ADD: Definition and Main Symptoms

Attention deficit disorder or ADD, what is it? When the central nervous system of our body, that is, the reticular activating system in our brain is not functioning properly, we can understand that Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD affects the person. This is because this is the place from where instructions to various parts of the brain as well as body are given through norepinephrine. When this region is affected, there happens to be excessive stimulation in the brain and this can cause the brain to act differently.

ADD is of various types, which include Attention Deficit Behavior Disorder (ADBD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Even though there are various forms of ADD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is most prevalent and well known. According to a survey, it is found out that nearly 5% of children who live in America are affected by this neurological disorder.

We saw what ADD is and its various forms. Let's see the factors that contribute towards ADD. The factors include:

a) Consumption of sugar in large quantities. This may reduce the sensitivity of brain and therefore message transfer may be affected.

b) Lack of oxygen at the time of birth

c) Hereditary

d) Intake of nutrients is less

e) Pregnant mothers smoking and drinking.

These are a few of the many factors that cause ADD. Recently the National Institute of Mental Health researched on this disorder and found that around 5% of the children are affected by ADHD and about 20% of pregnant mothers who consume alcohol or smoke when they are pregnant are affected.

Any disorder has symptoms through which we can identify whether a particular person is affected by a certain disorder or not. This is applicable to ADD also. Few symptoms include:

a) Poor memory

b) Learning disability

c) Aggression

d) Agitation

e) Short attention spans

f) Depression

g) Unable to concentrate or focus

h) Reacting impulsively

i) Restlessness

Many times, these symptoms are confused with other ailments like thyroid, anxiety, etc., as they also tend to show these symptoms. It is suggested authorities sometimes jump and make a rash decision by labeling one as add, So test and test along with 2nd opinions are suggested to get to the root of the problem.

Don't panic if your child exhibits symptoms related to Attention Deficit Order or ADD, in short. Various treatments are available and they will bring your child back to form. One of the commonly prescribed drugs is antidepressants. You cannot expect a change as soon as you start giving these drugs as it takes about nearly 6 weeks for the medicines to take effect. When these drugs are given, it may cause various side effects like increase in depression, suicidal notion and sometimes agitation. Other than using antidepressants, herbal and nutrient treatments are also available. In general, herbal treatments are recommended, as they cause no side effects. They are also designed in such a way that the person with ADD disorder is getting the essential nutrients and acids that will help in activating the dysfunctional reticular system.

Source:

www.add.org/

www.webmd.com/add-adhd/