| Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as | | | | |
| ADD, is thought be to genetic, based on | | | | There are no sure-fire cures for ADD or ADHD. |
| information collected in various studies. | | | | Some of the commonly prescribed treatments |
| This means that children inherit it from | | | | from doctors include drugs such as Ritalin |
| their parents, and it can show up in a child | | | | and amphetamines, perhaps combined with some |
| even if neither parent has ever been | | | | psychotherapy sessions. Although somewhat |
| diagnosed with it. Studies continue to find | | | | difficult to diagnose due to the wide range |
| out new things about this affliction, and | | | | of symptoms, all of which we all experience |
| therefore the diagnosis of it as well as | | | | from time to time, an accurate diagnosis is |
| proper and preferred treatment of it continue | | | | possible and should be done. ADD and ADHD |
| to change and evolve as doctors being to | | | | symptoms include chronic tardiness and |
| understand it better. ADD is not limited to | | | | forgetfulness, undue anxiety, low |
| children, and many people who have this | | | | self-esteem, issues with anger management, |
| affliction lead a normal life without even | | | | impulsiveness, chronic boredom, mood swings, |
| being aware that they have it. | | | | difficulty maintaining focus, depression, and |
| | | | interpersonal relationship difficulties. |
| Many parents, and sometimes even doctors will | | | | |
| jump to the false conclusion that a child has | | | | Scientific studies do not agree on the |
| ADD. This is sometimes also known as | | | | generally best treatment for ADD and ADHD |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or | | | | disorders. A big reason for this is because |
| ADHD. Although it is a quick diagnosis, | | | | the disorder can range from being very mild |
| sometimes the symptoms normally shown for ADD | | | | or hardly noticeable to being extremely |
| can be simply attributed to allergic | | | | noticeable almost to the point of disruption |
| reactions or certain foods or ingredients. | | | | in a classroom setting. Many doctors are |
| | | | quick to prescribe drugs for treatment, but |
| The fact that ADD is a "quick diagnosis" is a | | | | many times very effective treatment can be |
| problem, because many times that diagnosis is | | | | achieved by changing the child's diet. |
| not correct, and the root cause of a problem | | | | Removing things such as sugary breakfast |
| with a child is not diagnosed further to find | | | | cereals, soft drinks, cookies, and chocolate |
| the real reason for behavior differences or | | | | from a child's diet can many times be as |
| mimicking the classic symptoms of ADD. Just | | | | effective as prescription drugs, depending on |
| because a child is having a problem | | | | the severity of the disorder and the |
| academically, emotionally, or socially does | | | | willingness of the parent to take what many |
| not automatically mean that the child has | | | | may consider "drastic measures" to remove |
| ADD. Most typically, children between 8 and | | | | such "staples" from their child's diet. Logic |
| 10 years old are the ones most frequently | | | | would dictate that it would be much |
| diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. At that age, | | | | preferable to try this approach and watch |
| children are starting to develop social | | | | closely for results that might show up as |
| skills and therefore the effects of a child | | | | positive improvements, rather than throwing |
| who is not developing those skills as fast as | | | | prescription drugs such as Ritalin down the |
| his peers is readily apparent. | | | | throats of tens of millions of our children. |