Dealing With Attention Deficit Disorders
What exactly are attention deficit disorders, and why are so many people - especially children - being diagnosed with them?
Attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADD and ADHD, are often used interchangeably, although it's possible for a person to suffer from an attention deficit disorder without demonstrating hyperactivity. According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, approximately 4-6% of the country’s population, both children and adults, is affected by this disorder.
In years past, children who appeared to be hyperactive, irritable, or who did not “mind their elders” were considered to be the result of poor parenting, too much TV, too much sugar, and neglected by teachers or caregivers. Research has shown that this is just not so, and that these behaviors are very likely to be caused by biological factors. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appears to run in families, and if one family member has been diagnosed, then chances are greater that other family members have it too, in greater numbers than the rest of the general population.
According to the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV, some of the most common signs and symptoms of existing attention deficit are inability to stay focused on a task, short attention span, poor attention to detail, failure to listen when spoken to, failure to follow directions, careless or reckless behavior, restlessness, fidgeting, constantly moving arms and legs, not being able to sit still, or excessive talking. These symptoms are not all present in every case and vary from person to person, and from child to adult. A diagnosis of attention deficit must be made by a medical doctor or psychiatrist, who can prescribe the proper treatment regimen, including medications and counseling.
The most common medications used to treat attention deficit disorder are amphetamine-like stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, or Dexedrine. This seems strange because we think of stimulants as speeding you up instead of slowing you down, but in children and in some adults, stimulants have a paradoxical, or opposite effect. These medications have proven to be very effective for many people with attention deficit disorders and are routinely prescribed in addition to behavior modification and individual therapy. Adults diagnosed with attention deficit disorders benefit from coaches who can help them develop coping strategies to improve their organizational skills and work more efficiently at home and on the job.
There are several online resources available for anyone wanting more information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diagnosis, and treatments in adults and children. There is also quite a bit of controversy surrounding this diagnosis and the medications used to treat it. Stimulants can have side effects, and their use should be discussed with your health care provider, to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
