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The CDC Defines ADHD As A “Neurobehavioral Disorder Characterized By Pervasive Inattention And/Or Hyperactivity-Impulsivity And Resulting In Significant Functional Impairment.” ADHD—Also Known As Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—Affects Many People In This Country. That Is Why We've Decided To Launch This Site. Welcome To ADHDupdates.com. This Site Is A Free Information Resource That Will Answer All Your Questions About ADHD. As
You Explore This Site, You'll Discover...
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Everything You Must Know About ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder Medicine, ADHD Medication, And ADHD Camps.
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Attention Deficit Disorder A To Z
Comprehensive Guide to ADHD for parents.
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ADD To C3 Kids
The All-Natural, Drug-Free Way For Children, Teens And Adults To Win Against ADD And ADHD.
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Old Me New Me
Stories And Guided Imagery On Cd To Help Children And Teens With Behavioral Problems, Anxiety And ADHD.
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ADD Stimulant Medications: Are They the Best ADD Treatments?
Author:
Tess Thompson
by Tess Thompson
Although there is controversy surrounding them, stimulants are
still the most commonly prescribed type of medication for
children with ADD and ADHD. The Drug Enforcement Agency says
that stimulant drug production has increased 500 percent since
1991, and over half of the prescriptions for them are written by
pediatricians. Stimulants are often effective in treating many
of the symptoms of ADD -- but are they the best ADD treatment
for your child? Many parents are concerned about the side
effects stimulants can produce and choose to investigate other
options like behavioral therapy and herbal supplements as well.
When it comes to making a decision that affects your child's
health, having the facts is essential.
ADD stimulant medications work by increasing the levels of the
chemicals epinephrine and norepinephrine in the brain, which
helps the brain to transmit signals between nerves. This
improves a child's (or adult's) ability to pay attention for
extended periods of time. But these medications also come with a
risk of mild and serious side effects. Some of the most common
side effects include headaches, upset stomach and increased
blood pressure, all of which may diminish as the body adjusts
after the first few weeks of treatment. Other common side
effects include decreased appetite (80% of stimulant users
report this), nervousness and sleeplessness. Research has also
shown that stimulants can stunt growth during treatment, but
have not been proven to affect final height. Less common but
more serious side effects include hallucinations and feelings of
suspicion or paranoia, Tourette's Syndrome, and suicidal
thoughts.
Children on stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta are the
best-known brands) should be watched closely and their dosages
should be evaluated regularly. These medications are most
effective when they are administered in the correct dosage for
each individual and when they are combined with additional ADD
treatments like behavioral therapy and practical and emotional
support. Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera, can also be
effective, but carry a risk of similar side effects.
In light of the risks that prescription medications carry, many
parents are interested in exploring an herbal remedy for ADD.
There is more than one herb that has been shown to be an
effective ADD or ADHD child treatment, and there are a variety
of natural remedies on the market that combine many of them.
Ginko Biloba, Green Oats, Brahmi, Gotu Kola and Panax Ginseng
are some of the best ingredients, and the positive effects of
some of them (like Ginko) can become permanent even after
discontinuing use.
While stimulant medication is often successful in treating ADD,
it can sometimes cause its own set of problems. Weigh the risks
and the benefits carefully, and make the decision that is right
for your own child. Just as each child exhibits symptoms of ADD
differently, each child will react differently to medication and
treatment. Patience and thorough research should lead you to a
healthy solution for your child.
Webmaster: You are authorized to reprint this article
providing the author bio/resource box is left completely in tact
- including all hyperlinks.
About the author:
Tess Thompson is a Master Herbalist who contributes to Native Remedies - where
you can find Remedies for health conditions including natural AD
D treatment and he
rbal remedy for ADD.
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A Quick Note
From The Publisher...
If you like the article above, you may be
interested in the following article which is also related to ADHD...
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Diagnosing Learning Disabilities: Is Your Child Exhibiting ADHD Characteristics? |
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By Tess Thompson
Diagnosing a learning disability or a medical condition like
ADHD can be complicated and inexact. In the case of ADHD, many
of the telltale symptoms are also often symptoms of regular
childhood behavior -- restlessness, rowdiness, and a tendency to
be easily distracted. ADHD is treated differently from learning
disabilities because it is thought to be different in nature.
While most learning disabilities can be diagnosed through
specific testing, ADHD requires a more subtle diagnosis through
comprehensive evaluation.
A learning disability is generally caused by a neurological
difference in the brain structure of a child that makes it
difficult for him or her to process information in the same way
as others. Learning disabilities rarely have anything to do with
intelligence level and are generally not treated with
medication, as medication can do nothing to change a brain's
"wiring," or structure. Children with learning disabilities have
to be... |
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ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder News |
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