ADHD Treatment Alternatives

In this website we are striving to inform in a most judicious and comprehensive manner, what can be done for children, adults and their families who have to cope with ADD and ADHD. Striving to have our integrity in tact, we are laying down the symptoms current treatments, and alternative treatments to help those who might experience some of the hardships I have had. And to show all of you as many solutions as possible, in that you may make your own educated choices.

ADHD: Definitions, symptoms and diagnosis of childhood and adult ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is a commonly diagnosed mental disorder frequently found in children that is carried into adulthood by 60% of those with childhood symptoms; this represents about 4% of the adult population. While the childhood incidence is treated by several methods, the adult manifestation of this disorder is rarely treated. Symptoms for both are similar.

ADHD typically becomes apparent in children in the preschool and early school years. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD; in a classroom of 25 children at least one will have ADHD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders2 (DSM-IV-TR) characterizes childhood ADHD by three behaviors: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity; these behaviors are also found in normal children at a much lower level. It is the level and frequency of these behaviors that require a qualified assessment that may lead to a diagnosis of ADHD. The overactive child and the sluggish child exhibit different types of behavior but both may have ADHD. There are three subtypes of ADHD currently identified:

1. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (does not show significant inattention)
2. Predominantly inattentive (does not show significant hyperactive-impulsive behavior)
3. Combined type (displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms)

Because so many children display these behaviors, the diagnosis relies on demonstrating these behaviors in an age inappropriate manner. The DSM-IV-TR breaks down these subtype symptoms as follows:

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Hyperactive children always seem to be “on the go” or constantly in motion.
Impulsive children seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act.
Signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity are:

• Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated
• Running, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected
• Blurting out answers before hearing the whole question
• Having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns

Inattention

Children who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their minds on any one thing and may get bored with a task after only a few minutes. If they are doing something they really enjoy, they have no trouble paying attention. Signs of inattention are:

• Becoming easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds
• Failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes
• Rarely following instructions carefully and completely losing or forgetting things like toys, or pencils, books, and tools needed for a task
• Skipping from one uncompleted activity to another.

A diagnosis of childhood ADHD is made when a child exhibits some or all of the symptoms of either type of ADHD for a period of six months or more. The diagnosis includes a full medical examination, discussion of medical history and an exploration of other probable causes including, but not limited to, thyroid and anxiety problems.

Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits in a manner that interferes with social, vocational and academic progress. Adult ADHD is found more frequently in males than females and may include one, some or many of the following symptoms that may be present part or all of the time:

• Anxiety
• Chronic boredom
• Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating when reading
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Employment problems
• Impulsiveness
• Low frustration tolerance
• Low self-esteem
• Mood swings
• Poor organization skills.
• Procrastination.
• Relationship problems
• Substance abuse or addiction

Researchers agree that ADHD is not an adult-onset disorder has to be verified. An assessment of ADHD symptoms and behavior from childhood may include any or all of the following:

• A questionnaire to determine if the adult had ADHD in childhood.
• School report cards, if available, to look for comments about behavior problems, poor focus, lack of effort or underachievement relative to the student’s potential.
• Discussion with the parents to determine any symptoms during childhood.
• A complete history from the adult with the symptoms. He or she may self-report symptoms in childhood.
• The developmental history would be consistent with ADHD, including evidence of problems with peers, other delays such as bed wetting, school failure, suspensions, or special interventions such as sitting in front of the class, etc.

A strong family history of ADHD may also be informative, given the strong genetic component of the disorder.