Herbal Medicines for Attention Deficit Disorder

DescriptionDoesn't appear to listen to others when they speak
A few decades ago, a child who couldn't sit still andOften talks excessively
wouldn't pay attention in class was called "hyper," orFrequently loses things
worse, a "problem child." Today, the same youngsterDifficulty following directions
might be diagnosed with attention deficit disorderShifts from one unfinished task to another
(ADD), also known as attention deficit hyperactivityInability to play or sit quietly
disorder(ADHD). The condition basically describes aImpulsive personality
person's inability to concentrate-on sitting still, on aInability to organize thoughts, toys, work space
lesson given in class, on reading a book, on whatConventional Medical Treatment
someone else is saying, and so on. Demanding that aIf left untreated, ADD can isolate a sufferer, whose
person with ADD pay attention will not work, nor willbehavior may unintentionally frighten people. There is
punishment. It's not known exactly why a person withalso a connection between untreated attention deficit
ADD has such difficulty focusing.disorder and parental abuse, failure at school, and low
The cause of ADD is also unknown. Prominentselfesteem. Thus, if you suspect that you or your child
theories include heredity, lead poisoning, allergies tomay have attention deficit disorder, a trip to your
food additives, brain injuries incurred by the child duringphysician is in order. To arrive at a diagnosis of ADD,
the mother's pregnancy (perhaps the mother was inyour doctor conducts a series of physical and
an accident, smoked cigarettes, or used drugs orneurological examinations as well as behavioral
alcohol), oxygen deprivation during birth, or head traumaobservation. The doctor also requests a detailed
as an infant. ADD affects many more males thanhistory of early childhood development. Treatment for
females.ADD includes behavior modification techniques,
ADD typically appears before the age of seven;avoiding overstimulation, providing a consistent daily
however, it isn't limited to children. Some children doroutine, and avoiding sugar and food additives, which
outgrow it, but many more do not, meaning manyare believed to contribute to hyperactivity. In more
adults are afflicted with the disorder.severe cases, a drug may be prescribed to help
Signs and Symptomsreduce hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the
Difficulty sustaining attentionmost common of these, but pemoline (Cylert) is also
Easily distractedused. These medications decrease motor activity and
Fidgeting and physical restlessnessincrease attention span in children. Side effects, such
Has difficulty allowing others to speak withoutas insomnia and weight loss, are rare.
interrupting