Basic Guide To Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

It is estimated that from 3 to 10 percent of the3) Disorientation to time and space is often a problem.
population suffers from what is known as Attention4) They may have difficulty following a set of
Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficitinstructions or reading a map.
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This disorder is found5) They are disorganized. They have trouble making
more often in boys than girls. This disorder isand carrying out plans.
characterized by inability to concentrate.6) They are hyperactive.
Normal attention span seems to develop in three7) Because they're always in a hurry, delays of any
stages:kind make them restless.
1. Exclusive Attention: This is a term used by experts1.Medications
to describe attention that is focused on a single objectMedications used to treat ADHD stimulate the
for a long period of time. An example of this would beproduction of two neurotransmitters dopamine and
a baby who focuses totally on a print or button on thenorephinephrine. These are necessary to carry a
clothing of the person holding him. A child whosenerve impulse (message). When this neurotransmitter
attention becomes stuck at this stage of developmentis under supplied, a message may not reach its
might be diagnosed as having autism.destination. Brain circuits, like those of a computer are
2. Inclusive Attention: This refers to a very wide spaneither on or off. When some circuits are on they make
of attention that is constantly changing from onesomething happen such as helping a person to focus
object to another for example a toddler who is runningon a situation.
from one toy to the next never able to stay with anySome circuits prevent emotional reactions to situations.
one toy even for short period of time. A child who isIf the circuit is not on or only partially on, the person
stuck at this stage develops attention deficit disorder.may react too quickly to a minor incident which causes
3. Selective attention: This refers to a stage whereanger reaction. These medicines are not sedatives in
child is able to shift focus at will from being inclusive tofact they stimulate certain parts of brain, so it
being very exclusive. This pattern of attention andbecomes more active leading to better attention and
concentration is required to be successful in aconcentration and self-control.
classroom-learning environment.2. Diets
CausesA diet high in L-Tyrosine, an amino acid (protein), has
Slow psychological developmentbeen demonstrated to be effective in some cases.
Learning disabilitiesThe body to produce norepinephrine a
Anxietyneurotransmitter uses L-Tyrosine. A diet rich in
DepressionL-Tyrosine may work well to certain extent.
Low thyroid3. Psychological Treatment
Poor nutritionPsychotherapy like behavior modification, cognitive
Boredom due to lack of challengebehavioral therapy and relaxation training can have a
Problems facedpositive effect.
1) A high level of frustration causes impatience. They4. Psychoeducational Program
want it to finish every thing quickly.Focus is a psychoeducational program that designed
2) Unable to filter out normal background "noise". Thusso that it can be used as either an adjunct or as an
finding it difficult to concentrate on a task before them.alternative to medication.