 |
|||
|
|
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects children, adolescents and adults. It is possible to have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) without the hyperactivity. Generally it is marked by an inability to concentrate on tasks for an extended period of time, restlessness and complaints of boredom. Most people can develop strategies to counter the disorder and live a normal life; there is no reason for someone with ADHD to have a lower quality life. SYMPTOMS OF ADHD There are some classic symptoms that parents should keep an eye out for in their children. Keep in mind that many of these symptoms are normal behaviour for pre school children.
Inattention may have difficulty keeping their mind on one thing Hyperactivity people with ADHD seem always to be in motion. Have difficulty sitting still, talk incessantly, squirm, and essentially be extremely restless. Impulsivity they seem unable to curb their initial reactions, not thinking before they act. Blurt out answers to questions, run onto the street without looking These behaviours are causing the child problems at home, school, with their friends and their general daily living Normal or high IQ, yet unsuccessful at school or work The symptoms are slightly different for adults, as they have compensated for the associated problems. Adults may: Harbour feelings of low self worth Get bored with repetitive tasks Have trouble planning and organising Procrastinate Experience quick mood swings HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED AND TREATED? The first point of contact for anyone suspected of having ADHD is his or her local GP. Doctors can diagnose and treat ADHD, or can refer you to others specialising in the area. Diagnosis is based on history and observable behaviours in the childs usual settings. A developmental assessment is conducted to ensure that the cause is not biological (eg. hearing). Interviews with the person involved as well as those around them (eg parents, friends) can also aid an assessment. In some cases, a change in diet (eg. reduce sugar intake) can minimize the symptoms of ADHD, however this does not work for everyone and is unproven by the scientific community. Behavioural treatments including psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, social skills training and support groups can be used. Medications are the most widely used form of treatment for ADHD. Psycho stimulant medications (eg. Ritalin) and amphetamines (eg. Dexedrine) are proven to be safe and effective ways to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, with minimal side effects. The best management of ADHD is often a combination of behavioural treatments and medication after a thorough professional assessment. For more information on medications contact your local GP or the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug. WAYS TO HELP It may help to review the childs diet and cut out any soft drinks and highly processed food. However having ADHD doesnt mean a restriction in the quality of life. Below are some ideas that you can try to help the person with ADHD better adjust, most are aimed at children, but can be applied to adults as well: Make routines and stick to them Keep an eye out for things that could cause undue stress to the person For a child, try to avoid taking them into difficult situations eg. Parties, shopping centres Allow time to relax after activities Use appropriate terminology (eg. Would you like to do A or B rather than what do you want to do) Use work areas that are uncluttered and quiet Maintain eye contact Keep instructions short Encourage them to do things they enjoy and do well Support and reassure them Teach them about the nature of friendships While ADHD can be a burden for some, it can also be a gift. If it were an entirely negative trait then it would have died out thousands of years ago. Individuals with ADHD are often energetic, creative and willing to take risks. Often this gift comes into focus after the individual acquires a degree of self-knowledge and learns to channel their energy and creativity. Most people go through this process during adolescence, so by adulthood they can deal with the symptoms of ADHD. FOR MORE INFORMATION Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Association on NSW of 02 9411 2186 Contact your local GP Contact your local health centre (see under Community Health Centre in the White Pages) Mental Health Association NSW Inc on 02 9816 1611 or 1800 674 200 (Outside Sydney Metro) Sources ADHD Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Association of NSWAdult Attention Deficit Disorder: Diagnosis, Coping and Mastery www.ncpamd.comAttention Deficit Disorder Parenting SA www.parenting.sa.gov.auADHD Q & A National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.gov DisclaimerThe information provided is to be used for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Information may be reproduced with an acknowledgement to the Mental Health Association NSW. This, and other fact sheets are available for download from www.mentalhealth.asn.au. This fact sheet was last updated in Spring, 2001. Mental Health Information Service
Back to Happiness self help books and health articles Home Page =================================================================== SITE DISCLAIMER: The self help books and personal development resources on this site are not intended to be a substitute for therapy or professional advice. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this self help book and personal development publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the self help books and personal development subject matter herein. There is no guarantee of validity of accuracy of any self help books and articles content. Any perceived slight of specific people or organizations is unintentional. This self help books and personal development articles website and its creators are not responsible for the content of any sites linked to. The self help book and new health articles website contents are solely the opinion of the author and should not be considered as a form of therapy, advice, direction and/or diagnosis or treatment of any kind: medical, spiritual, mental or other. If expert advice or counseling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought. The author and the Publisher assume no responsibility or liability and specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied for any self help or otherwise products or self help or otherwise services mentioned, or any self help or otherwise techniques or practices described. The purchaser or reader of this self help book and personal development articles website publication assumes responsibility for the use of these self help personal development materials and self help books and personal development articles and information. Neither the self help author nor the self help book Publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these self help books and personal development materials. Self help site contains: Self help books and new health articles for your Lifetime Health & Fitness and wellbeing self help book and personal development health article about keyword, free self help books for your improved health, nutrition & lifetime fitness Self help books and new health articles for happiness & personal development resources, free self help books and new health articles listed for your convenient self help books for lifetime fitness health and wellbeing search in the self help books and new health articles subjects of self image, self help health tips, self help book resources for lifetime health & fitness and self help emotion management, panic attack self help, self help for low self esteem, self help famous quotes, anxiety self help resources, stress management self help books, new health articles and depression self help books, new health articles and resources. size=1>
|
It's time to join our happy subscribers, like these: "I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude for this powerful tips you send to me.Thank you so much and may God richly bless all the team working towards this. Thank you for this. It has been most instructive. Please keep them coming! With no other words, I simply love these Power Tips - thanks for every email I have received from you - I find there always something that cheers my day up or gives me some more inspiration. Good work, there! I always read your Power Tips and it has helped me a lot in my life... I would like to thank you a lot for such a nice article at regular intervals. I am really grateful to you for what you have been doing for me and my growth. I know that I am not alone and hundreds of thousands of people would be feeling the same. Your Newsletter are always a help. Thanks a tonne. You are doing so much for the whole mankind and as a matter of fact sometimes even a small thought delivered at the right time can do miracles in someone's life and his whole life can take a turn around. When the positive seeds through your news letter are falling all over the world, then I am sure some would become tree and bear fruits. Vikas B |
|
Free self help books website resources and new health articles for your Lifetime Health & Fitness and wellbeing, ideal body weight, womens health issues and personal development health articles about free self help books for your improved health, nutrition & lifetime fitness. size=1>
They are as follows: 
