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