ADHD / ADD Smptoms, Causes & Alternative Treatment Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a dysfunction of
Central Nervous System (CNS), most specifically reticular activating system.The most well known form of ADD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD affects an estimated 5% of school aged children in North America. It is most common neurological disorder among children in this country.
SYMPTOMS AND CHARACHTERISTICS
This condition is marked by learning disabilities, frequent forgetfullness, impaired judgement, excessive talking/interupting, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, and orginization problems.
WHAT CAUSES ADHD and ADD?
Research shows common factor in all forms of ADD and ADHD to be a coordination failure in reticular activating system of brain. This area of brain helps coordinate external stimulus. A brain chemical, norepinephrine, carries information between different regions of brain which allows certain areas to be activated while others are inhibited, allowing one to focus on selected external information, while excluding others.
In case of ADD / ADHD this neural coordination is impaired, causing competitive stimulation from multiple external and internal sources -too much visual stimulation, too much sound stimulation, too many internal feelings and emotions, etc. When limited neural network is overly taxed in this regard, it becomes unable to "tune in" or focus on some stimulation, while "tuning out," or "turning down" (attenuating) other stimulation. The results can be irritation, aggression and anxiety.
OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
SUGAR CONSUMPTION blunts brain's ability to respond to norepinephrine, thus impairing brain coordination.
ALLERGIES Up to 90% of all children with ADD or ADHD are allergic to red, yellow, and blue dyes found in food products. Other common food allergens include, cow's milk, peanuts, citrus, and tomatoes.
FAMILY HISTORY
OXYGEN DEPRIVATION AT BIRTH
LEAD POISONING
DIETARY DEFICIENCIES
SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY
HOW CAN ADD/ADHD BE TREATED?
CONVENTIONAL APPROACH
Conventional treatment of ADD / ADHD most often includes use of psychostimulant or antidepressant drugs. Over time, however these drugs often become ineffective and cause a sort of rebound effect where frustration and anger return. Excessive use of stimulant drugs can cause lethargy and depression.
