What is ADHD Disorder and What Can Be Done To Manage It?
Certainly most of us have been with a friend or coworker when they blame a mistake on ADHD. Sayings such things as its just my ADHD kicking in or my ADHD made me do it. These sayings have become so common that when someone says them most just simply nod and go about their business. But while many known the term I have to wonder just how many have a full understanding of what it actually means.
The question as to what is ADHD disorder is very interesting subject filled with a number of twists and turns. The letters ADHD stand for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which is characterized by difficulty with concentration or focus combined with a high degree of hyperactive and impulsive behavior. It is almost always apparent before the age of 7, lasts at least 6 months, and creates major challenges in a least two settings, usually home and school. There is also a caveat you should know about, gifted children with IQ levels over 125 may not be diagnosed due to their early achievement and the peer and parental support that comes along with that overachievement.
In a small percentage of cases attention deficit hyperactivity disorder simply disappears during adolescence but this is not the norm with approximately 5 percent of adults current thought to have the condition.
The question as to what is ADHD disorder is often complicated if other disorders are present and over 50% of the children with the disorder are hostile and negative in their behavior. A smaller number are considered bullies and exhibit aggressive behavior both to peers and animals.
Cause
Understanding what is ADHD disorder completely depends a great deal on gaining a better understanding of the cause and where it originates. The information you are about to read is based on solid research even though there are still a number of blanks to fill in.
An area of the brain call the prefrontal cortex controls self regulation in all of us. For those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the amount of brain activity in this area is less active than the average person. So when one can't regulate behavior symptoms such impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity can't be far behind.
When delving deeper into this complicated issue we find that the wizard behind the self regulation curtain is a couple of brain chemical known as neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine). An imbalance or lack of either one of these chemicals produces behavioral ADHD symptoms. For example when too much norepinephrine is working a person becomes irritated, and loses his or her ability to focus on average tasks. Too much dopamine produces a repetitive cycle where the same rerun can seem exciting each and every time.
So the ability to either induce balance in norepinephrine and dopamine through prescription medications or allow the body to adjust itself through natural remedies such as homeopathy is paramount in stabilizing problematic behavior.
While eating too much sugar or simple carbohydrates will definitely aggravate the condition it is not currently thought to be the cause. Nevertheless, proper diet combined with sugar and caffeine reduction or elimination can prove helpful in allowing whatever treatment option you choose to produce better and longer lasting results.
What Next? For the ADHD child and adults alike finding the best treatment option should be the next step. For many answers will be found in the form of prescription medications such as Ritalin or Cylert. For others who are more inclined to embrace natural health options homeopathy or herbal remedies for ADHD may be the best solution. The good thing about homeopathic or herbal remedies is that they are generally considered to be safe and side effect free. They also can be used as a complimentary treatment when behavioral therapies are involved. Now that we have answered the question of what is ADHD disorder the only thing left to do is find the best treatment for you or your child special needs.
The question as to what is ADHD disorder is very interesting subject filled with a number of twists and turns. The letters ADHD stand for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which is characterized by difficulty with concentration or focus combined with a high degree of hyperactive and impulsive behavior. It is almost always apparent before the age of 7, lasts at least 6 months, and creates major challenges in a least two settings, usually home and school. There is also a caveat you should know about, gifted children with IQ levels over 125 may not be diagnosed due to their early achievement and the peer and parental support that comes along with that overachievement.
In a small percentage of cases attention deficit hyperactivity disorder simply disappears during adolescence but this is not the norm with approximately 5 percent of adults current thought to have the condition.
The question as to what is ADHD disorder is often complicated if other disorders are present and over 50% of the children with the disorder are hostile and negative in their behavior. A smaller number are considered bullies and exhibit aggressive behavior both to peers and animals.
Cause
Understanding what is ADHD disorder completely depends a great deal on gaining a better understanding of the cause and where it originates. The information you are about to read is based on solid research even though there are still a number of blanks to fill in.
An area of the brain call the prefrontal cortex controls self regulation in all of us. For those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the amount of brain activity in this area is less active than the average person. So when one can't regulate behavior symptoms such impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity can't be far behind.
When delving deeper into this complicated issue we find that the wizard behind the self regulation curtain is a couple of brain chemical known as neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine). An imbalance or lack of either one of these chemicals produces behavioral ADHD symptoms. For example when too much norepinephrine is working a person becomes irritated, and loses his or her ability to focus on average tasks. Too much dopamine produces a repetitive cycle where the same rerun can seem exciting each and every time.
So the ability to either induce balance in norepinephrine and dopamine through prescription medications or allow the body to adjust itself through natural remedies such as homeopathy is paramount in stabilizing problematic behavior.
While eating too much sugar or simple carbohydrates will definitely aggravate the condition it is not currently thought to be the cause. Nevertheless, proper diet combined with sugar and caffeine reduction or elimination can prove helpful in allowing whatever treatment option you choose to produce better and longer lasting results.
What Next? For the ADHD child and adults alike finding the best treatment option should be the next step. For many answers will be found in the form of prescription medications such as Ritalin or Cylert. For others who are more inclined to embrace natural health options homeopathy or herbal remedies for ADHD may be the best solution. The good thing about homeopathic or herbal remedies is that they are generally considered to be safe and side effect free. They also can be used as a complimentary treatment when behavioral therapies are involved. Now that we have answered the question of what is ADHD disorder the only thing left to do is find the best treatment for you or your child special needs.
