| In the past 20 years ADHD and ADD issues have | | | | immediately for a child with ADD or ADHD. They will |
| skyrocketed to becoming one of the major problems | | | | tell you about children who have made a complete |
| that families and schools have had to deal with in the | | | | turn around once put on these medications. While it is |
| United States. Many times, ADD is viewed that same | | | | true that many children do improve greatly, doctors |
| as ADHD. However, if you speak with the parents of | | | | tend to minimize the side effects that your child will |
| these children, the will tell you that there are major | | | | experience. |
| differences in the two. | | | | The two most important aspects to developing your |
| Understanding the Differences Between ADD and | | | | child's ability to concentrate and have self control in |
| ADHD | | | | school are nutrition and sleep. These are the two |
| ADD refers to Attention Deficit Disorder while ADHD | | | | things that are negatively impacted by stimulant |
| is the abbreviation for Attention Deficit/Hyperactive | | | | medication. Some doctors even give children sleeping |
| Disorder. From a diagnostic point of view they are | | | | medication to counter the ADD medication they give |
| similar disorders, although hyperactivity is not | | | | their patients. Keep in mind that it is your decision, not |
| necessarily present in an ADD sufferer. | | | | the doctor's, as to what type of treatment you will use. |
| ADHD and ADD Symptoms | | | | It always amazes me how little emphasis the medical |
| A child with ADD is usually easily distracted, cannot | | | | profession puts on nutrition when dealing with childhood |
| concentrate well, is forgetful and disorganized (more | | | | health issues. Some studies have found that as many |
| so than the average child) and avoids normal activities | | | | as 80% of the cases of ADD and ADHD are due to |
| that require that he concentrates and remains focused. | | | | poor nutrition. Before considering medication for your |
| He will also lose things often. | | | | child with ADD or ADHD, try changing their diet. Begin |
| When considering ADD vs ADHD in your child, you | | | | by removing all dairy from their diet along with anything |
| must look for hyperactivity. A child with ADHD will be | | | | that includes red dye. |
| unable to stay still, be extremely impatient, not be able | | | | There are many natural herbal remedies that have |
| to wait in line without being very active and restless, | | | | been shown to be very effective in helping with the |
| and will often interrupt people often. The differences | | | | symptoms of ADHD and ADD. Look for ingredients |
| between ADHD and ADD will also show up with the | | | | such as ginkgo biloba, chamomile and rooibos. These |
| ADHD child talking excessively and frequently breaking | | | | have a calming effect and help with concentration by |
| things because of his unfocused activity and | | | | improving blood flow to the brain. |
| restlessness. | | | | This is where it is helpful to be aware of the |
| We all have some periods of forgetfulness and | | | | difference in ADD vs ADHD in your child. For ADD, |
| restlessness, so when diagnosing ADD vs ADHD in a | | | | look for a natural product that is geared toward |
| child, a medical professional will look for a time frame | | | | improving concentration. If your child has ADHD issues, |
| of at least six months for the symptoms to have been | | | | as does ours, then something with a calming effect is |
| present. Remember that there is no medical test that | | | | the way to go. Your doctor will have something with a |
| can be administered. A diagnosis of ADHD and ADD | | | | calming effect also. It's called an antidepressant or |
| is based on symptoms and behaviors, not a blood test. | | | | anxiety medication. We decided to go the natural way. |
| When looking at ADD vs ADHD we must realize that | | | | It is much safer and very effective. |
| not all the above symptoms are found in every | | | | In conclusion, be careful when dealing with brain |
| individual with ADD or ADHD. Your doctor or | | | | chemistry. Leave medication as a last resort. It is best |
| psychologist will need to evaluate your child for ADHD | | | | to begin by helping your child get more sleep, improving |
| and ADD to make a diagnosis. Whether your child is | | | | their diet, and using natural supplements. Going this |
| found to have ADD or ADHD, many of the treatments | | | | route will avoid the problems associated with ADHD |
| will be the same. | | | | and ADD medication, and lead to better long term |
| Treatment Options for ADHD and ADD | | | | health. |
| Typically, a doctor will recommend stimulant medication | | | | |