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ADHD: Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADHD?

ADHD is Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. The main features of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and an inability to sustain attention or concentration. These symptoms occur at levels that cause significant distress and impairment and are generally far more severe than normally found in children of similar ages and developmental levels.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can make it hard for a person to sit still, control behavior, and pay attention. These difficulties usually begin before the person is 7 years old. However, these behaviors may not be noticed until the child is older. Doctors do not know just what causes ADHD. However, researchers who study the brain are coming closer to understanding what may cause ADHD. ...
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , is a behavioral disorder that is characterized by excessive hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness. Common in school age children, ADHD affects about 8-10% of children and is found three times as often in boys than in girls. This disorder usually starts around age 7.

Is there a cure for ADHD?

ADHD is not a disease or illness, therefore there is nothing to “cure.” ADHD is a biological, genetic condition that people have for their entire lives.
Like other chronic disorders, ADHD is not curable. Some patients have success treating their disease, and are able to lead productive adolescent and adult lives. However, approximately 60% of children with ADHD will carry their symptoms into adulthood. ADHD is treatable. Fortunately, research is progressing on many fronts, making the outlook for people with ADHD much more positive. ...
Like other chronic disorders, ADHD is not curable. Some patients have a remission of the disease, and may lead productive adolescent and adult lives. However, approximately 60% of children with ADHD will carry their symptoms into adulthood. ADHD is treatable. Fortunately, research is progressing on many fronts, making the outlook for people with ADHD much more positive. ...
Source: www.adhd.com

Is ADHD common?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is most commonly diagnosed in school-aged children. It is more common in males than in females. Research suggests that between 3% and 9% of school-aged children may have symptoms associated with ADHD. Recent research suggests that symptoms of ADHD may persist into adulthood.

Is ADHD inherited?

Research shows that ADHD tends to run in families, so there are likely to be genetic influences. A person who has ADHD usually has at least one close biological relative who also has the disorder. And at least one-third of all fathers who had ADHD in their youth have children with ADHD. Even more convincing evidence of a possible genetic link is that when one twin of an identical twin pair has ADHD, the other twin is likely to have the disorder too.
Research shows that ADHD tends to run in families, so there are likely to be genetic influences. Children who have ADHD usually have at least one close relative who also has ADHD. And at least one–third of all fathers who had ADHD in their youth have children with ADHD. Even more convincing of a possible genetic link is that when one twin of an identical twin pair has the disorder, the other is likely to have it too.

Is ADHD genetic?

Studies do show a strong genetic link. A child is 70 percent more likely to have ADHD if they have a parent with the disorder.
Yes ADHD is genetic .

Is ADHD forever?

Remember ADHD is a set of symptoms. Most of these students tend to be right brain dominant, extraverted and are hands on or visual learners. When you give these students an exciting software program, they can sit and work at a computer for long periods of time. Public school tries to make these students into left brain, auditory, linear sequencing, sedentary students. That’s why most of them cannot sit still or focus (see#2).

Is it called ADD or ADHD?

The clinical diagnostic term used by professionals is ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The name ADD is also commonly used by many people in the general public and the media.

What is ADD/ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are believed to be a neurologically-based disorders that begins in childhood, before the age of seven. It has the potential to seriously affect the child behaviorally, psychologically, educationally, and spiritually. Read more in Dr. Shorb's article "What Do You Know About ADHD?
ADD/ADHD is a neurological disorder. The major symptoms of the disorder are Distractability, forgetfultfiess, inability to concentrate, poor attention span and impulsiveness . The difference between the two disorders is ADD is Inattentive and easily distractible and ADHD is ADD with Hyperactivity. The presence of these symptoms hinders the learning of the child.

Is ADHD a genetic disorder?

Research demonstrates that ADHD runs in families. There are also indications that the type of ADHD that persists into adulthood is more highly genetic than the type that remits in childhood.
Research repeatedly demonstrates that ADHD runs in families. There are also indications that ADHD that persists into adulthood is more highly genetic than the type that remits in childhood. -More Information: Causes of ADHD >>

How common is ADD/ADHD?

Studies suggest that about 3-5% of all school-age children have the disorder. This seems to be true across different cultures, although it tends to be recognized and treated more commonly in the United States. So although most kids have difficulty with ¯ attention, distractibility, forgetfulness, etc., only a minority have the full-blown constellation of symptoms that represents the disorder.

What are the benefits of ADHD Coaching?

Through coaching you can focus on your sense of self, clarify your goals, expand your sense of choice and get into action with responsibility. Why is it important to have an ADHD Coach If you are struggling with attention deficit disorder either the hyperactive or inattentive type, you should find a coach who is trained for ADHD coaching. ...

Treatment of the ADHD?

After the tics are controlled with one of more of the above medications, Ritalin (methylphenidate), dexedrine, or a related medication may be required to treat symptoms of ADHD. This is often quite effective in helping to control the ADHD and may improve school performance. In some individuals, the Ritalin may result in a mild to significant increase in the tics. If this cannot be controlled by a moderate increase in tic medication, the ADHD medication may have to be stopped or replaced by a different medication. ...

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The child with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms: Has difficulty following instructions Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home Loses things needed for activities at school and at home Appears not to listen Doesn't pay close attention to details Seems disorganized Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead Forgets things Is easily distracted The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms... ...

How is ADHD treated?

There are a number of theories about the best treatment for ADHD: -Some physicians treat the symptoms of ADHD by prescribing medication. -Some families treat ADHD through diet and supplements. -Some families treat ADHD by using neurofeedback. -ADHD may also be treated by behavior modification techniques.

What is ADHD or ADD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed when an individual is unable to sustain age appropriate levels of attention and/or concentration. The individual has attentional difficulties in multiple settings such as school, home, work, etc. The individual may display symptoms that include: hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. ...
Eating Bio-Incompatible foods can lead to ADHD & ADD. Allergy reactions lead to the release of inflammatory mediators into the blood. These inflammatory mediators can then accumulate in different parts of the body and cause irritation to nerve endings and tissue. Quite often they will concentrate on existing weak areas. This is one area where diet makes a huge difference. This programme fits the diet to the individual. Different people can have different triggers but the pathway is still the same. ...

Is ADHD a learning disorder?

ADHD is a specific psychiatric disorder that can occur with a co-existing learning disorder. Learning disorders do not, in general, improve with medication. Intelligence and ADHD are separate entities. People with ADHD can have a broad range of IQs. Regardless of IQ, most ADHD individuals feel frustrated at not living up to their potential because of the impairments.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

ADHD is diagnosed through an assessment interview process in which a person’s history and observable behaviors in their usual settings (at home, school or work) are noted. Ideally, the therapist making the diagnosis includes input from key people in the person’s daily environment, which could include family members, co-workers, and/or teachers. ...
The list above is taken directly from the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) latest "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R). To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, a child must exhibit 8 of these for a period longer than 6 months and have appeared before the age of 7 years. However, you don't have to be hyperactive to have attention deficit disorder. In fact, up to 30% of children with ADD are not hyperactive at all, but still have a lot of trouble focusing.

What treatment is there for ADHD?

No simple treatment. Must be a multi-modal approach including (but not limited to): Medication Training of parents Counselling/training of child: such as modeling, self-verbalization and self-reinforcement. Special education environment

What causes ADHD (Etiology)?

A single cause has not been conclusively proven (idiopathic). Some possibilities are: Genetic/Hereditary (strongest correlation) Brain damage (head trauma) before, after and during birth (twice as likely to have had labour> 13hrs) Brain damage by toxins (internal bacterial and viral, external fetal alcohol syndrome, metal intoxication, eg. lead) Strongly held belief by some people (including at least one book Feingold's "Cookbook for Hyperactive children") that food allergies cause ADD. ...

What are symptoms of ADD/ADHD?

Excessive fidgeting with hands or feet Repeated difficulty remaining seated Marked difficulty following through on instruction Extreme difficulty in attempting to work/play quietly Excessive interruption of conversations ( and intrusion upon other children's games) Marked appearance of not listening to, or not comprehending what is being said to them Multiple, repeated performance of acts that are dangerous, without thinking about or weighing the consequences
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