ADHD Guide

Alvin Toh asked:


Parenting ADHD children can be stressful, frustrating and overwhelming. ADHD children have a shorter attention span than other kids and they often anger easily when they dont get their way.

Parenting through these difficulties will help raise a happy, healthy child. Here are 9 ADHD parenting tips to help you cope with and support your ADHD child.

1. Be consistent and set down specific rules. Changing the rules mid-stream can be confusing to the ADHD child. Be sure that both parents are on-board with the same rules.

2. Establish routines. All children thrive when they follow a routine but this is especially true of ADHD children. Be strict about the times that things take place but be aware of the fact that your child may have a short attention span. Limit the time children can watch television, play video games or listen to music. Sticking to these rules allows time for the children to think on their own and to use their creativity.

3. Assign weekly or daily chores. Use a chart to keep track of progress. Children love to get a gold star when they complete a task. For ADHD children, this can be a great ego boost. Be sure to explain exactly how to complete the task and even demonstrate it to them yourself.

4. Choose your battles wisely. Decide early on what things are most important and make sure that these things are the ones that get done. If the child wavers on an unimportant item let it go. What strikes the child one way one day may change the next. Be sure that your core values and beliefs are being honored.

5. Teach time management skills. ADHD children can benefit tremendously from learning the art of prioritization and time management. Often the child does not yet understand how to make these types of decisions. For older children utilize a planner or electronic organizers.

6. Break tasks down. Children with ADHD may not be able to stay focused on one task, especially if it is a large one. Break down each task into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will reduce the frustration level of you and your child.

7. Have patience. Parents already know that it takes lots of patience to raise their children with ADHD. To keep your own patience level up try giving tasks when there is plenty of time to complete them and enough time for you to follow up. Try to allow some room for error and always accentuate the positive things your child does.

8. Communicate with your child. One of the best ways to help ADHD children is to spend time with them. Set aside some time each day to talk to your child and get to know him. Help him to learn to communicate well with others and to know that he can come to you with any problems.

9. Be a good role model to your child. This is one of the biggest factors that will determine the outcome of your child as an adult. Although it may not seem like it, your child watches you and strives to be like you.

Rosemary

Ainuddin Mohamad asked:


In the past, rowdy, disruptive children were often spanked or scolded, while their parents were looked upon with disdain. With increasing research in child behavior, as well as with more studies in how molecular imbalances can trigger certain kinds of behavior and movements, physicians and psychiatrists have found that such unfortunate parents and noisy children should be treated with consideration.

In fact, as you know from reading thus far, they have in fact given a name to such a phenomenon: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD, now considered as a developmental disorder, is caused by changes in brain molecule levels, which in turn can be caused by head trauma in the womb. This head or brain trauma may be physical in nature, or chemical, say, if the expectant mother ingested certain toxins.

Children with ADHD tend to be impulsive and forgetful. They are also hyperactive and easily distracted. Because the disorder persists into adulthood, more and more adults are finding that their distractibility is due to ADHD.

ADHD also has a strong genetic component, and can thus be inherited. ADHD can’t be cured, and its symptoms can be eased only with a combination of behavioral modification, special education, parental support, lifestyle changes in the person suffering from the disorder, and special medications meant to target the central nervous system. Popular ADHD medications have been used to treat blood pressure disorders and narcolepsy, and they can include the popular Ritalin, Cylert, and Strattera.

After reading about these medications and reviewing opposing points of view amongst the medical and psychiatric communities, you must consider the consequences of taking ADHD medications in the long term even though it hasn’t been thoroughly studied.

Many ADHD medications also have dangerous side effects. In general, they can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, constipation, cramps, insomnia, and depression. In extreme cases, some ADHD medications have exacerbated existing cardiovascular disorders, such as high blood pressure and heart conditions; or have worsened certain psychiatric disorders such as mania and psychosis.

There is another component to consider. That is ADHD medications work by increasing alertness and attention, and by decreasing restlessness. Because of these properties, people who don’t suffer from ADHD can and do abuse the drug. For instance, some students believe that ADHD medications can make them perform better in school by focusing their attention.

The disorder itself is subject to controversy. Some psychiatrists and parents contend that the symptoms of ADHD can be surmounted and obliterated by the proper discipline; in some extremes, some people don’t consider ADHD a disorder at all. Backed by scientific proof, however, other scientists and physicians believe that ADHD is a real disorder that can be eased, thanks to long-term medication.

Long-term medication, however, doesn’t sit well with many people. In fact, some psychiatrists, physicians, and even parents of ADHD-affected children cite their positive experiences with holistic medicine and natural ADHD medications. Before using such medications or even recommending them, however, you must read as much as you can on what advantages and disadvantages they carry. Moreover, you should always consult with your physician on what options are available to you before plunging into any natural or holistic treatments.

There are many natural treatment regimens available for ADHD, but the most common so far is a change in diet. ADHD-friendly diets are generally free from stimulants, such as sugars and preservatives, all of which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and even interfere with the effectiveness of ADHD medications. There are many names for such diets, but in summary, they recommend that junk foods be taken out totally. Some junk foods contain a chemical called tartrazine, which is used to color foods, and can increase hyperactivity.

Holistic medicine practitioners also recommend certain drinks to help calm adults suffering from ADHD. Instead of taking ADHD medications, adults are asked to take yoga classes, which can help them concentrate, as well as monitor their breathing patterns. Adults suffering from ADHD are also requested to drink calming beverages, such as chamomile tea, instead of relying on ADHD medications to calm them down.

Holistic medicine practitioners also recommend certain herbs that can be integrated into an ADHD-friendly diet. For instance, fresh lemon balm can induce calm; while ginkgo biloba tablets can increase concentration. Melatonin can also regulate the body’s sleep cycles and induce relaxation while Saint John’s Wort can ease depression without pushing the body into hyperactivity. People with ADHD are also encouraged to take vitamins to increase concentration. Such vitamins can include Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and Zinc.

Other techniques, such as massage, magnet therapy, and even acupuncture have been used to calm people with ADHD and regulate their body cycles. These are only a few natural techniques that you may want to consider if you are looking for ways to cure ADHD. Always be on the alert for new research in the field of ADHD treatment, and be sure that you thoroughly and truly understand the underlying principles governing the use of your natural treatment of choice before you or your child use it to combat ADHD.

Ida

Tellman Knudson & Stephanie Frank asked:


I’ll bet that if you have Adult ADHD or ADHD symptoms this story will hit home for you…
I sat among a pile of papers. Everywhere I looked, I saw more work to do, and the longer I looked at it, the more overwhelmed I became. Finally, I burst into tears. “Why can’t I just figure out a system for all of this paper?” I said to myself. There I was, an intelligent woman, ADHD symptoms or no, and I could not figure out how to set up a filing system. I felt stupid.
Really stupid.
So I got up and tried again. And again. And again. (Even though I know very well the worst thing someone with ADHD symptoms can do is to do the same thing over even when its not working!)
Each time I attempted to set up a new system, something wouldn’t work, something I hadn’t thought of, and I’d have to start all over again. I sat holding one single piece of paper, trying to figure out what to do with it, when the telephone rang.
It was an old friend - actually, an old assistant who had moved away to another state across the country.
“What’cha doin?” she asked.
“Trying to figure out how to file all of these @#$@#$ papers!” I exclaimed loudly. Patience is not generally a virtue of those with Adult ADHD.
She took a long pause and then said to me. “What are you doing that for? You’re a speaker - you don’t have the energy to spend on that kind of detail work - you’re a PEOPLE person! Plus, you have ADHD!”
Well, duh. Yes, I am a people person and there I was, taking a lot of time to do something that frankly, I’m not so good at doing. (But of course, stubbornness is anther hallmark of Adult ADHD, and just then it was kicking in hard.)
BUT THEY DON’T THINK ABOUT THAT IN SCHOOL!! Remember back in school when you weren’t so good in a subject? Maybe your ADHD symptoms were diagnosed or maybe they weren’t, but either way, what did they tell you to do? Try harder, right?
Well, I say WRONG! We only have so many strengths and weaknesses, why focus on the weakness!
You see, unfortunately, by the time we get out of school many of us with Adult ADHD are so focused on what we’re not good at, that we fail to even see what we are good at.
And in most cases, what people with Adult ADHD are good at is actually a real talent, a genius-level ability that other “normal” people can’t even come close to. If only people with ADHD symptoms would take a look at what they are best at and love to do, and focus on doing that to the bast of their ability, imagine what would happen!
It makes a lot of sense to me for those with Adult ADHD to focus on strengths. When you focus on what you CAN do because of your ADHD symptoms instead of what you CANNOT do because of ADHD symptoms, opportunities arise and people flow into your life to help you. I’ve experienced this time and time again in my own life, and always when I was working on what I do well.
So my papers? They are all nice and neat in a new filing system which I did not create, but I do follow. Someone else had strengths in organization and helped me out (someone without Adult ADHD) — truly a prosperous and profitable exchange of services.
How about you? What are you focusing on today? What you do well or what you do NOT do well? Adult ADHD comes with both sides–it’s up to you what you emphasize. I challenge you to work your strengths for a month and see what progress you make.
Let me know!
And if you’d like to get more hints, tips and tricks for really focusing on your Adult ADHD strengths in the future, see below!

Gregory

Sue Perkins asked:


ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is increasing alarmingly with statistic suggesting that about 1 in 25 children diagnosed as having ADHD. The common ADHD symptoms are lack of attention and impulsive, hyperactive behavior. The disorder is normally treated using medications and other therapies and with the use of supplements; ADHD symptoms may be reduced. ADHD is normally diagnosed in children under 7 and can effect individuals throughout their life.

At present there is no agreement on the actual causes of ADHD. Individuals with this condition do not have any physical differences to people without ADHD, it just appears that their brains work slightly differently. A number of environmental reasons, as well as biological theories have been suggested and scientists are continuing to work on understanding the condition.

Traditionally ADHD has been treated using stimulant medications that although sound contradictory, can lesson symptoms and improve concentration and attention span. However, there are a number of side effects that can occur when taking these medications and some parents and individuals would rather look to other ways of managing symptoms. This is where supplements can help.

Essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids that are found in fish oils are supplements have shown to relieve some ADHD symptoms. A trial carried out in Durham, England on 120 children showed that those taking fish oils reduced hyperactivity, inattention and impulsive behavior, which had positive effect on learning and concentration in school. Essential fatty acids can also help to improve eczema, dry skin, reduce excessive thirst and frequent urination, control asthma and allergies. All of which are common to children with ADHD.

Amino acids

The brain used neurotransmitters to control learning and behavior. Without adequate neurotransmitters these elements become impaired. Neurotransmitters are formed using amino acids and from protein. Research has shown that children with ADHD tend to be born with less neurotransmitters, suggesting a genetic link. Therefore, by supplementing with amino acids behavior, memory and mood may all be improved.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency is another factor linked to symptoms of ADHD. Studies have been carried out where children are given a zinc supplement alongside conventional treatment or a placebo. The children taking the zinc supplements showed significant improvement over the children following the conventional treatment alone.

For more information about recognizing and treating ADHD naturally continue reading and sign up for the Free newsletter below.

Other supplements for ADHD that could prove helpful:

• Iron
• Magnesium
• Colloidal minerals
• L-carnitine
• Vitamin C

Although these supplements ADHD treatments are natural treatments that may effectively provide relief for ADHD symptoms, parents are advised to consult their child’s doctor before starting on a supplementation regime.

Alicia

Alvin Toh asked:


Millions of people are diagnosed each year with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While some adults have ADHD it is primarily diagnosed in children. Standard methods of treatment typically include drug medications that can have side effects. New research has found that fish oil can help minimize or alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. This adds to the hope that ADHD can be successfully treated with diet and supplements.

This finding is a result of an Oxford-Durham study of mainstream school children aged five to 12 years old with mild to moderate ADHD. The study was a treatment trial of the effects of fatty acids on childhood behavior and learning. The study was comprehensive with more than 12,000 assessments during the trial.

The study was random with some students taking a supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids while others took a placebo. After three months, those students who took Omega-3 had significant improvements in schoolwork. The study used performance assessments of motor function, reading and spelling along with teacher-rated attention symptoms. Teachers observed that the behavior of the children who took Omega-3 was improved over those who took a placebo.

The decrease in ADHD symptoms is an important finding showing that Omega-3 supplements may actually help to improve or even eliminate many of the symptoms of ADHD. Deficiencies in Omega-3 may account for not only ADHD but also other similar diseases such as dyslexia and autistism. This is good finding for parents of children affected by these disorders.

The study shows a definite link between dietary deficiencies and increased incidence of ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 has been shown to reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity, short attention span and inattention. This gives new hope to parents who wish to treat their childrens ADHD through improved diet.

The first place to start is to consume foods with high Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel and sardines. Those who dont get enough Omega-3 through their diet should take an Omega-3 supplement. The study found that the results of the Omega-3 supplement were about the same as the results typically found in prescription ADHD medications.

The University of South Australia did a similar study and found that children who took Omega-3 supplements showed a decrease in the symptoms of ADHD.

Parents who are searching for a non-traditional treatment may want to consider giving Omega-3 supplements to their ADHD children. Omega-3 supplements are readily available at most pharmacies and drug stores. It is not included in typical daily vitamin products or multi-vitamin supplements. Always follow the label instructions and consult with your childs doctor before starting a new vitamin or supplement regime.

Lucy

Scott Becker asked:


ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobehavioral based disorder. The symptoms include hyperactivity, as well as the inability to pay attention, aggression and mood swings. ADHD can be found in adults as well as children, but it is only most commonly diagnosed in young children.

Often times, it can be hard for a kid with ADHD to get involved in sports. Many sports require the ability to completely concentrate and stay focused. As well, certain sports may require that the child remain calm and quiet in many instances. However there are a variety of different sports that can be ideal for a child with ADHD.

An excellent choice for someone with ADHD is team sports. One example of a good sport for a kid with ADHD would be soccer. A lot of running and the need to work together with other teammates is needed to play soccer. In a child that experiences the hyperactivity side of ADHD, a sport that involves running is a great way to burn off the excessive energy.

Another great sport for kids suffering with ADHD is running or track. Again, the idea behind this is that the kids can run and burn off excessive energy. They also do not have to use a lot of concentration in such sports.

Hockey is an excellent sport for a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD. Hockey requires a lot of action and is a fast paced game. In the average hockey game, there is very little down time in which the kids need to remain calm and quiet.

Karate is a sport that is good for someone with ADHD. Karate not only gives the child the ability to burn off some of his excess frustrations, it also gives the child the ability to learn discipline and structure. Structure is extremely important in a child with ADHD.

In little kids, t-ball is a poor choice for someone with ADHD. Waiting your turn to bat is extremely hard for any little one. However, if you add in the ADHD factor, it becomes nearly impossible. Once the child is placed in the outfield, his attention will drift off even further, since there is often very little activity out there.

One sport that would be not be a good choice for someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD is golf. Golf requires a great deal of patients and the ability to remain calm and quiet throughout the game. This is often a difficult task for a child with ADHD.

Kids with ADHD and sports can go hand in hand with some careful planning. If your son or daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD, it is important that you find a sport that fits with their particular personality. If at first you do not find a sport that is a perfect fit, do not give up hope. Simply try additional sports, until you find the perfect one. Sports give all children, especially those with ADHD, the ability to burn off the excess energy and stress they often carry with them.

Bessie

blaya33 asked:


I’m working with a child who has ADHD and I have tried everything to help him control himself better. Does anyone have any good ideas that have worked?

Dale

robin350luv asked:


i have a child with adhd,and he wants to know and understand why he has this.and why it makes him the way he is.

Holly

***HDK*** asked:


I just found out at the end of last school (university) year that I have ADHD. I’m not taking classes now and am working on my parents farm for the summer. I am especially concerned with my social troubles, but do not have any access to social situations here (REALLY small town and all the people my age are gone for summer — plus I’ve never really had any friends to start with). What are some things that I can do now to make next year better?

Derrick

Gaetane Ross asked:


The controversy of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is loaded with implications in the field of medicine. In the past, many children who were disruptive or loud were considered both difficult to discipline and undeserving of attention or they were the products of parents who did not know how to raise a child, and were pitied. Those children who were unable to focus while in school were labeled as slow learners and more often than not, looked down upon by others of the same age.

Today, we have discussed that such behavior is often diagnosed as symptoms of ADHD. ADHD children are generally forgetful, disruptive, impulsive, easily distracted and hyperactive. More adults are being diagnosed with ADHD, since this ever-present condition continues into adulthood, shown by the increasing volume of research conducted in the field of medicine. ADHD is a hereditary disorder, with nearly five percent of the cases being the result of a physical or chemical brain injury endured while in the womb.

The diagnosis of ADHD breeds the controversy surrounding the condition. Since some normal childhood, behavior that can get out of control because of poor upbringing, some psychologists and parents insist that the behavioral patterns materialize as ADHD. As a result, they recommend that children, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, not take medication, rather that they should be controlled and counseled. On the hand, regarding ADHD as a real disorder, it maintains that medication be given and continued as it can temper the symptoms of the disorder.

Those who suffer from it have to take medication all their lives, since there is no real means to treat ADHD permanently. Arrangements such as this calls for many questions, especially when concern with safety. There are different medications for ADHD, as you may know, and some of them were primarily used to treat narcolepsy by directing certain parts of the nervous system.

As we discussed in the previous chapter such medications, which include the popular Concerta and Ritalin , can actually have dreadful side effects, such as arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, increased heart rate or severe palpitations, increased blood pressure as well as increased risk of stroke. The USFDA or United States Food and Drug Administration, has studied the influence of ADHD drugs and have them stamped with a black box warning. To be precise, such drugs are regulated and can be prescribed, however strong caution must be exercised when such drugs are taken. Another advisory panel has evaluated evidence pointing to long-term psychiatric changes and cardiovascular risks in children who take ADHD medication, in addition to the studies of the FDA. The panel found that such drugs might possibly increase the risk of hallucinations, aggressive behavior, psychosis and mania in ADHD children.

Even though psychiatric specialists caution people about making literal interpretations of these findings, there is still a good bit of controversy surrounding the use of these drugs. According to the documents presented to the second evaluating panel, the consequence of psychiatric diseases being deteriorated because of ADHD medication was exceptionally small; and that many of the cardiovascular diseases, such as higher blood pressure, arose because of existing heart-related conditions in persons suffering from ADHD.

Since these medications have proven to be safe so far, despite the risks, doctors and psychiatrists continue to recommend ADHD medications. More than a good number of other medications that have long been approved and are currently being prescribed, in fact there is a great deal of research and literature available concerning ADHD medications. ADHD patients are regularly monitored closely, for safety while these medications are being administered. Some of these medications can stunt the growth pattern of young ADHD children; therefore, they are measured and weighed regularly, while taking their ADHD medications.

Medication for ADHD may induce hallucinations; consequently, some parents are concerned with addiction or long term effects in ADHD children. It is true that stopping the medication can stop the hallucinations. However, it is appointed to the physician to determine when medication should be discontinued, parents of ADHD children are cautioned concerning the making up of their own procedures of changing the medication on their own.

Likewise, ADHD treatment does not end with ADHD medication. A course of therapy treatment such as behavior modification, counseling and special education goes hand in hand with the use of medication. You should consult with your doctor regularly on the medication options, treatments and obligations that are available if you or your children suffer with ADHD. You should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages as well as the side effects associated with the medication procedures and treatments by doing as much research as possible, into those that interest you. You cannot go wrong as long as you are well informed about ADHD in children and adults. Learning all that you can about ADHD and its symptoms as well as the things that might bring some benefits in easing the discomforts of such a disorder are long term, however ADHD can be eased for those who suffer from this condition as well as providing a peace of mind for ADHD parents. Keep in mind however, until there is a cure for ADHD, there will always be controversy surrounding the condition.

Ruben