diet - ADD/ADHD Predicament

ADD/ADHD Predicament

by Regenia G. Butcher

ADD/ADHD Predicament

ADD/ADHD is considered to be a physiological disorder involving neurological transmitters in the brain that are either working overtime or undertime or are an insufficient amount. Since 70 percent of the brain is meant to restrain the other 30 percent, if there's an imbalance of those transmitters, emotional and/or psychological difficulties or less than proper behavior might be apparent.

To understand the subject, one has to understand the confusion surounding it. ADD is Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADBDis Attention Deficit Behavior Disorder. ODD is Oppositional Defiant Disorder. And CD is Conduct Disorder. If little Jason forgets what you told him four seconds ago, he might have ADD. If he has forgotten what you've told him four seconds ago and he's climbing all over the chair he's been sitting in, he might have ADD/ADHD. But, if he's forgotten what you told him, is finished climbing all over the chair, and is now picking it up and throwing it to hear what kind of noise it makes as it hits the floor, he could have ADBD. Then, finally, if little Jason has done all of the above and is standing in front of you, with every molecule of his being fixed in protest, saying, "So! Whatta ya gonna do about it?!"...there's a great possibility that he has ODD. This seems clear enough.

However, it isn't all that clear due to the diagnosis being so lax and the medicines being so quickly prescribed. Ritalin has often been prescribed for a child or adult with ADD/ADHD. Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant. It amplifies the release of a transmitter. But it is also on the US Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement

Administration's "DRUGS OF CONCERN" list. Right beside Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, Ecstasy, PCP, Steroids, and Methamphetamines. It's on their "DRUGS OF ABUSE" list and the "SCHEDULE II STIMULANTS" list as well. So, Ritalin hangs around with a serious crowd. And remember little Jason? Well, he's the kid who might be given this Schedule II drug. Among the other medications that have been used to treat ADD/ADHD are Cylert, Dexedrine, Concerta, anti-depressant Wellbutrin, chewable Methylin or non-stimulant Strattera.

Confusing Symptoms

The main symptoms of ADD/ADHD include: forgetfulness, not being able to focus, restlessness, impulsiveness and depression. But thyroid or hearing problems, hypoglycemia, lousy nutrition, anxiety, depression, or a stressing homelife can each cause similar symptoms. Also, since allergic reactions reduce the levels of neurotransmitters and even they can be the cause for the symptoms. Or the ice cream bar with it 12 or so teaspoons of sugar or the 12 ounce soda with its 6 or more teaspoons of sugar might cause little Jason to go haywire, if he has a sensitivity to sugar. And then there's giftedness? A gifted child does not have to be a genius. They can be way above "average" in one area and be average or struggling in others. If the giftedness is overlooked it can leave the child with the exact symptoms of one diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. So, it's easy to see that there are a number of things that could be causing Little Jason's problems.

Serious Statistics

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3-5 percent of the general population has ADHD. There are 2 million children with it and that number doubles every 3-4 years. The American

Psychiatric Association reports that "28 percent of all children under 18 years of age live with one parent, and 84 percent of those live with their mother." And according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, "5.5 percent of women used drugs while they were pregnant, 10.8 percent drank alcohol, and 20.4 percent smoked." There are a lot of factors to be considered when diagnosing someone, especially a child, as having ADD/ADHD disorder.

With all that said, it is easy to understand why some people feel that prescribing drugs is a bandwagon many have jumped on without knowing the cost of the ride, the destination of the trip, or even if the journey was necessary in the first place.

Finding a Balance

The main positive thing about the situation is that more people are becoming aware and are asking for better diagnosis and more broad-range treatment of ADD/ADHD. If little Jason actually does have the disorder, chances are one of the medications might be the "wonder drug" that helps. But alternatives such as rearranging his diet, biofeedback and giving him extra attention in order to help him deal with a world that he feels out of step with should also be considered, because simply handing him his pills everday is never going to be enough.

About the author:

Regenia G. Butcher is an author on a site for Creative Writing ( http://www.Writing.Com ). She is also a crafter and is currently working on a "quirky" word reference book. She usually not only sees the glass half full, but rejoices that there IS a glass. You can visit her portfolio at: http://www.sensity.writing.com

ADD/ADHD Predicament

by Regenia G. Butcher

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