Brain Balance

Where every child learns what it feels like to succeed

ADHD

The Facts

 

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 5 to 10 percent of children, worldwide. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least two will have ADHD.

 

Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 4.4 million youth ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare professional, and as of 2003, 2.5 million youth ages 4-17 were currently receiving medication treatment for the disorder. The CDC estimated a 2.5 times greater incidence in males.

 

Terry Davis, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee member, has been quoted as stating that ADHD drugs filled annually have a value of 3.1 billion dollars/year.

 

The FDA revealed in February 2006 that between the years 1999 and 2003, 78 million prescriptions had been written.

 

Currently more prescriptions are written for ADHD than for any other childhood condition. It is conservatively estimated that over 20 million prescriptions for ADHD related drugs are written annually.

 

Some of the Warning Signs of ADHD Include:

 

· failure to listen to instructions

· inability to organize oneself and school work

· fidgeting with hands and feet

· talking too much

· leaving project chores and homework unfinished

· impulsivity

· having trouble paying attention to and responding to details

 

Types of ADHD and its Diagnosis

 

The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) states that ADHD is a developmental disorder that presents during childhood, in most cases before the age of seven, and is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention and/or hyperactive-impulsive behavior. It also stipulates that in order to be diagnosed, the condition must cause significant impairment in at least two settings. The DSM-IV-TR divides ADHD into three subtypes: predominantly inattentive (sometimes referred to as ADD), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. People presenting with symptoms of ADHD who don't quite fit any of the subtypes can be diagnosed with "AD/HD Not Otherwise Specified"(American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

 

 

The symptoms of ADHD fall into the following two broad categories:

 

Inattention:

· Failing to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes when doing schoolwork or other activities

· Trouble keeping attention focused during play or tasks

· Appearing not to listen when spoken to

· Failing to follow instructions or finish tasks

· Avoiding tasks that require a high amount of mental effort and organization, such as school projects

· Frequently losing items required to facilitate tasks or activities, such as school supplies

· Excessive distractibility

· Forgetfulness

 

Hyperactivity-impulsive behavior:

· Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in seat

· Leaving seat often, even when inappropriate

· Running or climbing at inappropriate times

· Difficulty in quiet play

· Frequently feeling restless

· Excessive speech

· Answering a question before the speaker has finished

· Failing to await one's turn

· Interrupting the activities of others at inappropriate times

 

Accordingly, a positive diagnosis is usually only made if the child has experienced six of the above symptoms for at least three months. Symptoms must appear consistently in varied environments (e.g., not only at home or only at school) and interfere with function.

 

Will My Child Outgrow ADHD?

 

Many believe that there is no "cure" for ADHD and that children with the disorder seldom outgrow it. It is thought that, at best,  some may find adaptive ways to accommodate for ADHD as they mature. However it is now recognized that, while the hyperactivity symptoms may dissipate with maturity, the adult who has suffered with ADHD as a child will most likely continue to suffer from inattentiveness, focus and concentration difficulties and may also be predisposed towards Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

 

Common Treatment

 

Traditional treatment may include medications (such as Ritalin(methylphenidate), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), Adderall or Cylert (pemoline)), which are stimulants that decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity and increase attention. Most experts agree that treatment for ADHD should not be limited to the use of medications alone. Their recommended treatment most often includes structured classroom management, parent education (addressing discipline, daily structure, and setting limits or boundaries), tutoring as needed, and/or behavioral therapy for the child.

 

This belief and resultant therapy treats ADHD as a behavioral problem when in fact; it is a neurological/physical based condition. Traditional treatment, for the most part, only addresses only the symptoms your child exhibits.

 

What is ADHD?

 

ADHD is, in fact, a dysfunction within several areas of the brain and body. Dysfunction however doesn’t mean damage or disease just that some areas and systems may not be functioning as they should be.

 

Behavioral and/or academic problems may be the result of the underlying  dysfunction not a cause of it.

 

Our program addresses your child’s underlying brain dysfunction  through our unique protocols which target sensory/motor deficits,    neuro cognitive/academic concerns, and bio-nutritional needs.   Your child’s individualized program will address the cause of his disorder rather than focusing on it’s symptoms, only one component of the disorder, or it’s resultant behaviors.

 

Brain Balance Centers hold periodic parent lectures where parents and professionals alike can gain a unique window into a child’s brain function. Our lectures offer insight into how the brain normally develops and what may interfere with  the stages of typical development. Most importantly we will show you how with proper intervention your child’s problems may be corrected. Contact a local center for specific  information regarding upcoming lectures.