Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
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Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ADHD is a mysterious condition the cause of which is not readily known. The fact that you are reading this article may suggest that you have some suspicions about perhaps some unusual behaviour that you have recently noticed in your child, which is causing you concern as to whether or not they may be displaying symptoms of the disorder.
If you’re feeling a bit bewildered, lost, or helpless about what you should do if you suspect your child may be ADHD, here are some facts and opinions which may help you.
There are many theories about just how this condition may be caused. These theories include the possibility of the condition being a hereditary brain abnormality, but so far are there has been no definite conclusion as to the cause. What is known is that ADHD is not connected to what the child eats, and is not affected or cured by diet. Personally I’m not sure whether this means that additives do not play a part, however I would suggest that food additives certainly would not be beneficial to the condition.
So what are the primary symptoms of ADHD?
The primary symptoms include inability to listen and follow directions, lack of attention, impulsive behaviour, restless body movements and fidgeting, an abnormal level of noise making, constant talking, forgetfulness, and always moving about from one thing to another in succession with a lack of concentration for any length of time on one subject or object.
A lot of parents would say that this is may just be a stage they go through at two years old, and in a lot of cases this behaviour gradually resolves itself over the following year. However in some cases it does not resolve and it starts to become obvious that there is a cause for concern. If the behaviour reaches a proportion where it becomes clear that the child may be socially and intellectually impaired, then a consultant paediatrician or child development specialist should be approached for a diagnosis.
So what do I do if I suspect my Child has ADHD?
If you suspect your child has ADHD, you must consult a pediatrician and a child development specialist as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you’ll need to be aware that there are certain choices regarding treatment for your child. Traditional ADHD drugs are Ritalin, Cylert and Dexedrine.
These drugs are powerful stimulants and unfortunately come with some side-effects which include irritability, insomnia, and possibly stomach pain, increased blood pressure, and sensitivity to sunlight. It might not seem sensible to give a child who is suffering from ADHD a stimulant, however medical research would seem to indicate that in children and adult’s stimulants help the sufferer to focus and concentrate.
Another choice is the latest medication for the treatment of a ADHD, a drug called Strattera. Strattera is not a stimulant unlike Ritalin, so you won’t be faced with any of the stimulant related side effects. Strattera has been proven to be effective with adults, but not enough testing has been done to provide proof of effectiveness with children under six years of age. It is however becoming a favourite choice of medication.
Overall you have four options. Decide to go with traditional stimulant drugs, and the side-effects that go with that or, the non FDA approved Strattera. If you go for either of those choices you should still closely watched your child for any adverse side effects. Your third choice is to simply keep your child on traditional medicine until they are over six years of age, and then consider Strattera.
The fourth and final option is much more difficult. That option is to choose behavioural methods of controlling your child’s ADHD, without using any medication. This is an extremely challenging and difficult choice to make as a means attempting to best manage the child’s behaviour 24 hours a day.
At least if you know the likely options, then knowing the facts will enable you to best act in the interests of your own child.
Tags: attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder
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June 6th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Dealing with a child with ADHD or indeed any one of numerous conditions that result in similar behavourial difficulties is probably the MOST difficult task anyone will face during their lifetime.
The decision as to whether to administer drugs is not one to take lightly and it is imperative you fully weigh up your reasons for going this route. Is it for your child’s benefit or yours? THINK ABOUT THAT DEEPLY
I’ve seen hyper children turn into zombies as a consequence of their “treatment” and although this leads to a more peaceful less stressful life for the parents is that really best for the child?
Only you can decide that. I know 24 hour day challenges and the constant stress is tough but I’m not convinced drugs are the answer.
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June 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
ADHD is affecting more children these days as other conditions such as obesity, childhood diabetes and some may say it is the affects of additives in food. There are some alternative remedies that could help like cammomile tea which has a calming effect without drugs. I am not in favor of drugs especially children who are still developing and growing.
Drugs are not tested well enough by the FDA to know years later, what effects it has on the brain. I think therapy with more exercise can assist in restless children.