ADD/ADHD: Questionairres for ADD or ADHD are at http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/adhd/index.html (24 questions) & http://www.oneaddplace.com/add-test.php & http://addtestonline.com/ & http://psychcentral.com/ Go to: "QUIZZES AND TESTS: ADHD" but these should be taken as an indicator only, and are by no means conclusive. There is an excellent article on treating ADHD children with supplements http://www.healingwithnutrition.com/newsclips/archive/add.html and the use of both flaxseed, or flaxseed oil, in combination with Omega 3 fish oil supplements, and this can be applied to adults, as well. Most people get considerably more Omega 6 than Omega 3, when a far healthier ratio is 1:1. Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, (high in E.P.A.) or the recommended dose of a high quality of fish oil daily, like Carlsons, or Melrose: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it! Females may benefit by balancing the DHA, & EPA versions of Omega 3 in fish, or krill * oil with ALA flaxseed oil Omega 3, or at least one heaped tablespoonful of ground flaxseed, daily. Vegetarians: Google: "Omega 3; algae; supplies" and use with flaxseed. Use the www.mercola.com ** SEARCHBAR. Also take a zinc supplement.
Check out the searchbar at: http://www.mercola.com/ where he recommends "krill oil" * as being superior to cold water fish oil, and consider subscribing to the free newsletter/Ezine, from which much useful information has come. Dr. Joseph Mercola, and others also recommend minimising, or eliminating consumption of sugar and grains, drinking only pure water. A reverse osmosis water filter produces the best results: other types are unable to remove/reduce substances such as heavy metals, nitrates/nitrites, and "fluoride": enter this term in the taskbar at http://www.mercola.com Some people say to drink coffee, if you are an adult, others think it makes them hyper: ultimately it is up to the individual to choose, after experiencing the results. Many parents of children with ADD/ADHD find that they improve significantly if sugar is completely removed from their diet, restricting fruit consumption to several small serves daily, and banning all except diet sodas/colas (note: Pepsi & Coke contain caffeine).
Dr. Mercola, advises: in the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at Mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". View http://drbenkim.com/vitamin-d-facts.htm & http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/16/my-one-hour-vitamin-d-lecture-to-clear-up-all-your-confusion-on-this-vital-nutrient.aspx 59% of Americans are deficient in the extremely important vitamin D3, with their lowest levels occurring in late winter, and early spring.
Dr. John Cannell, of http://vitaminDcouncil.org advises that the co-factors most often deficient in the American diet, and necessary to optimise its absorption, and utilisation are magnesium, zinc, boron, and vitamin K2 ( http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/26/the-delicate-dance-between-vitamins-d-and-k.aspx Mercola have supplies of the considerably more bioactive MK7 isomer of vitamin K2). I recommend using either health food/vitamin stores, or Googling: " ... ; supplies" rather than risking any old, or substandard products at supermarkets, or even on pharmacy shelves.
The Omega 3 and vitamin D3 ( preferably take together, with a meal containing some oil, or fat - www.drweil.com ) will act as preventatives for a wide variety of disorders and diseases, both physical and psychological, as well as boosting your immune system, and are 2 that most people in Western countries are deficient in, so I suggest that you recommend them to others as well. The best dietary source of vitamin K2 is natto (Only FERMENTED soy products, like natto are safe for females).
Also avoid anything containing caffeine, (if you have problems with coffee) such as: coffee Coca Cola, Pepsi, chocolate, Excedrin, No Doze, cocoa, Dr. Pepper, Red Bull, or Mountain Dew - READ LABELS !!! See http://www.add-treatment.com/adhd-diet.html Read: The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) and Other Interventions by Barrie Silberberg, & The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook, Updated and Revised: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet by Pamela Compart and Dana Laake, & The A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. Diet! A Comprehensive Look at Contributing Factors and Natural Treatments for Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity by Rachel Bell and Howard Peiper.
COFFEE: Substitutes such as Caro & Ecco, & herbal teas such as chamomile or mint (no mint for pregnant women!) are alright. Decaffeinated coffee can contain up to half the amount of caffeine in regular coffee; Folgers produces a virtually caffeine free brand od decaf. There is a Carob based chocolate substitute. Some good advice, and more, is available at: http://www.natural-herbal-remedies.net/adhd-child.html). At http://www.mercola.com/ Dr. Mercola stresses the removal, or absolute minimisation in the diet of not only sugars, but also grains, particularly the more processed products, like cakes, doughnuts, and white bread. I note that one of the recipes he has on his regular Ezine includes rye flour, however. He also advises avoiding/minimising potatoes, beans, and peas.
As an adult, you could try this yourself, to see if it benefits you, after several weeks. Some parents of children with ADD/ADHD refuse to let them eat chocolate, or drink tea, or any of the many other products containing caffeine, but this may well be because they contain sugar. There are specialist clinics for diagnosing the particular variety of and treatment for the various types that occur, but they are not cheap!
ADD/ADHD CHILDREN: View: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/13/the-dark-side-of-the-rainbow-of-food-dyes-being-used-to-color-your-food.aspx Some therapists think that humans used to have to be highly active, and that today's society and schooling requires them to be inactive for too long, with too few and too short breaks for them, and there may well be something to this (particularly where boys are concerned). Few schools are geared to provide such conditions, so home schooling, with plenty of activity and exercise breaks may be the best option in some situations, but this alternative can be kept to a minimum using dietary modification, and supplements. Although I am very dubious about most children's multivitamins, because most of them contain cheap synthetic vitamins, often produced overseas in countries where the quality control, and inspections are less than adequate. Ones that I can recommend at present are www.mercola.com PRODUCTS, & http://www.xtend-life.com/product/Total_Balance_Childrens.aspx Consider giving the Feinman diet a good tryout, for at least 3 months. View: http://www.feingold.org/programdetails.html#one then evaluate its effectiveness, before modifying it further. I strongly urge you to view the article at: http://www.naturalhigh.co.uk/content.asp?id=1020 and also see http://www.natural-herbal-remedies.net/adhd-child.html & http://ezinearticles.com/?Alternative-Medicine-For-ADHD---A-Way-Through-the-Jungle&id=2222056 A good website for children with learning difficulties is http://www.schwablearning.org/ See http://familydoctor.org/ There is also a section on ADHD children at http://www.natural-herbal-remedies.net/ but I have no information on the efficacy of their products, nor those at: http://www.herbalmedhome.com/store/1799938/procuct/FOC001 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ TEENAGERS: If there were no problems with it as a child, there is a reasonable possibility that a sleep disorder is the cause. Phase delay, in which teenagers go to bed late, may well be involved. No teen should be going to sleep later than midnight, with the younger teens at around 10 PM at the latest, and 11 PM for those in between, with around 9 hrs sleep being recommended. It's a good idea to get exposure to sunlight, or bright light soon after arising, as it sends a message to the pineal gland, in the brain, to stop manufacturing the sleep hormone, melatonin. Early activity will then stimulate the production of the hormone, cortisol.
________________________________________________________________________________________________ LIVING WITH SUFFERERS: 8 rules for this may be found at http://www.upliftprogram.com/index.html Read: "Family Guide to Add ADHD" by John M Fitzgerald, from your bookstore, or Amazon.com and enter "ADD/ADHD; family + partners" in their searchbar, for more media.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS: An interesting approach to the subject is at: http://www.ultimate.org/neuro.html WARNING! There is a link to the supplier of a proprietary product, if you scroll down the page. One, at least, contained very high levels of some of the B group vitamins, which are much higher than the R.D.I., and I caution any of you ordering these to check the formulation out with your doctor, before trying them. See http://www.vitamins.com/
MEDICATIONS: Most of the people advising on ADD/ADHD tend to fall into 2 sharply delineated groups: those who advocate natural therapies, and those who advise medications. I am firmly of the opinion that it makes sense to first give a good, long tryout to the dietary changes and supplements, combined with a lifestyle permitting a great deal of activity, and with rules, and rewards, when it comes to children. Also consult a paediatrician, or developmental psychologist specialising in treating children with such problems, or a psychiatrist who advocates non-medication, at least at first, and then see how things go, for a fair while. There is an article on the medications commonly used for treatment at http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhdbehavioral-treatment and general advice for both child and adult sufferers. Some are: Adderall, Attend, Concerta, and *Strattera. Check this* out at http://www.drugs.com/ & http://www.rxlist.com/ It is the only one which is in the antidepressant family; has a low potential for abuse, and presumably, is less likely to lead to drug abuse later in life. However, it is still known to reduce the growth rate of children. See the warning on it at http://3stepsadd.com/ There is a great deal of concern that Ritalin (see Methylphenidate, below) is being overprescribed by doctors, who sometimes misdiagnose various visual defects, or hearing problems, as ADD/ADHD. See http://www.mind.org.uk/help/diagnoses_and_conditions/adhd I strongly suggest keeping it, other powerful stimulant and other amphetamine related medications in the arsenal, as a last resort. See the ADD/ADHD REFERENCES pages in this section. Adderall is another of the amphetamine related products in the above category, although it is reputed to have low side effects, (note the posts below, though); check any of them out first at http://www.drugs.com/ & http://www.rxlist.com/ and possibly http://crazymeds.us/ & http://www.askapatient.com/ & http://www.iguard.org as well.
Also view http://www.theroadback.org/workbook.htm I checked out every medication for AD(H)D at the above websites, and they are all amphetamine related. The only ADHD medication not in the stimulant family is Strattera, which is structurally related to the antidepressants, and carries risks, and side effects of its own.
Check out the following medication in the Google and http://www.drugs.com/ websites: Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. Its effects are similar to those of caffeine, but it is less potent than amphetamines. Children with ADHD are calmed, and better able to focus. (Chem mart, Genepharm, GenRx, Terry White)
NOTE, HOWEVER; FROM: http://www.familymanagement.com/facts/english/facts29.htmlStimulant Medications: Stimulant medications are often useful as part of the treatment for attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Examples include: Dextroamphet- amine (Dexedrine, Adderal), Methylphenidate (Ritalin), and Pemoline (Cylert).
An increased incidence of abuse of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and other amphetamines has been reported among users of Ritalin, and other amphetamine related medications, which may well predispose them to later abuse those street drugs. Some abusers crush and ingest it nasally. Studies are being conducted at present. If you check out: http://www.add-care.com keep in mind that what may happen is that once a teenager reaches the age where there parent's insurance no longer covers the high cost medication, it is discontinued, often without sufficient weaning, leading to withdrawal symptoms, which can be serious. For those who decide to go ahead, disregarding the conservative advice to the contrary (which is to give dietary change, a structured lifestyle, therapy, and supplements a good, long tryout over several months, first): be aware that reduced rates of growth have been noted for children using them. This may well be because they often have the side effect of reducing appetite, and if children don't eat properly, they won't grow as well as they should. One way you can help to overcome this is to provide smallish, but nutrient dense meals, several times daily. If they don't like sweet potato or broccoli, cook and mash with equal parts of potato, adding butter/grated cheese and extra virgin olive oil, to improve the taste, and add energy, or put in a blender with some cream and light olive oil, and mix with equal parts of pea and ham or tomato soup. Don't mention what's in it: say: "It's just soup." If bread or toast is provided, (if not multi-grain, then at least use a high fibre white bread) use a lot of butter. Seed & nutloaf is one of the best.
Cashews and peanuts, a lot of peanut butter (Sanitarium have a no added sugar variety) and a little honey, preferably, rather than jelly or jam on their sandwiches. "Thickshakes", made of blended buttermilk, with ice cream, or regular cream, possibly an egg yolk, and vanilla. Bananas and cream. Even some fast foods, like fried chicken, occasionally. Chips/French Fries are unhealthy, due to trans fats, and should be avoided, or minimised.
Consider giving a high quality NATURAL multivitamin and mineral supplement, washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice, to ensure the vitamin C is utilised. The only one that I can recommend at present is via www.mercola.com PRODU There is an informative section on ADD/ADHD as applied to both children and adults, at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/addhd.html Discontinuation of medication use, over weekends and during breaks, if reasonably well tolerated, can also help combat the problem of slow growth.
Remember that 80% of children who need medication, also need it later in life, and that medication should be supported with Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, education, structured programs, and a system of rewards. Also see: http://add-adhd.org/ It may be a good idea to have their eyes checked out, to rule out the possibility of misdiagnosis, as explained at: http://adhdareus.com/CHADD: Children and Adults with ADHD: Phone (USA) 1 - 800 - 233 - 4050
See http://www.drugs.com/ & http://www.rxlist.com/ & http://crazymeds.us/ & http://www.askapatient.com/ and the Wikipedia and/or Google websites before taking prescribed medications, so you are informed as to the possible side effects of not only taking it, but also of discontinuing its use, and the interactions which occur with other medications, or herbal remedies, etc.
It's a good idea to avoid artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and MSG (cellular excitotoxin) with children. Instead of sugar, use xylitol, or stevia, from health food stores, supermarket sugar, or health food aisles, NOT ASPARTAME, or SUCRALOSE! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Is the ADHD “Epidemic” Real? First, let’s take a step back for a second. Before World War II, we just didn’t diagnose ADHD at all. In 1985, about 500,000 people were diagnosed with ADHD. By 2000, that number had skyrocketed to 7 million. To put this in perspective: about a half million people develop this disease every year, on top of those diagnosed the previous year.
Our National Institutes of Health estimates that as many as 20 percent of children suffer from the syndrome. And by some estimates, approximately 30-70 percent of children who manifest symptoms of ADHD will continue to do so into adulthood.1
To many mental health practitioners ADHD is their “bread and butter”. Yet as I write this, there is no objective test for the diagnosis of ADHD. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it? If we are in the midst of a new and sudden “epidemic” here, shouldn’t someone be seeking out the cause?
A Windfall for the Legal Drug Cartel Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine – these are at least as strong as methamphetamine and cocaine. And, if you compare brain scans of people on any of these drugs, you’ll see that they light up the same areas of the brain – in exactly the same way.
Incredibly, the pharmaceutical giants, the medical mainstream . . . even the US government have always known this. In fact, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sets production quotas on these drugs as with any drug with potential to be abused recreationally.
And by the way, they do: The number of ER visits for these legal drugs is approaching the same number as visits for cocaine and heroin. Emergency rooms recorded 613,053 treatments involving cocaine and heroin in 2005, compared with 598,542 visits involving pharmaceutical abuse.2
The popularity of this treatment is turning more and more young people in this country – millions and millions – into “users.” This has done nothing to put a brake on the prescription craze.
Take a look at this graph of ADHD drug use over the past five years:
ADHD is a windfall for the pharmaceutical industry. Sales of methylphenidate (the chemical name for Ritalin) totaled $60 million in 2004 alone. And in the last five years, the average cost of an ADHD drug has nearly doubled, from $39.03 in 1999 to $76.49 in 2003.
Let’s divorce ourselves from the drug for everything model and take a look at the real cause for the worsening behavioral symptoms responsible for the surging diagnosis . . . and find some safer solutions.
In a word it’s diet.
We’re all “Fatheads” The bad fats that make up a big part of the modern diet are sabotaging our body’s capacity to build and maintain our brains. There’s compelling evidence that many people have trouble focusing, paying attention, and thinking clearly . . . because of the kinds of fat they eat.
You’ve probably heard of “good” fats and “bad” fats. You have to get them in the right ratio. Many contemporary health problems are linked to a drastic reduction in the amount of omega-3s in the modern diet.
Before the onset of modern animal husbandry techniques, beef contained more omega-3s than wild-caught salmon.
Dietary sources of omega-3s have plummeted during the last 50 years.
The average American currently consumes twenty times as much omega-6 as omega-3 fatty acids – 20:1 instead a healthy 2:1.
A number of recent studies have drawn a clear link between omega-3s and brainpower.
Two studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can actually prevent “cognitive decline,” a fancy term for losing your ability to understand and think clearly.3
In the first, researchers examined diet and thinking ability in healthy men who were 79-89 years old. They reviewed the same group 5 years later. They found that men who ate fish regularly were mentally sharper than those who didn’t. The benefit was the result of omega 3s, a nutrient found in abundance in fish.
In the other study on 2,200 older folks, those with high omega-3 blood levels had a better “way with words” those who didn’t. They could recall words, names, and phrases without difficulty. And they were better able to keep track of what they and others were saying.4
So here’s how to take the first step to get back you native source of omega-3’s: Eat lean meats, preferably wild-caught fish or grass-fed, organic beef. Eggs and nuts are also good sources of omega-3s. Supplements in the form of cod liver oil are also a great source. A tablespoon a day is an excellent first line of defense against ADHD.
This also applies to the young. Boost levels of omega-3 in their diet, and you’ll see results. In fact, I know a number of psychiatrists who prescribe pharmaceutical grade fish oil for patients suffering from mood disorders.
The Drug-Free Cure
Has your doctor or psychiatrist ever mentioned DMAE? I’d guess “no.”
This is a natural, fundamental brain stimulant found in anchovies, sardines and other fish. Studies show it increases levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a foundational compound of your brain’s memory and learning capacity.5
DMAE provides a safe and non-addictive solution to a variety of cognitive and behavioral problems. DMAE can temper mood and ease behavioral and learning problems. In one study, hyperactive kids showed improvement in just 10 weeks.6
In another study, children with learning disabilities did better in concentration and skill tests.7 And there were no side like an increase in heart rate and blood pressure like with drugs.8
Recent research has uncovered additional readily available, natural supplements that are highly effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD, including the amino acids 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC), glutamine, and tyrosine.
5-HTP is what’s known as a serotonin “precursor.” Serotonin is a chemical in the brain known as a “neurotransmitter” that regulates mood and alleviates anxiety and depression. I recommend doses of 50 to 100 mg doses three times per day with meals.
Acetyl-L Carnitine, also known as ALC increases the formation of acetylcholine. It also increases brain cell energy production and helps control impulsivity. The ideal dosage is 1,500 mg twice per day between meals.
Tyrosine, another compound that support mood by enhancing the production of neurotransmitters, has also been shown to be highly effective treating ADHD. The recommended dosage is up to 5,000 mg per day for children and up to 10,000 mg per day for adults.9 10 11 12
____________________________________________________________________________________ What is Adult ADD/ADHD? (from: helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_adult_symptoms.htm#help ) Adult ADD/ADHD, as in children, is characterized by excessive inattentiveness, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. While in children, hyperactivity is often displayed as constant squirming and moving, in adults it may be more of a constant feeling of restlessness and agitation. Extreme procrastination, disorganization, trouble making deadlines, and impulsive behavior is common. While most of us have challenges in these areas, someone with Adult ADD/ADHD has these problems constantly, in good times and in bad, and often to the despair of loved ones.
Adult ADD/ADHD Myths: Fact or Fiction MYTH: ADD/ADHD is just a lack of willpower. Persons with ADD/ADHD focus well on things that interest them; they could focus on any other tasks if they really wanted to.
FACT: ADD/ADHD looks very much like a willpower problem, but it isn’t. It’s essentially a chemical problem in the management systems of the brain.
MYTH: Everybody has the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and anyone with adequate intelligence can overcome these difficulties.
FACT: ADD/ADHD affects persons of all levels of intelligence. And although everyone sometimes has symptoms of ADD/ADHD, only those with chronic impairments from these symptoms warrant an ADD/ADHD diagnosis.
MYTH: Someone can’t have ADD/ADHD and also have depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric problems.
FACT: A person with ADD/ADHD is six times more likely to have another psychiatric or learning disorder than most other people. ADD/ADHD usually overlaps with other disorders.
MYTH: Unless you have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as a child, you can’t have it as an adult.
FACT: Many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADD/ADHD impairments. They haven’t received help because they assumed that their chronic difficulties, like depression or anxiety, were caused by other impairments that did not respond to usual treatment.
Source: Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults
Adult ADD/ADHD causes and risk factors The causes of Adult ADD/ADHD, as with children, are still unknown. ADD/ADHD is thought to occur at least in part due to abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain. Risk factors for Adult ADD/ADHD include a childhood diagnosis of ADD/ADHD or suspicious behaviors, a family history of ADD/ADHD behaviors, or issues in pregnancy such as smoking or drinking; low birth weight and premature birth also are risk factors.
Signs and symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD How can you tell if you or a loved one has Adult ADD/ADHD? Diagnosis can be challenging, especially since many conditions show similar symptoms. For example, if you are depressed or anxious, you might struggle with procrastination, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Or if you did not learn organizational skills while growing up, you might have trouble keeping your house clean or remembering appointments. While the final diagnosis comes from evaluation from a skilled professional, hallmarks of adult ADD/ADHD include similar childhood symptoms and persistent adult symptoms that interfere with work and relationships, even through the ups and downs of life. Symptoms of Adult ADD/ADHD include:
Childhood ADD/ADHD symptoms Even if you were not formally diagnosed, if you had ADD/ADHD as a child, you are at risk of having ADD/ADHD as an adult. A child with ADD/ADHD might be someone who persistently can’t sit still, who never seems to listen, who doesn’t follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or blurts out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. To learn more, visit ADD & ADHD in Children.
Inattention symptoms In adults, symptoms of inattention, especially those of concentration and organization, often become more dominant than in children.
Concentration. Adults with ADD/ADHD have trouble with concentration to an extreme degree. You might have trouble following conversations, “zoning out” without realizing it. Finishing tasks might feel impossible, and you might have several tasks started at once without the ability to continue. You might easily get distracted or forgetful, leading to errors or incomplete work. Organization. Keeping things organized at home and work might be an enormous challenge. Home and/or work space might be unusually cluttered and messy. You might underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks or have trouble with procrastination, making completing large projects very difficult. Adults with ADD/ADHD often also continually forget or lose things. Hyperactivity symptoms While hyperactivity may conjure up an image of a child bouncing around and screaming, in adults it looks different. You may find yourself easily bored, irritated and experience mood swings. You may be restless and full of nervous energy, not able to sit and relax. Quiet activities might feel impossible. You may feel the need to talk incessantly.
Impulsivity symptoms You may have trouble controlling impulses, which can range from relating to others to daily decisions.
Decision making. You might have a pattern of making sudden decisions “on a whim” or have trouble listening to others. Relating to others. You might have trouble following a conversation, interrupting others, answering before a question has been asked, or blurting out things you regret later. Effects of Adult ADD/ADHD Left untreated, ADD/ADHD can disrupt everything from your career to your relationships and financial stability. While most of us sometimes have challenges in these areas, the persistent chaos and disorganization of ADD/ADHD can make managing the problems worse and worse. Some key areas of disruption might include:
Health. Impulsivity and trouble with organization can lead to problems with health, such as compulsive eating or reaching for unhealthy foods, a reinforcing cycle of alcohol and drug abuse, or trouble making appointments or forgetting medication for a chronic condition. Work and finances. Difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, listening, and relating to others can lead to trouble at work. Managing finances may also be a concern. You may find yourself struggling to pay your bills, losing paperwork, missing deadlines, or be in debt due to impulsive spending. Relationships. You might wonder why loved ones constantly nag you to tidy up, get organized, and take care of business. Or if your loved one has ADD/ADHD, you might be hurt that your loved one doesn’t seem to listen to you, blurts out hurtful things, and leaves you with the bulk of organizing and planning. Keeping the positives and modifying the negatives While much is still being learned about ADD/ADHD and its effects, there can also be positive traits associated with this condition. Impulsivity, boundless energy and the tendency to switch tracks constantly may manifest itself as creativity, flexibility, the ability to rapidly adapt to new information or tremendous drive and commitment. One trait common to ADD/ADHD is hyperfocus, the ability to focus intensely and exclusively on one specific problem to the exclusion of all else, which can lead to creative breakthroughs if harnessed. The key is moderating the negative symptoms while keeping the positives. Luckily, there are many different treatment approaches to Adult ADD/ADHD.
Self-Help for Adult ADD/ADHD One myth of Adult ADD/ADHD is that you can’t change your symptoms. While dealing with Adult ADD/ADHD isn’t always easy, changes to your lifestyle and daily habits can have a significant impact on the condition, helping you improve your ability to pay attention, control impulsive behaviors and manage your professional and personal life. Developing regular, healthy habits- starting small at first- goes a long way towards improving your quality of life.
Get educated about ADD/ADHD and issues in diagnosis Learn as much as you can about Adult ADD/ADHD and treatment options. The more you know, the better you’ll be at assisting your own recovery. Adult ADD/ADHD can be a challenge to diagnose, as there is no simple test for it. Many symptoms of ADD/ADHD overlap with other conditions, such as depression, emotional trauma, or anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. Additionally, it is not uncommon for someone with ADD/ADHD to have another condition such as depression or anxiety as well. To ensure you have the best treatment plan, make sure that you get a diagnosis from a qualified professional with experience in diagnosing ADD/ADHD.
Practice some basic organizational skills You might be so overwhelmed with the thought of organizing work and home that even the smallest step seems hopeless. However, building short, effective habits goes a long way towards staying organized. Some simple steps to get started:
Keep it in one place. Use one organizer for all of your appointments and commitments. It’s easy to lose post it notes or pieces of paper. Keep a short daily to-do list and update it nightly. Start with less, not more, as you build your confidence, and give yourself extra time. For big tasks, start small. Start with small amounts of time, even 5 to 15 minutes, to a task, and stop when the time is up. You will probably be pleasantly surprised in how much you can accomplish in smaller chunks, and it will be easier to continue your momentum. Realize it takes time to develop good habits. You might be quick to frustration and feel that you are not getting anywhere. But with time and patience, good organizational habits will help you focus more on what is important to you. It is worth the effort! Keep stress to a minimum Under stress, most of us tend to become even more unorganized, forgetful and cranky. With ADD/ADHD, where mood swings and trouble with organization is already a challenge, decreasing stress will increase your productivity and help minimize symptoms. Managing stress includes maintaining a healthy work life balance and relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
Work on your social skills People with ADD/ADHD are notorious for thinking before they speak, talking too much, and not appearing to listen to others. However, social skills can be improved with practice, such as:
Active listening. If someone else is talking, practice focusing exclusively on what s/he is saying instead of what you are going to say. Before responding, briefly summarize what the person said. Pausing before you speak. If you tend to blurt out things without thinking, you might want to practice stopping yourself before making a comment. If you still feel that the comment is important after five or ten minutes, then it is probably worth repeating. However, you might find that the comment was inappropriate, or you have thought of a better way of wording it. Looking for social cues. Practice hearing the ebb and flow of conversation. There are natural pauses and voice intonations that signal the end of a thought, for example. Cues that someone is finished with a conversation might include fidgeting, looking at a watch or turning towards the door. The better you understand these social cues, the more effective you will be in communication. Seek support It’s important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. A good support network of people can help you get through both good times and bad. An ADD/ADHD support group or therapist can be a helpful place to practice social skills like not interrupting or getting feedback on how you respond to people. However, it’s also important to build other social connections as well. Make sure that you spend time with people you enjoy, such as loved ones, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Volunteering or joining special interest groups is a great way to meet new people with common interests as well.
Make healthy choices You might have trouble getting to sleep or keep irregular hours trying to get things finished. Impulsivity might lead to unhealthy eating choices. Regular sleep, healthy eating, and exercising habits can help ground you:
Sleep. Simple changes to daytime habits, such as avoiding caffeine late in the day or napping, go a long way towards a good night’s sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and do a quiet, calming activity that you enjoy. Make sure your sleeping area is comfortable and quiet. Healthy Eating. Eat a wide variety of foods, and try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes into your diet. Use caution with sugary foods, foods high in refined grains, caffeine, and alcohol. If impulsivity is a problem, make sure you only have foods that are healthy within reach, such as carrot sticks instead of chips. Exercising. Exercise is easier to fit into your routine than you think. If working out for 30 minutes seems like too much, several 10 minute bursts each day can be just as effective. Some simple ideas for 10-minute activities include climbing the stairs instead of using the elevator, parking a few blocks from your office and walking to work, or doing ten minutes of jumping jacks during your favorite television show at night. Self help for Adult ADHD To learn more about the many self-help methods for getting organized, becoming more efficient at carrying out responsibilities, and improving your interactions with people, read Self-Help for Adult ADD/ADHD
Treatment Options for ADD/ADHD There are many effective treatments available that can help people with ADD/ADHD. For example, coaching or professional organizing may be useful if you need tools and support for getting an unorganized life back under control. Therapy can help you put the rest of your life in context and uncover other roadblocks to recovery. A support group helps to both learn more about the disorder and practice social skills.
To find treatment providers and learn about the many professionals that can help with therapy, coaching, professional organizing, and other support, read Treatment Options for ADD/ADHD.
What about medications for treating ADD/ADHD? Some of the medications used to treat adults include stimulants such as Ritalin; research is also being done with the use of antidepressants. However, medications should be approached with caution, as they have side effects that sometimes prove to be more difficult than the problem they are supposed to be treating. Additionally, stimulant medications do have a potential for abuse and should be approached carefully. If you are considering medication, it’s especially important to have an accurate diagnosis from a qualified professional. You may also want to try self help and professional help such as behavioral techniques first to see if that is all you need.
To educate yourself about the medications available, read Medications for Treating ADD/ADHD.
To Learn More: Helpguide's Adult ADD / ADHD Series Self Help for Adult ADD: Tips for Managing Symptoms and Getting Focused Diagnosing ADD & ADHD: Making the Diagnosis in Children and Adults ADD & ADHD Treatment: Professional Help for Children and Adults ADD / ADHD Medications: Are Meds Right for You or Your Child?
ADD/ADHD in adults: overviews Causes and Brain Chemistry – Provides information on what might be behind ADD/ADHD, including neurobiological factors (National Resource Center on ADD/ADHD)
ADD/ADHD and the Adult – Overview of ADD/ADHD’s symptoms and impact in adulthood. Includes diagnostic and treatment information. (Learning Disabilities Association of Canada)
Hunters, Explorers and Dreamers...Different Ways to View Your ADD/ADHD Traits – Discusses some of the positive traits of people with ADD/ADHD. (Teresa Gallagher, BornToExplore.org)
Diagnosis and Treatment Options of Adult ADD/ADHD Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD in Adults – Learn about diagnostic criteria, adult symptoms, and what to expect in an evaluation (National Resource Center on ADD/ADHD)
Helpguide’s latest project provides the tools you need to build and preserve your social skills and emotional health. The site features a FREE video course. To learn more, visit Emotional Intelligence Central. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SHORT ANSWER: ADD/ADHD: I don't recommend any of the powerful, and addictive central nervous system stimulants. An increased incidence of abuse of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and other amphetamines has been reported among users of Ritalin, and other amphetamine related medications, which may well predispose them to later abuse street drugs, with all the undesirable consequences involved. The only medication for it not in the stimulant family that I know of is Strattera, which is structurally related to the antidepressants, and carries risks, and side effects of its own; see www.drugs.com. People in most Western countries often get several times more Omega 6, than Omega 3, when a far healthier ratio is 1:1 and that deficiency is thought to be a major factor in ADD/ADHD. Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, or the recommended dose of a high quality fish oil daily, like Carlsons or Melrose (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it! Females may benefit by balancing the DHA, & EPA versions of Omega 3 in fish, or krill oil with ALA flaxseed oil Omega 3, or at least one heaped tablespoonful of ground flaxseed, daily. Dr. Mercola rates "krill oil" much higher than fish oil, because it is far less easily oxidised, so you may want to check this out for yourself through the searchbar at mercola.com Vegetarians & vegans: Google: "Omega 3; algae; supplies" and use it with flaxseed. Eat more in accordance with your "nutritional type":- (free 20 question quiz http://www.naturalhealthcoach.com/tools ) or sign up free at www.mercola.com where a more comprehensive one is, free; do both. Also enter "ADHD" in their searchbar, and check out the articles.
O.D.D./Conduct Disorder: I suggest that you consult a p(a)ediatrician, or developmental psychologist about ODD. View: http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_f… & http://www.mentalhealth.com & http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and… Read: The Defiant Child: A Parent's Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder by Douglas Riley, from your bookstore, or amazon.com Hypnosis is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which communication with your subconscious mind is facilitated. 85% of people are suggestible, to some degree, so you could either seek professional hypnotherapy, or http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com has: Improve Impulse Control.