ADHD Guide

Holly F asked:


I am doing a research paper for college, and was wondering how effective adderall was for treating ADHD in children?
Either a statistical percentage, or even a yes it worked for my child, or no it didn’t work, will be a great help!
I have looked everywhere, and can’t find any effectiveness numbers, other than it is just as effective as Ritalin…
thanks!

Patricia

Sue Perkins asked:


The estimate is that around 5% of all school-aged children have ADHD and the condition is on the increase; although this may partly be due to a better understanding of the disorder and the diagnostic guidelines being clearer. There is currently no cure for ADHD and many people rely on stimulant medications to alter behavior. However, these meds can come with undesirable side effects, which leads people to look at other alternatives. However, investing your money in alternative treatments and supplements can be quite risky. Here are some tips to help you find the best ADHD supplements:

1) Consult your doctor - Before buying any sort of ADHD supplement, you should definitely speak with your doctor to check if those supplements will not have any adverse reactions to any medications currently prescribed. By doing this, you will be able to make sure that the supplements you buy are completely safe. Choosing the best supplement involves studying whether or not they will have an adverse reaction to other medications. You may find they have some suggestions on where to purchase supplements from and which ones to avoid.

Another reason for consulting with your doctor is to arrange to have your blood tested for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. There are arguments that suggest ADHD behaviors may be helped by removing any deficiencies. This way you’ll know what supplements to buy.

Continue reading for more tips on finding the best supplements for ADHD and to sign up for the free recognizing and treating ADHD newsletter below.

2) Read reviews - You will often see various companies claiming to have the best supplement in the market for ADHD. However, you should realize the fact that companies need to market their product. Instead of checking out the company’s site to see if you are in fact getting a great product, you should check out what other people have to say. Doing a search online will usually show you pretty quickly what people think of various supplements. This will help you determine whether you really are buying an ADHD supplement that will make a difference or if you are falling victim to a company’s marketing approach.

3) More is not necessarily better - A lot of different ADHD supplements available in the market today claim to have different substances which help relieve the symptoms of ADHD. However choosing the best ADHD supplement is not the same as choosing the ADHD supplement with the most ingredients. Choosing the best ADHD supplement means choosing the ADHD supplement which is most effective in relieving symptoms. Generally, you’ll find the same sort of ingredients in most ADHD supplements, only in varying quantities.

4) Try it out before you buy in bulk - Of course, finding the best ADHD supplements requires you to try them out. Order or buy a small bottle first and follow the instructions carefully. Make a note of any changes in behavior. This will help you determine if the effects of the ADHD supplements meet the company’s claims. If you notice improvement try to buy in bulk at a discount, if not you won’t have wasted a lot of money.

Elaine

Aliza Adar Levine asked:


An ADHD diagnosis is not accurate until formal tests have been given by a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional. Unfortunately, it is often school teachers who make the diagnosis, although they usually have no qualifications to do so. It is best to be cautious in labeling children with ADHD when this may not truly be the case.

Often times, symptoms of ADHD are similar to many other things, and it is extremely important to be careful in the process of evaluation. It is essential that school teachers keep their eyes and ears open. If they notice that a child is having difficulties, they must inform the parents, so that the child can get tested for ADHD and other learning disabilities early on. Some children do not get tested, and end up unnecessarily struggling in school and later in life.

After is has been decided that a child should be tested for ADHD, a decision should be made regarding which ADHD test should be taken to evaluate for the disorder, of the several different effective ones that are available. However, the first step that should be taken, should be to rule out a physical disorder that has similar symptoms to ADHD, such as a thyroid problem. A general physician or pediatrician will be able to rule this out.

After the child has seen a medical doctor, the next step will be to meet with a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional. They will be able to give your child the necessary tests to diagnose ADHD. You can find specialists through CHADD, which is national organization operating in the USA, which educates and helps people with ADHD.

When you find a qualified mental health professional, your first initial meetings will involve your child and a family member that has known the child since they were young. The mental health professional will get a detailed personal history from your child’s point of view as well as from the family member’s point of view.

After this, tests such as TOVA (Tests of Variable Attention) will be given to check for the presence of ADHD. This is a 23 minute test, and is accurate in distinguishing whether or not a test subject has ADHD. It is important to get formal testing to determine whether the child is struggling with ADHD, or possibly something else, such as a learning disorder.

Other disorders that may look like ADHD are depression and anxiety disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome, early onset bi-polar disorder, conduct disorder and possibly other emotional problems or disorders. It is very important to keep this in mind during the process of evaluation.

Delores

Angie Dixon asked:


If your child has ADHD, talking to his teacher may be the most important thing you can do to help him function more effectively at school in spite of his ADHD, and maybe even because of the ADHD.
Most teachers want to help their students, and most teachers have had ADHD kids in their classes before, if they’ve been teaching long. In general, teachers want to understand ADHD and the ADHD child and in particular they want to understand your child, their student.
Your first step in talking to a teacher about your ADHD child should be to simply explain that your child has ADHD, that it ADHD is a common childhood illness, and that you and your child’s doctor are ready to provide any information the teacher requires about ADHD, including a list of books and web sites that discuss teaching the ADHD child.
Next, ask if your child is having any problems in the classroom or on the playground. If your ADHD child is having problems at school, find out what they are, whether they are likely related to ADHD, and what you can do about them.
Your child’s teacher will need to know what ADHD medications your child is taking, even if he doesn’t take them at school. Also explain any other ADHD treatments your child is receiving, including therapy or special diet.
Finally, find out if your ADHD child can get any special services. If you are in a public school in the United States, the answer to this is yes, there are accomodations available for ADHD kids. Private schools or schools outside the U.S. will have different ADHD accomodations.
If you feel you haven’t gotten the results you hoped for by talking to your ADHD child’s teacher, or if the teacher feels there is more that can be done, you can also talk to a guidance counselor. These specialists may know more about ADHD than your average teacher and may be able to help.

Hector

Keith Londrie asked:


An ADHD diagnosis is not formal until formal tests have been given by a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional. Unfortunately, these days school teachers are the ones making the diagnosis when they usually have no qualifications to be able to do so. I think it is good to be cautious in diagnosing disorders and loosely labeling children with ADHD when that may not truly be the case. Often times symptoms of ADHD look like a lot of other things, and it is extremely important to a child’s well-being to be careful in the process of evaluating them. It is important and essential, though, that school teachers are keeping their eyes and ears open while teaching. If they notice that a child is having more difficulties than other kids, first tell the parents. Then make sure that something is done about getting the child tested for ADHD and other learning disabilities. Some children do not get tested, and they struggle in school and life when they don’t have to. Education and counseling early can really prevent children with ADHD in having as many struggles that tend to hold them back in various ways.
After is has been decided that a child should be tested for ADHD, it needed to be decided which ADHD test should be taken to evaluate for the disorder. There are a few different tests that will effectively diagnosis the presence of ADHD. The first step that should be taken, though, should be to rule out a physical disorder that has similar symptoms to ADHD. A general physician will be able to rule out that your child has some sort of physical problem, such as a thyroid problem.
After the child has seen a medical doctor, the next step will be to meet with a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional. They will be able to give your child the necessary tests to diagnose ADHD. You will be able to find specialists through CHADD, which is national organization that educates and helps people with ADHD.
When you find a qualified mental health professional, your first initial meetings will involve your child and a family member that has known the child since they were young. The mental health professional will get a detailed personal history from your child’s point of view as well as the family member’s point of view.
After this, tests such as TOVA (Tests of Variable Attention) will be given to see if there is the presence of ADHD. This test is a 23 minute test, and is accurate in distinguishing is a test subject has ADHD or not. I believe it is important to get formal testing to know for sure whether the child is struggling with ADHD or possibly something else such as a learning disorder.
Other disorders that could look like ADHD are depression and anxiety disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome, early onset bi-polar disorder, conduct disorder and possibly other emotional problems or disorders. It is very important to keep this in mind during the process of evaluation.

Ethel

mburger71897 asked:


I’m looking for specific brands of herbal, homeopathic, supplements, etc. My son is 7 and has been diagnosed with ADHD and I would like some suggestions as we are not going to medicate him. Thanks!

Gina

♥Special Red Girl™ asked:


I heard they’re similar. & also, can a person drive a car with any of those diagnoses? I know 1 person who has Autism & he drives. & my friend’s sister has ADHD & drives.

Craig

tangerine asked:


I’ve read several books about adult ADHD, and they all seem to emphasize the use of medication. I have nothing against the use of medication, but I can’t afford it right now. Is there any way for those of us who have ADHD and can’t afford medication to effectively manage our symptoms?

Ana

Juliet Cohen asked:


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.

Victoria

Susan Kruger asked:


Do you know why you have ADD/ADHD? Because you are extremely intelligent! No, I am not being sarcastic. In fact, I could not be more sincere. Most people with ADD/ADHD (herein called ADHD) have such a strong interest in a great variety of things, they have a hard time maintaining focus on one thing at a time. Of course, there are additional reasons too, but I am here to tell you that every person I know with ADHD (friends, relatives, and students) have an extraordinary number of talents and are all extremely bright. So, why do so many students with ADHD struggle in school?

The traditional school environment is not very exciting for most students, but especially students with ADHD. What they (and some of their teachers) fail to realize is that school is not boring because the information is too complex. On the contrary…school is boring because there is often not enough activity to keep their active minds engaged.

One common characteristic of people with ADHD is that they learn best by doing; they prefer to get their hands on something and figure out how it works rather than read about how it works. They typically represent the epitome of “hands on, minds on” learners. However, in most school situations, there is way too much idle time sitting at desks.

Many parents of students with ADHD say that their children do best when they can be involved in class by helping the teacher or having some type of leadership role. They thrive on projects and the opportunity to investigate the answer to a problem.

Is ADHD Really a Disorder?

I have always hated the term “Attention Deficit Disorder!” My observations, from knowing and working with many friends, relatives, and students who have ADHD are that they just have to make some additional accommodations to function in our modern society.

For example, I am left-handed and the whole world is backwards for me. I can never use scissors without looking like I have a physical disability. I always get ink smears on
my hand when I write because my hand glides right over the freshly written words. When I have to sign my name on a credit card machine, the stylus is always on the wrong side of the machine and my signature looks like that of a kindergartner. The desks in college were all backwards for me so I had to learn how to write on my lap and looked like I was hunchback.

Does this mean I have a disorder? Of course not! It just means that I need to make some accommodations and accept the fact that people will make fun of me when I use scissors or try to pay for my groceries. Technically, ADHD is a disorder because it is a medical condition caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain and can be treated medically, but the word “disorder” makes it sound as if there is something wrong with people who have ADHD. On the contrary. For most people, it is simply a process of making some adjustments.

What Are Those Adjustments?

There are an infinite number of strategies and tricks that may be helpful for people who have ADHD and most will be a matter of what works best for each individual. However, there are three factors that are key to making any strategy successful:

Develop healthy routines. People with ADHD have a hard time creating structure within their own minds, so they must rely on structure from outside sources and develop habitual routines to help them keep track of their responsibilities and belongings. For example, one man I know with ADHD explained, “I was always leaving things behind in restaurants and stores; my wallet, keys, jacket, briefcase, diaper bag, etc. So I started getting in the habit of looking back every time I left a table, seat, or check-out counter to make sure I didn’t leave anything. It works well. I haven’t left anything behind in years!”

Good routines to develop for school include using a planner, taking a few minutes at the end of every day to clean garbage out of your book bag and put papers in your folders, and gather everything you need for school the night before so you don’t forget anything in the chaos of the morning.

Find a mentor. When you are trying to develop routines and change habits to be successful in school, it is always helpful to have someone who can be your “sounding board,” who can help motivate you, and keep you focused. A good mentor should be a responsible and trusted adult or older student whom you trust; perhaps a neighbor, aunt/uncle, tutor, personal coach, community volunteer, peer counselor or student from a local high school or college. Try to avoid having your parent fill this role because you are likely to quickly perceive your parents as “nagging” you rather than encouraging you. A mentor may sometimes “nag,” but is often easier to take it from someone other than a parent.

Your mentor will help you identify some goals and check in with you every other day or two-three times per week to see what you are doing to reach those goals and offer you encouragement. They should be available to listen to you vent when you are frustrated and may have some suggestions to help you. Of course, your mentor will also be on hand to help you celebrate each of your accomplishments along the way, even the small ones.

Take it one step at a time. Try to figure out the one area that is causing you the greatest problem and work on this first. You may want to talk to your parents, teachers, and even your mentor to determine where to start. For example, if your teachers tell you that the main reason that your grades are falling is because you are not turning in your assignments, then you know that this is what you should try to improve first. Get help from your teachers, guidance counselors, parents, your mentor, and the free Homework Rx® Toolkit at our website to help you determine strategies that will help you with this one problem. Give it one or two months and then identify the next problem.

Do not give up! Everyone has moments when they fall backwards as they try to reach their goals; everyone from straight-A students to the CEO of a major company. This is a natural part of life. The key for anyone to be successful, however, is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving. You’ll see positive results very soon!

© 2006 Susan Kruger, All rights reserved.

Clifford