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| What is ADHD |
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 You sure hear a lot about ADD (attention deficit disorder), and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) these days. It's estimated that perhaps one out of every twenty kids may be affected by some form of ADD/ADHD. But, is ADD/ADHD a children's disorder? Actually, no. Men and women suffer from ADD/ADHD, too. As more and more is known about this common disorder, more effective ADHD treatments are being researched. But, what exactly is ADD/ADHD?
ADD/ADHD is a neurobiological disorder mainly effecting the lobes of the frontal cortex of the brain. This regulates attention, learning, memory, self control, and a lot of other things. ADD/ADHD does not mean less intelligence, just that the brain works differently. It also involves the RAS(reticular activating system). The RAS is like a feed-back loop regulating perception, and neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain. A simpler explanation is that the ADD/ADHD brain wiring is different than the general population. It can be considered a disorder that affects all areas of functioning to a degree. It can affect the area of the brain that organizes, plans and executes goals. This can be frustrating and limiting. But ADD/ADHD can be worked with, if understood. A typical symptom of ADD/ADHD is a short attention span, or the inability to focus for long periods of time. People with ADD have minds that wander, and get distracted easily. Ironically,ADD sufferers can often maintain longer interest to things that are new, very stimulating, interesting or even upsetting. They need greater stimulation to activate their minds. Unusual events can provide stimulation that activates the part of the brain that enables concentration. This is because some people with ADD do not have enough adrenaline and need this in order to focus. Because of this,people with ADD can have trouble with daily, routine activities that do not provide high stimulation such as chores, homework, and paperwork. Unfortunately, these activities are everywhere and are needed in order to function in society. This can make ADD sufferers seem flighty, or irresponsible. More often than not, the ADD person needs to brainstorm to see how to find a way to get around their limitations. Sometimes, learning to delegate tasks they aren't good at, can help alot. Asking someone else to pay bills on time, hiring cleaning help, and the like often simply disolve problems. Another prevalent aspect of ADHD is distractibility. This is often confused with having a short attention span, but it is actually a neuro-hypersensitivity to the environment. People with ADD often have trouble blocking out external noise, or perceptions, due to this hypersensitivity. A problem, unfortunately, commonly involved with ADD/ADHD can be low self esteem. Before it is realized that the problem is neurological, a child may have been wrongly labeled as stupid, bad, defiant or worse. Learning to live successfully, despite ADD/ADHD means throwing away blame, and anger, accepting that this is medical condition. By setting up life conditions that encourage growth and unconditional love, ADD children can do very well. ADD/ADHD needs to be understood and managed. If you realize that a problem is ADD, related, it is important to focus on how to set things up for the person, in the way they work. |
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