Recognizing and Treating ADHD

There is so much controversy surrounding diagnosis and treatment for ADHD, parents often don’t know which way to turn. These problems are perpetuated by media and peers who blame the disorder on bad parenting, junk food, too much television and too little discipline. Of course, ADHD is a real medical condition and it is no one’s fault. There is actually no known cause for ADHD. There is also no distinct line between normal childlike behavior and a sign of real trouble.Every child pushes boundaries, that’s part of the learning process. And other problems, such as dyslexia, anxiety and depression can have many of the same symptoms as ADHD. So how do we know when the defiance, tantrums and excitability are just a phase or something more? Whether or not your child’s behavior anything to be alarmed about just depends on how long it has been a problem, how extreme it is and when it occurs.



All children throw fits or act out when they get upset, but often parents can distract or redirect their attention before things get out of control. However, constant hostility or hyperactivity could mean you child suffers from an actual disorder. Make an appointment with a specialist for screening and diagnosis. Treatment for ADHD is surrounded by even more controversy. Many sections of society are anti-medicine and claim that stimulant drugs are over prescribed and dangerous. There are actually reports stating that ADD/ADHD is a “trendy” condition because the increase in diagnosis. They allege that parents simply want to “drug their children to make their own lives easier”.



They also incorrectly claim that ADD/ADHD medicines cause seizures, brain damage, and turn children into “zombies”. There are alternate approaches to treatment for ADHD, such as psychotherapy, diet and exercise, educational techniques and behavior therapy. Most experts do agree that the most effective treatment of ADHD symptoms should include a combination of different measures. Parents sometimes feel that no matter what they do, it’s wrong. If they choose to treat their child, they may be viewed as selfish or “trendy”. If they do nothing, their child is suffering. The bottom line is ADHD is real and needs to be recognized and treated. Develop a treatment plan according to the individual needs of the child. No one knows what is best for your family but you. To learn more about coping with and treating Attention Deficit Disorder, and receive tons of solid facts and useful information for free,