In Health http://www.healthinhealth.com/adhd-add/treatments-for-adhd-33.html 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

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