Facts and Faqs on Adhd Diagnosis and Therapy


by Robert William Locke - Date: 2008-11-28 - Word Count: 478 Share This!


Ever wondered if your child is the only one with ADHD? Far from it, as he or she is in good company. The statistics are startling to say the least- between 3% and 5% of American school kids have this disorder. That amounts to about 2.5 million children who are on ADHD medication while there are 1.5 million adults who suffer and their poor productivity costs the nation dear.


What are the signs of ADHD? One of the first symptoms is that the child is 'distant' in that s/he does not reply or seem to be listening. There are signs too that the child will forget things very quickly and is easily distracted. There is a noticeable lack of focus in their activities and they fail to follow instructions and finish activities such as homework.


A paediatrician will ask how long these symptoms have been present and if they seem to be holding the child back at school. Usually if they have been present for six months or more , then there is a possibility the child may have the condition. It is well known among educationalists that ADHD children not only have erratic behaviour but are among the lowest achievers in their class unless they are treated.


Other ADHD symptoms are impulsive behaviour, lack of concentration and fidgeting which drive some teachers and parents to distraction. If the child talks all the time and will not sit still, even for a few seconds, then this is another sign. It is rare to see a child with ADHD playing quietly or even reading!


A very interesting study recently revealed that bullies at school are more than likely to suffer from this condition. These children are four times more likely to be bullies but before they had ADHD, they themselves were bullied! A classic case of the discriminated becoming worse discriminators themselves. This study which surveyed about 600 schoolchildren in Stockholm for over a year has been published in the Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology Journal.


Once the pediatrician has diagnosed your child as having ADHD symptoms and starts prescribing medications which are psychostimulants, you should be aware of the following.


1. The American Heart Association recommends that children should be given a thorough heart check up BEFORE they are given the psychostimulants like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta. These drugs can cause heart problems.
2. There is no evidence to show that these drugs are effective in the long term and could even stunt the child's growth.
3. Even after three years medication with these drugs, there is no improvement in the child's behaviour!


By now alarm bells should be ringing and you should know that there are alternative ADHD treatments available which make use of herbal and homeopathic remedies which have no side effects. You can learn all about these remedies in the link below this article.



Related Tags: adhd alternative therapy, adhd therapy


Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children's Health. He has written extensively on ADHD.
Discover what ADHD Alternative Therapy is available.

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