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(Also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder)
Although used interchangeably, ADD and ADHD are not synonymous. The difference between the two is the hyperactive behavior, which is not seen in a child with ADD. According to CDC records of 2003, approximately 4.4 million children between the ages of 4-17 have been seen by a healthcare professional and diagnosed with ADHD. Within the same timeframe, there were 2.5 million children receiving medication to treat ADHD.
Typically diagnosed in childhood, a person with ADHD shows consistent and persistent patterns of inattention, impulsive behavior, and a high activity level. It is important to realize that it is the patterns of behavior that set the ADHD child apart from a normally active child. ADHD is considered by many healthcare personnel to be a neurobehavioral problem, in which the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine are believed to play a role.
Very simply stated, the symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. According to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), these symptoms must be present for at least six months and to a point that they are disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level.
Based on the DSM-IV-TR criteria, diagnosing ADHD/ADD can take up to, or more than, six months. The criteria are broken into three sections: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Under each of these sections is a multitude of possible symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must display at least six symptoms from each section to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Treatment for ADD/ADHD can include cognitive behavioral therapy, drug therapy, or a combination of multiple therapies. For decades, stimulants have been used to treat ADHD. In many cases, no single treatment is the answer as some children or adults may have side effects to one or all of the available medications. A combination of behavioral and drug therapy would appear to be more effective with those patients displaying anxiety or depression.
Many healthcare providers believe a combination of environmental and hereditary factors is the cause of ADD/ADHD, including or solely due to a neurotransmitter defect. Others believe the foods we eat, the toxins sprayed on our foods, and the chemicals in our environment are either partly or wholly to blame for ADD/ADHD.
If you are concerned that the above information may apply to you, a family member or a friend we suggest you conduct some additional research and seek the advice, guidance and support of a experienced health care professional. In many cases it will be wise to seek the advice of a TEAM of health care professionals that can support you through the entire process of diagnoses and successful treatment.
In conclusion, the more you know and understand about potential illnesses and their triggers affecting you and your family the more effective you and your health team will be in diagnosing and treating these challenges.
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Disclaimer
The information presented in this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed health professional. Coaches of the Lifestyle Center may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for a health care provider.
The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this educational endeavor we have made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but make no claim that it comprehensively addresses all possible situations. This site is intended as an educational resource for individuals and families seeking information that may help them solve difficult health issues. It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of a licensed health professional. The information must be interpreted in light of specific data regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.
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