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Attention Deficit Disorder
Is a diagnostic label that we give to children and adults who have significant problems in four main areas of their lives:
- Inattention
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
- Boredom
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurologically based disorder.
ADHD is not the result of "bad parenting" or obnoxious, willful defiance on the part of the child. It affects about 5% of children, about 3% of adults
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a medical condition, caused by genetic factors that result in certain neurological differences. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comes in various forms. Today they all fall under the category of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and then the main category is subdivided into ADHD Inattentive Type, or ADHD Impulsive-Hyperactive Type, or ADHD Combined Type. In the recent past the terms attention deficit disorder "with" or "without" hyperactivity were also commonly used. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comes in various forms, and truly, no two ADD or ADHD kids are exactly alike.
Studies indicate that about 50 to 60 percent of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder kids will outgrow most of the symptoms by the time he or she is in their 20's. The old school thinking was that once a child reaches puberty they no longer need any help for ADD ADHD, but this is simply not true. However, there is one final growth spurt of the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, at about 19 or 20 years old. It is not much, but for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder it just might make a big difference.
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Prescribing Ritalin
There have been articles debating whether Ritalin is over or under prescribed.
There has been controversy about the use of medications to treat both children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder When people ask the only answer for the children and adults that have evaluated or treated. There probably are some individuals who have received medication when some other treatment might have been better. On the other hand, there are probably others who were not been diagnosed for years and could have benefited from medication. Even if someone has attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and is on medication, is it the best medication, dosage and timing?
First the individual needs a thorough evaluation. If medication is prescribed, it should be followed closely. Small changes in timing and size of doses can make a difference. Medication can be quite helpful if prescribed in the right context.
Although Ritalin is the best known medication for ADHD, there are a number of other useful medications. For individuals who have an incomplete response to one medication, the doctor can often work with the patient to find another medication or combination that does control symptoms. Some of the secondary medications may require closer monitoring during the initial phase of treatment.
The doctor, patient and family should be clear about exactly which symptoms they expect the medication to treat. Medication failure is due to lack of communication between patient and doctor. (and sometimes school) Patients should ask questions. They should inform the doctor if there are side effects or if the medication does not seem to be working.
If medication is still not working as expected, it may be time to re-evaluate the diagnosis. Individuals with ADHD may also have other disorders at the same time. Anxiety and depression may superficially resemble ADHD. Occasionally a medical illness may masquerade as a psychiatric condition.
Therapy, community support, coaching and the individuals own determination are important parts of treatment. Medication can only take the individual part of the way to recovery. |
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