ADD Is A Gift

Sorting out the myths and legends from the hard facts can be a daunting task when we are talking about attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Because the exact cause of attention deficit disorder is not known and because treatment with psychostimulant drugs is hotly debated, a whole series of urban legends have grown up around this condition.

First Fact ADHD is on the increase and how ! Just look at the figures for Holland- they have reported a 25% increase in cases in the last six months ! The number of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder are now double the figure they were three years ago. Numbers in Australia, UK and USA are also increasing rapidly. Why? Nobody is sure .. it could be that there are more accurate diagnostic methods available or that more and more parents are becoming aware of the problem. Some argue that parents cannot tolerate hyperactive children and prefer to have them sedated by drugs and drive them to school !

Second Fact ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and Concerta do NOT

cure ADHD. They can only alleviate symptoms by activating or calming certain neurotransmitters in the child’s brain so that the child can improve concentration, stop twitching, over-excitability and reduce erratic behaviour. Sadly, the drugs also affect the way your child thinks and your child’s ideas and creativity can be affected. Even more alarming is the fact that the long- term psychological effects on children are not known or if they are, they have not been published !

Third Fact The above ADHD drugs DO have a wide range of side effects. The pharmaceutical companies play them down as much as they can but the FDA has its work cut out in issuing warnings and guidelines to pediatricians and family doctors. The side effects range from cardiac arrest to increased suicidal thoughts and a whole lot of other things in between !

Fourth Fact The bad news is that those children who took psychostimulant drugs as kids for ADHD have a much higher chance of ending up as drug users in adult life. More bad news is that these drugs are now sold by adolescents in the school parking lot.

Fifth Fact These ADHD medications DO help children to stay calmer but unfortunately they will not help them to learn coping skills in getting their homework done or in not forgetting things. This is where parenting skills are so important and the real solution is not drugging the nation’s children but rather helping the child to manage school and social relationships and above all in self- management.

The only solution to successful ADHD treatment is medication combined with behaviour therapy, some dietary restrictions and plenty of exercise and a supportive school and family life. But which medication ? This is a burning question and many parents are now refusing to have their children’s future compromised in the ways I have outlined above. There is a much safer natural treatment which is certainly not addictive and will never fetch a high price on the school parking lot! The site below will answer questions you cannot ask your doctor on treating attention deficit disorder.

First Fact ADHD is on the increase and how ! Just look at the figures for Holland- they have reported a 25% increase in cases in the last six months ! The number of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder are now double the figure they were three years ago. Numbers in Australia, UK and USA are also increasing rapidly. Why? Nobody is sure .. it could be that there are more accurate diagnostic methods available or that more and more parents are becoming aware of the problem. Some argue that parents cannot tolerate hyperactive children and prefer to have them sedated by drugs and drive them to school !

Second Fact ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and Concerta do NOT

cure ADHD. They can only alleviate symptoms by activating or calming certain neurotransmitters in the child’s brain so that the child can improve concentration, stop twitching, over-excitability and reduce erratic behaviour. Sadly, the drugs also affect the way your child thinks and your child’s ideas and creativity can be affected. Even more alarming is the fact that the long- term psychological effects on children are not known or if they are, they have not been published !

Third Fact The above ADHD drugs DO have a wide range of side effects. The pharmaceutical companies play them down as much as they can but the FDA has its work cut out in issuing warnings and guidelines to pediatricians and family doctors. The side effects range from cardiac arrest to increased suicidal thoughts and a whole lot of other things in between !

Fourth Fact The bad news is that those children who took psychostimulant drugs as kids for ADHD have a much higher chance of ending up as drug users in adult life. More bad news is that these drugs are now sold by adolescents in the school parking lot.

Fifth Fact These ADHD medications DO help children to stay calmer but unfortunately they will not help them to learn coping skills in getting their homework done or in not forgetting things. This is where parenting skills are so important and the real solution is not drugging the nation’s children but rather helping the child to manage school and social relationships and above all in self- management.

The only solution to successful ADHD treatment is medication combined with behaviour therapy, some dietary restrictions and plenty of exercise and a supportive school and family life. But which medication ? This is a burning question and many parents are now refusing to have their children’s future compromised in the ways I have outlined above. There is a much safer natural treatment which is certainly not addictive and will never fetch a high price on the school parking lot! The site below will answer questions you cannot ask your doctor on treating attention deficit disorder.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/five-undeniable-facts-about-attention-deficit-disorder-726341.html

The drug industry has done a fantastic job in marketing ADHD! According to a New York Times report they have marketed ADHD so well to parents, teachers, doctors and pediatricians that over 9 million prescriptions for their psychostimulant drugs have been written this last year. Not bad in a recession. Side effects of Ritalin( one of the first psychostimulant drugs) have been the subject of much controversy. Now 4.4% of the population suffers from ADHD and it has become almost fashionable - partly due to a relentless advertising campaign for these drugs.

Ritalin is basically a substance called methylphenidate. That can improve mood, attention span and even help college students to study all night before an important exam. The effect can last a short time and then another dose has to be given- otherwise there will be a ‘crash’ when depression and drowsiness will set in. Not surprising that they are referred to as ‘uppers’. Only problem is that the patient is addicted and needs ever increasing doses so drug addiction is another spectre for ADHD children who may have been on these drugs for a number of years. Patients have to be monitored if Ritalin has been given for a number of years - another headache for parents

Other side effects of Ritalin are :- stunted growth, insomnia, skin rashes, anorexia, some irregular heart beating, angina, blood pressure problems. The list goes on and perhaps the most frightening thing of all is that not only is the list of Ritalin side effects rather scary but also we do NOT know the long term physical and psychological effects of this drug. Also we do not know how safe Ritalin is in the long term either so that is disturbing. There is a risk of suicide if patients stop taking Ritalin suddenly and there are all sorts of problems associated with withdrawing Ritalin.

Parents with ADHD children are now becoming wise to the fact that these psychostimulants cause more problems than they solve and also that they do not want to put their children at risk. They also refuse to be brainwashed by the drug industry and are now seeking out information themselves. ADHD blogs and forums are great places to find information and finally a surge in ADHD natural cures and remedies is evident. Join the thousands of parents who want a safer, less risky ADHD natural cure which also costs a lot less. You may have questions about how effective these natural ADHD cures are and if they are a really valid alternative. Given the side effects of Ritalin, I would certainly say they are. The link below will provide all the answers.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/the-awkward-truth-about-adhd-psychostimulants-doctors-dont-want-you-to-know-743645.html

Do they just ask questions? Wouldn’t that make it a whole lot easier for anyone to get their hands on that med? What proof would they need?

A proper ADHD diagnosis begins with an initial clinician visit. This visit entails multiple assessments, mostly dealing with behavioral and personality questions. A TOVA test is also given to ascertain a child’s or adult’s attention level. Most clinicians require a thorough physical examination in order to rule out ancillary factors

A second visit is more comprehensive. Clinicians require a significant other join the patient for verification of symptom existence and strengths. Report cards and other evidence is also utilized by clinicians before rendering a conclusion.

An ADHD diagnosis does not utilize brain scans. The diagnosis is purely subjective, based on anecdotes, tests and paper trails, The ADHD diagnosis process has come under intense scrutiny because of the subjectivity, and the fact that a 700% increase has occurred with ADHD being diagnosed in children. Because of this, some ADHD experts suggest seeking second and third opinions before settling on a clinicians decision, especially if ADHD medications are prescribed for childre.

This scared me to death: WARNING – Possible side effects of ADHD Medications. This may include: long-term effect on the developing brain with ADHD medication; heart-related problems; psychiatric problems, or potential for abuse.

What if I told you that there was also a wide variety of alternative therapies. Now do not get me wrong. There is a time and place for prescriptions for treating many diseases.

I checked online and the suggested Pharmacological Treatments for ADHD included antidepressants, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall (amphetamine), mood stabilizers and a variety of other drugs. Are you really sure this is what you want for yourself, or even for your child?

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. There are several classes of ADHD medications. With luck, you may find a doctor that will work with you and prescribe one with the least amount of side effects.

Let’s first discuss the traditional treatments with ADHD medication. Until recently, most doctors prescribed Ritalin. Ritalin is supposed to increase blood supply to the frontal lobes of the brain. Ritalin is the most inconsistently absorbed. Some adults and children absorb as much as 80-90% of the medication, whereas others only absorb 30-40% of a medication dose.

Facts About Ritalin

Ritalin is rapid: 20-30 minutes. It has the shortest duration of action of 2-4 hours. Many children only have a benefit of 3 hours.

Possible Side Effects

Inability to fall or stay asleep, nervousness, headaches, depression and anxiety. In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during long-term therapy, inability to fall or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are more common side effects.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) “However, information on the long-term effects of all treatments is lacking, as is knowledge of the effects of long-term use of ADHD medications in children…”

Another drugs prescribed is Adderall (amphetamine). Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness).

In 2005 Canadian regulators suspended sales of the once-daily version of Adderall after 20 deaths (a possible side effect).

Adderall is still prescribed as a ADHD medication in the US. The FDA said it has examined the same study data as the Canadian health authorities but had not concluded the risk of sudden death was “strong enough” to justify suspending sales of the drug.

What about alternative therapies. Have you considered nutritional and dietary therapies, exercise, biofeedback, herbal treatments, meditation, Chinese medicine, homeopathic remedies, or possibly bach flower remedies.

Even when you are armed with all the facts, you as a parent must decide whether or not an ADHD medication is the right choice.

Do yourself a favor and research all the Pharmacological Treatments and the possible side effects of ADHD medications. Then compare those results with the health benefits of natural remedies.

Wayne Mcdonald
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/dangerous-side-effects-of-adhd-medications-678400.html

This scared me to death: WARNING – Possible side effects of ADHD Medications. This may include: long-term effect on the developing brain with ADHD medication; heart-related problems; psychiatric problems, or potential for abuse.

What if I told you that there was also a wide variety of alternative therapies. Now do not get me wrong. There is a time and place for prescriptions for treating many diseases.

I checked online and the suggested Pharmacological Treatments for ADHD included antidepressants, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall (amphetamine), mood stabilizers and a variety of other drugs. Are you really sure this is what you want for yourself, or even for your child?

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. There are several classes of ADHD medications. With luck, you may find a doctor that will work with you and prescribe one with the least amount of side effects.

Let’s first discuss the traditional treatments with ADHD medication. Until recently, most doctors prescribed Ritalin. Ritalin is supposed to increase blood supply to the frontal lobes of the brain. Ritalin is the most inconsistently absorbed. Some adults and children absorb as much as 80-90% of the medication, whereas others only absorb 30-40% of a medication dose.

Facts About Ritalin

Ritalin is rapid: 20-30 minutes. It has the shortest duration of action of 2-4 hours. Many children only have a benefit of 3 hours.

Possible Side Effects

Inability to fall or stay asleep, nervousness, headaches, depression and anxiety. In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during long-term therapy, inability to fall or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are more common side effects.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) “However, information on the long-term effects of all treatments is lacking, as is knowledge of the effects of long-term use of ADHD medications in children…”

Another drugs prescribed is Adderall (amphetamine). Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness).

In 2005 Canadian regulators suspended sales of the once-daily version of Adderall after 20 deaths (a possible side effect).

Adderall is still prescribed as a ADHD medication in the US. The FDA said it has examined the same study data as the Canadian health authorities but had not concluded the risk of sudden death was “strong enough” to justify suspending sales of the drug.

What about alternative therapies. Have you considered nutritional and dietary therapies, exercise, biofeedback, herbal treatments, meditation, Chinese medicine, homeopathic remedies, or possibly bach flower remedies.

Even when you are armed with all the facts, you as a parent must decide whether or not an ADHD medication is the right choice.

Do yourself a favor and research all the Pharmacological Treatments and the possible side effects of ADHD medications. Then compare those results with the health benefits of natural remedies.

Wayne Mcdonald
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/dangerous-side-effects-of-adhd-medications-678400.html

We are located in the Reno/Carson City, Nevada area. Resources here are very hard to find.

While I don’t live in or anywhere near Nevada, I thought I’d give you a hand and did some searching.

Most doctors who deal with ADD/ADHD can be found in a combined practice known as behavioral health. I did a google search for your area and this is what I came up with. I hope it helps:

http://www.google.com/search?q=reno+behavioral+center&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

Good luck!!

Ever wondered how different ADHD new medication is? You’d think that the new medications that come out are somehow improvements upon the older ones but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. All of the new medications have equally risky side effects that you need to carefully consider before giving your child prescription drugs.

The best medication for ADHD is not going to be the same for everyone. Some people respond well to some drugs and others don’t. Some people may have severe side effects from a certain drug and others may not notice a big difference. It’s important that you never let anyone force you into the decision to give your child prescription drugs for ADHD.

For treatment of ADHD new medication after new medication comes out and doctors are eager to prescribe them. The problem is that it’s important to address all lifestyle factors that could be contributing to your child’s condition rather than trying to just cover up the symptoms with drugs. Drugs are certainly helpful in treating some cases of ADHD but they should be looked at as a last resort because of their dangerous side effects.

While it’s true that no medication is the best medication for ADHD for everyone, plenty of studies point to the fact that children with ADHD benefit greatly from a healthy lifestyle, dietary control, behavioral therapy, and a homeopathic remedy. These simple lifestyle changes and treatments are much better than medications because they are completely safe and inexpensive.

You may hear about an ADHD new medication and get tempted to try it but the truth is that it won’t be any different from the last. All ADHD medications, new and old, report heart-related problems, psychiatric problems, and risk of sudden death as some of the possible side effects. If you want to avoid the dangers of medication and see if natural treatment and lifestyle change can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in your child, give it a go. You have nothing to lose.

Rather than attempting to find the best medication for ADHD and look to prescription drugs as if they were a cure-all, take a hard look at your child’s lifestyle. How is his diet? Is he getting enough exercise? Does he get enough sleep? It’s important to consider the areas of his lifestyle that may need improvement in order to effectively treat ADHD.

While it might sound nice to have a quick fix with an ADHD new medication, you will have real, long term results with natural treatment and lifestyle change. Give your child a homeopathic remedy. Make sure to cut any possible allergens out of his diet. Ensure that he is getting plenty of exercise and find a therapist to help him overcome harmful thought patterns and behavior.

Believe me. These simple steps will help your child achieve permanent recovery and good health; something that no ADHD new medication will be able to do. If you want to help your child overcome ADHD for good, it’s important that you look beyond just suppressing the symptoms and get to the root of the underlying problem.

Wayne Mcdonald
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/new-adhd-medications-better-than-the-last-or-equally-dangerous-678389.html

Parents usually blame themselves when their child has ADHD but currently scientists believe that structural changes in the brain may be the cause.

 

The ADHD causes may be affected by, but are not caused by;
• Television
• video games
• sugar or other foods
• food allergies
• bad parenting
• bad schools or teaching
• disruptive home life

 

Researchers have identified factors that may play a role:

 

• Biological issues could be the cause.   Scientists have been studying the brain and there is a link between the ability to pay continuous attention and the activity level in the brain.  New tools and techniques for studying the brain have been developed so scientists have been able to test more theories about ADHD causes.
• The areas in the brain that control attention used less glucose or sugar, meaning less activity.  So there is a suspicion that a lower level of activity in some parts of the brain may cause inattention in people with ADHD.
• During pregnancy drug use, toxins and hereditary problems may be a factor.  The damaging effects of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs can damage the unborn child and of course the developing and fragile brain.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) a condition that can lead to low birth weight, brain impairment, and certain physical defects show much of the same symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
• Drugs and alcohol affects the normal development of brain receptors. Brain receptors help us to transmit incoming signals from our skin, eyes, and ears. Current research suggests that drug abuse may harm these receptors. Some scientists believe that such damage may lead to ADHD.
• Environmental toxins may contribute or worsen brain development or brain processes, which may be a cause of ADHD.  Lead is one such possible toxin. Exposure to lead, which is found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings has been linked to disruptive, violent behavior and to a short attention span. Exposure to PCBs in infancy may also increase a child’s risk of developing ADHD.
• Other research shows that attention disorders are likely to run in families, so genetic factors seem possible. Children who have ADHD likely have at least one close relative who has ADHD. It has been found that one-third of all fathers who had ADHD when they were younger have children who have ADHD. Identical twins share the trait for ADHD making the case of genetic factors even more possible. 

 

Having a child with ADHD can be difficult, but there is hope and many resources are available that can help. There is advice and information on ADHD causes available from social workers, schools, doctors and support groups.  If you are concerned about toxins, and prescription drugs there are many Naturopaths and alternative medicines available.

R. Shelly
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/uncover-the-cause-of-adhd-707832.html

Parents usually blame themselves when their child has ADHD but currently scientists believe that structural changes in the brain may be the cause.

 

The ADHD causes may be affected by, but are not caused by;
• Television
• video games
• sugar or other foods
• food allergies
• bad parenting
• bad schools or teaching
• disruptive home life

 

Researchers have identified factors that may play a role:

 

• Biological issues could be the cause.   Scientists have been studying the brain and there is a link between the ability to pay continuous attention and the activity level in the brain.  New tools and techniques for studying the brain have been developed so scientists have been able to test more theories about ADHD causes.
• The areas in the brain that control attention used less glucose or sugar, meaning less activity.  So there is a suspicion that a lower level of activity in some parts of the brain may cause inattention in people with ADHD.
• During pregnancy drug use, toxins and hereditary problems may be a factor.  The damaging effects of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs can damage the unborn child and of course the developing and fragile brain.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) a condition that can lead to low birth weight, brain impairment, and certain physical defects show much of the same symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
• Drugs and alcohol affects the normal development of brain receptors. Brain receptors help us to transmit incoming signals from our skin, eyes, and ears. Current research suggests that drug abuse may harm these receptors. Some scientists believe that such damage may lead to ADHD.
• Environmental toxins may contribute or worsen brain development or brain processes, which may be a cause of ADHD.  Lead is one such possible toxin. Exposure to lead, which is found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings has been linked to disruptive, violent behavior and to a short attention span. Exposure to PCBs in infancy may also increase a child’s risk of developing ADHD.
• Other research shows that attention disorders are likely to run in families, so genetic factors seem possible. Children who have ADHD likely have at least one close relative who has ADHD. It has been found that one-third of all fathers who had ADHD when they were younger have children who have ADHD. Identical twins share the trait for ADHD making the case of genetic factors even more possible. 

 

Having a child with ADHD can be difficult, but there is hope and many resources are available that can help. There is advice and information on ADHD causes available from social workers, schools, doctors and support groups.  If you are concerned about toxins, and prescription drugs there are many Naturopaths and alternative medicines available.

R. Shelly
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/uncover-the-cause-of-adhd-707832.html

Parents usually blame themselves when their child has ADHD but currently scientists believe that structural changes in the brain may be the cause.

 

The ADHD causes may be affected by, but are not caused by;
• Television
• video games
• sugar or other foods
• food allergies
• bad parenting
• bad schools or teaching
• disruptive home life

 

Researchers have identified factors that may play a role:

 

• Biological issues could be the cause.   Scientists have been studying the brain and there is a link between the ability to pay continuous attention and the activity level in the brain.  New tools and techniques for studying the brain have been developed so scientists have been able to test more theories about ADHD causes.
• The areas in the brain that control attention used less glucose or sugar, meaning less activity.  So there is a suspicion that a lower level of activity in some parts of the brain may cause inattention in people with ADHD.
• During pregnancy drug use, toxins and hereditary problems may be a factor.  The damaging effects of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs can damage the unborn child and of course the developing and fragile brain.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) a condition that can lead to low birth weight, brain impairment, and certain physical defects show much of the same symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
• Drugs and alcohol affects the normal development of brain receptors. Brain receptors help us to transmit incoming signals from our skin, eyes, and ears. Current research suggests that drug abuse may harm these receptors. Some scientists believe that such damage may lead to ADHD.
• Environmental toxins may contribute or worsen brain development or brain processes, which may be a cause of ADHD.  Lead is one such possible toxin. Exposure to lead, which is found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings has been linked to disruptive, violent behavior and to a short attention span. Exposure to PCBs in infancy may also increase a child’s risk of developing ADHD.
• Other research shows that attention disorders are likely to run in families, so genetic factors seem possible. Children who have ADHD likely have at least one close relative who has ADHD. It has been found that one-third of all fathers who had ADHD when they were younger have children who have ADHD. Identical twins share the trait for ADHD making the case of genetic factors even more possible. 

 

Having a child with ADHD can be difficult, but there is hope and many resources are available that can help. There is advice and information on ADHD causes available from social workers, schools, doctors and support groups.  If you are concerned about toxins, and prescription drugs there are many Naturopaths and alternative medicines available.

R. Shelly
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/uncover-the-cause-of-adhd-707832.html