What is ADD?

A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Desorder) is a disorder that is defined by symptoms rather than cause.
The key element in A.D.D. is seen to be a weakness in attention and concentration skills.
There are two types of A.D.D.

• Types:
  There are two major types of ADD at this time (this aspect of ADD keeps evolving): ADD with hyperactivity (the traditional type of ADD most often in boys) and ADD without hyperactivity ("inattentive" typemost often in girls). Here are the DSM IV diagnostic criteria in a condensed form:
  Inattention (must meet six of the following to a degree that is "maladaptive"):
  
  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes mistakes in schoolwork;
  • Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks;
  • Seems not to listen;
  • Fails to follow instructions or finish work;
  • Unorganized;
  • Difficulties with schoolwork or homework;
  • Loses things like school assignments, books, tools, etc.;
  • Easily distracted;
  • Forgetful about daily activities.
  ADD with Hyperactivity (must meet six of the following to a degree that is "maladaptive"): 

• Fidgety in a squirmy sense;
• Doesn't stay seated;
• Runs or climbs excessively (or feelings of restlessness in older children); 
• Difficulty playing quietly;
• Often "on the go" or acts if "driven by a motor";
• Often talks excessively;
• Blurts out answers to questions;
• Difficulty waiting in lines or waiting turns;
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others.

Technically, ADD is not something you can suddenly come down with.  "Symptoms" such as excessive daydreaming or hyperactivity must be present by the age of seven in two or more settings and cannot be explained by some other psychological condition such as depression or anxiety.  However, there are cases of people acquiring the symptoms of ADD after experiencing brain trauma.

It is estimated that 5% of school age children are affected.
A.D.D. children without hyperactivity may have severe problems with attention and concentration but do not show excessive movement. They are not usually aggressive or disruptive. Their academic, social and emotional problems may be just as bad as the more active A.D.D. child.
All A.D.D. children have trouble to varying degrees with attention and concentration. Some are more active. Some are more aggressive. Some are both. Some are neither.

What causes it?

Nobody can say for sure but these are the current theories:

• A biochemical imbalance may cause part of the brain to be understimulated.
• A deficiency in neurotransmitters in the brain - messages simply do not get through.
• The attention system in the brain is not working properly
• It is hereditary most of the time. The child is born with it.

Some characteristics common to A.D.D. children

These characteristics are not all displayed by all A.D.D. children all the time. Each child is different and is affected in different ways and to different degrees.

Inattention

• Have trouble concentrating at an age appropriate level
• Easily distracted by everything going on around them
• Can pay attention when interested or intimidated
• Demonstrates poor penmanship

Impulsivity

• Acting or speaking without thinking
• By the time I know what I'm going to do I've already done it.
• Lies or makes up stories

Impatience

• Have difficulty delaying gratification
• Just can't wait!

Hyperactivity

• Fidgety, runaround, can't sit still
• Seem to be driven by a motor
• Can be still if what they are doing is really interesting

Emotional overarousal

• Exaggerated emotions, major temper tantrums
• Hyper silly in a group, wild at a party

Non-compliance

• Difficulty following rules, try to change the rules
• Can be aggressive and defiant
• Can be passive, sloppy and forgetful

Social problems

• Have no social sensitivity
• Bossy, competitive, poor losers
• Often wind up alone or playing with younger kids
• Source of major distress for parents

Disorganization

• Sloppy, lose things, forgetful
• Start, but don't finish things
• Their rooms are usually a disaster area

I have been hesitant to do this part of blog. This article describes MY OPINIONS about various forms of alternative treatments for attention deficit disorder.    My opinions are subject to change if and when I find out more information.   If you have any positive or negative experiences about anything listed here, or think I should add something else, please send me an email.

Stuff I like:
Nutritional supplements  (Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidents) and a healthy diet:  Poor nutrition has been linked to ADD, learning disorders, memory problems, reduced IQ, behavior problems and depression.  The vast majority of the U.S. population is deficient in at least one of the vitamins, minerals or essential fatty acids that impact behavior and mood.  Modern foods do NOT contain all the nutrients you need due to modern farming techniques, processing, and extended shelf lives. Therefore, it makes sense to supplement your diet with the nutrients that you are missing.  Especially important with neurological problems are essential fatty acids (Effalex, flax oil, fish oil, and primrose oil are variations) and I've heard from several people who said they were significantly helped by taking fatty acid supplements. 

Check for allergies/sensitivities: Allergies can reportedly cause serious hyperactivity, poor handwriting, hostile behavior, general poor health, and inability to concentrate.  There are two general groupings of food allergies.  First there are general food allergies (milk, eggs, etc.). Then there are food additives (especially colors) and salicylates, substances the Feingold diet eliminates. The most likely food allergy is the food that is always craved. This subject is usually overlooked by adults who are ADD.  For more information see my page borntoexplore.org/allergies.htm.

MBTI Temperament Theory: I strongly endorse the use of MBTI temperament theory with people who are labeled ADD (and the people around them!)  The modern medical profession no longer seems to believe in temperament diversity.  MBTI theorists do, and they can tell you what is "normal" for certain temperament types. (Impulsivity, daydreaming, high activity levels, bossiness, and talkativeness are all normal for certain temperament types.   Getting fired from 4 jobs in one year, failing to pay your taxes, having temper tantrums, or having a complete inability to ever complete a simple task is NOT.)  For more info read borntoexplore.org/addtemp.htm.

Exercise:  Lots of studies show exercise helps mental health and increases the ability to concentrate and remember.   It's hard to go wrong here.
Alternative Forms of Discipline:  For highly active, oppositional kids.  I have personally seen incredibly dramatic results from things like "Abuse It - Lose It" and "Choice."  See borntoexplore.htm/discipline.htm.

Alternative Education: For kids who are bright, bored or who have a different learning style.  I've spoken with lots of people who tell me their child's ADD seemed to vanish when they began homeschooling. And bright kids who are falling behind in school often pass their peers when taken out of the traditional school setting. For more information read borntoexplore.org/addsvs.htm.

Meditation: An increasing number of studies are showing that meditation has real, tangible effects on the body, such as increased concentration and reduced stress. For more info, see borntoexplore.org/medication.htm.

Bright Lights: For people who become tired and depressed in the winter and who don't get exposure to strong sunlight each morning.   Light units are now sold that are effective in combating this type of depression.   I include it in my list because people diagnosed with ADD are more likely to be depressed, and depression can cause serious problems with concentration, memory and the ability to deal with ADD traits.  It may also be useful for "night-owls" because it may reset your biological clock when used first thing in the morning so that you are ready to go to sleep at bedtime (of course, if you can just go outside for a while in the morning that would be even better).

Attitude adjustment: For ADDers who feel bad about themselves.  This is especially common for people who have recently been diagnosed and have been bombarded by all kinds of really negative information from doctors, family, CHADD, books, most of the websites, and other sources.  Certain temperment types also have a high tendency to fault themselves (often perfectionists). A depressive attitude can rob you of your ability to deal with your quirks and enjoy life. Don't let other people make you feel bad (I'm assuming you're not a child molester or anything like that). Read Positive Quotes and Different Perceptions and take a look at some of the positive books I've listed.  You're also likely to get a positive boost by figuring our your temperament type (see above).

Coaches:  I admittedly don't know very much about coaches, but they are basically someone who helps you learn coping strategies in a practical way. They can also act as a cheering section and a friendly reminder.  If you've got money to burn and like that sort of attention, it may be of help.

Professional Organizer: This is someone you hired to set up an organizational system at your business or even at your home.   Particularly useful for those unorganized entreprenuer types who forgot to go into business with an organized partner.