By Tess Thompson

Although it is commonly believed to be a condition that primarily affects children, it is estimated that 12 to 15 million American adults also suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But because child ADHD treatment and symptoms can differ slightly from adult ADHD and treatment, and because research into adult ADHD is still in its early stages, many adults do not know how to evaluate whether they are suffering from the disorder.

There is no single test that will identify ADHD, and there are no specific genetic or biological indicators that will lead to a diagnosis. Instead, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will conduct a comprehensive evaluation which will include extensive examination of past behavior, and should also include a physical exam to rule out any other possible source of the symptoms.

ADHD symptoms differ from person to person, but according to the American Psychiatric Association ‘s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is often used in ADHD research studies, they can include:

Continue reading " Diagnosing ADHD in Adults: Recognizing Adult ADHD Symptoms And Evaluating Options for Treatment "

Your son is running through the house at 92 miles per hour (you’ve clocked him with a State Patrol radar gun) and won’t stop. Yes, he has ADHD, you know this, but you’ve asked and then told him to stop, and you could really care less about ADHD. You want this child to BE STILL.

In these circumstances it’s easy to think your ADDHD child is being willful and stubborn. That really is probably not the case. Remember that ADHD comes with impulse control as a main component, and kids with ADHD sometimes just can’t control themselves.

What to do when your ADHD child seems to be willfully disobeying you? First, take a deep breath. Count to ten if you have to.

Second, do whatever you can to redirect your ADHD child. In the case of running 92 mph through the living room, physically stop him. Step in front of your ADHD running machine, stop the forward movement, and put your hands on his shoulders to get his attention.

Continue reading " An Illness, Not Willfulness — ADHD In Kids "

One of the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD is that it’s often found in conjunction with other problems. These are called coexisting conditions, and about two thirds of all children with ADHD have one.

The most common coexisting conditions are:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD)

At least 35% of all children with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder, which is characterized by stubbornness, outbursts of temper, and acts of defiance and rule breaking. Conduct disorder is similar but features more severe hostility and aggression. Children who have conduct disorder are more likely get in trouble with authority figures and, later, possibly with the law. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are seen most commonly with the hyperactive and combined subtypes of ADHD.

Mood Disorders (such as depression)

About 18% of children with ADHD, particularly the inattentive subtype, also experience depression. They may feel inadequate, isolated, frustrated by school failures and social problems, and have low self-esteem.

Anxiety Disorders

Continue reading " What Are Some ADHD-Related Problems? "

The greatest challenge for a teacher is to understand that some of the disruptive behaviors that she may be observing in her students may not be deliberate but may be caused due an attention deficit disorder. Ignoring assignments and staring into blank space may not be signs of a slow child but may actually be caused by ADD.

The ADD treatment may be a responsibility of the parents but a teacher plays a key role in the adjustments that the child makes with the environment and the manner in which he copes with the world and its requirements. Irrespective of the fact that the parents may be providing the best child ADHD treatment or using alternate herbal remedies for ADD, the teacher needs to adopt certain techniques to be able to help the ADD child cope with the curriculum.

Identifying an ADD child is the first task. Understanding the various symptoms of ADD and the manner in which they manifest themselves can go a long way in aiding the process. The next step is to devise ways and means of enabling the ADD child to flower and perform to his best.

Continue reading " Teaching ADD Kids "

Your child with ADHD has successfully navigated the early school years and is beginning his or her journey through middle school and high school. Although your child has been periodically evaluated through the years, this is a good time to have a complete re-evaluation of your child’s health.

The teen years are challenging for most children; for the child with ADHD these years are doubly hard. All the adolescent problemsâ����peer pressure, the fear of failure in both school and socially, low self-esteemâ����are harder for the ADHD child to handle. The desire to be independent, to try new and forbidden thingsâ����alcohol, drugs, and sexual activityâ����can lead to unforeseen consequences. The rules that once were, for the most part, followed, are often now flaunted. Parents may not agree with each other on how the teenager’s behavior should be handled.

Continue reading " Your Teenager With ADHD "