ADHD The Creeping Giant

 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is very common in kids and teens, although some adults can also display some symptoms.

Let's look at some of the symptoms.  There are three different types of ADHD.  Combined ADHD (the most common) which includes all the symptoms.  Inattentive ADHD (known as ADD) which shows impaired attention and concentration.  Then there is Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, which is marked by hyperactivity without inattentiveness.

In a diagnosis of ADHD, some symptoms must be recognized by the age of seven to be clearly defined and understood.  Also some symptoms has to be seen in more than one setting.  For instance, the afflicted may show symptoms at home and school or home and work.

The main symptoms of ADHD are in the three categories.  INATTENTION - Where the symptoms may be: 1. Difficulty paying attention to details and makes careless mistakes. 2. Easily distracted by noises or social stimuli. 3. Frequent shifts from one uncompleted activity to another. 4. Procrasination. 5. Disorganization. 6. Forgetful thoughts. 7. Sudden shifts in conversation, the inability to listen well.  HYPERACTIVITY - 1. Fidgeting. 2. Getting up and moving a lot. 3. Difficulty in performing activities by themselves. 4. Talking excessively.  IMPULSIVITY - 1. Impatience. 2. Blurting out words before others finish speaking. 3. Interrupting. 4. Creating converstaions at inappropriate times.

Approximately 20% to 30% of children with ADHD develop scholastic problems that may not improve with treatment.  Hyperactivity, when not addressed, tends to lead to oppositional-defiant disorder.

Most children with ADHD adjust eventually.  Some, especially those with associated conduct or oppositional-defiant disorder, are more likely to drop out of school and not be able to maintain a job later in life.  Although hyperactivity and impulsivity tends to diminish with age, inattention tends to run into adulthood.  And most teens with ADHD tend to suffer major cases of anxiety or depression

Treatment for ADHD is multi-faceted and needs to be tailored to individual needs.  Studies have established the safety and effectiveness of using stimulant medications, other drugs, and behavioral therapy by psychologists only relieve the symptoms of ADHD.  Basically numbing the afflicted and not necessarily helping them to adjust to ADHD.

The most effective approach to treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD is a multi-disciplinary approach.  By educating parents and child about diagnosis and appropriate treatment, behavior management therapy, (the ability to vent feelings to someone objectively), and school involvement.

When abuse sets in on an ADHD child, the medicine Wellbutrin can be an alternative.  Wellbutrin is an antidepressant and helps the child to calm down in order for parents/teachers to assist the child in proper choices.  Wellbutrin has the least amount of side effects, but have some minor ones.  Other medications cause a huge amount of side effects that are extremely uncomfortable with children that have ADHD.

The best alternative is behavioral management.  Such approaches are goal setting.  You and the teacher help your child learn to set and accomplish specific goals.  Such as a chore or homework.  But the parent or teacher must be there with the child the whole time, consistently.

Rewards and consequences and consistent therapy for a long period of time is also crucial.  This mainly falls on the parent.  You have to be consistent with rules and limitations, but never waiver from each of these.  Also, it's important not to make the ADHD a monster or a crutch to the child. 

What it basically falls down to is this.  ADHD has a very wide range of diagnosis.  Everyone has one or more of the symptoms of ADHD, without even knowing it.  But when these symptoms are big in nature and obviously apparent in a child, and it is caught early, the child can grow up with a higher success rate of adaptability.