| Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition that affects | | | | instead. Adults with ADD can control their own |
| both children and adults, though it is more commonly | | | | symptoms with a diet, exercise, and other lifestyle |
| diagnosed in children. Attention Deficit Disorder, also | | | | changes. |
| known as "ADD" is diagnosed in individuals who have | | | | There are many symptoms associated with ADD. |
| difficulty paying attention or staying focused for long | | | | Adults and children suffering from ADD almost never |
| periods of time. Children with ADD often have trouble | | | | display all the symptoms associated with the disorder. |
| concentrating in class. Some display symptoms such | | | | Some of the symptoms include short attention spans, |
| as high energy, restlessness, waiting until the last | | | | very easily distracted, poor listening skills, tendency to |
| minute to do assignments, having trouble concentrating | | | | be bored, tendency to be impulsive with words and |
| on and completing assignments, and disruptive | | | | actions, poor organization skills, procrastination, etc. |
| behavior. Other children are calm and seem distant. | | | | These are only a few of the symptoms associated |
| Some doodle or stare out the window while class is | | | | with ADD. Only a trained professional can make a |
| being taught, rather than pay attention. Children with | | | | proper diagnosis. Some adults who think they may |
| ADD often act out socially, as well. | | | | have ADD experiment with their child's medication, and |
| Adults with ADD often go undiagnosed, as ADD is | | | | some have found it very helpful. If you think you may |
| mainly viewed as a childhood illness. This makes it | | | | have some of the symptoms of ADD, consult your |
| twice as difficult for adults with ADD. Most adults | | | | doctor and receive a proper diagnosis before taking |
| suffering from ADD don't realize they have the | | | | anything. |
| symptoms until their child is diagnosed. This diagnosis | | | | There are many illnesses that can mimic the |
| reflects their own actions and behaviors. However, | | | | symptoms of ADD. Anxiety, allergies, seizures, a |
| there are several other adult disorders that mimic the | | | | trouble home or school life can all mimic these |
| symptoms of ADD, such as depression, anxiety | | | | symptoms. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, |
| disorder, manic depression, and obsessive-compulsive | | | | (in children, especially) a stimulant such as Ritalin or |
| disorder. It is important to seek the help of a physician | | | | Adderall will likely be prescribed. As a last resort, some |
| or a psychotherapist and be analyzed to ensure the | | | | physicians prescribe the ADD medication Cylert. Due |
| proper diagnosis is made. | | | | to the dangerous and even life-threatening side effects |
| An adult with ADD may display the same behaviors | | | | caused by this medication, most physicians will not use |
| and symptoms as a child with ADD. The difference | | | | it unless there is no other alternative. |
| between a child with ADD and an adult with ADD is | | | | All medications prescribed for ADD have potentially |
| that adults are better able to cope than children. An | | | | harmful side effects. This can make for a very |
| adult suffering from ADD may experience | | | | stressful situation for the parents of a child with ADD. It |
| restlessness, inability to concentrate on work or other | | | | is important for the parent to learn all that they can |
| tasks, difficulty staying organized, difficulty maintaining | | | | about alternative options before resorting to |
| relationships, and compulsive behavior. An adult | | | | prescription drugs. In some cases, lessening or even |
| diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may be | | | | eliminating the symptoms of ADD is as easy as |
| prescribed antidepressants to control the symptoms. If | | | | changing the child's diet and exercise routines. |
| this does not work, a stimulant may be prescribed | | | | |