Attention Deficit Disorder Causes, Symptoms And Treatments
By: James S.
Submitted: 2009-11-01 14:05:37 | Word Count: 500
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) also referred as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder usually found in children of elementary school age. This condition begins in childhood and is mostly detected between an ages of four to seven. This situation is typically characterized by learning and behavioral disorders. A child having this disorder needs to be brought up with extra attention and care.
Causes
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There is no particular reason resulting in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Researchers have however pointed to several factors which may cause this condition. They include genetics, physical and social environment and diet. Studies also indicate that as much as 75 of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is heritable to the genetics factor.
Environmental causes include tobacco, alcohol or exposure to smoke during pregnancy. Other important cause which plays a role is complications faced during pregnancy and child birth.
Other important cause is delay or early development of brain structure. For example frontal cortex and lobe are the ones responsible for focused thinking and an ability to control. If there is a delay in there development it can result in ADD.
Symptoms
Common symptoms observed in a child with Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A child in this condition finds it difficult to perform an assigned task and lacks the ability to focus on important aspects. They may even be not able to complete the task as they move quickly from one given activity to another due to distractions caused by external environment.
Another symptom that can be observed is Inattention and forgetful behavior. A child suffering from ADD will find it extremely difficult to sustain attention in performing any task and even display inattentiveness when spoken directly to. This condition makes a sufferer forgetful even about daily repetitive activities.
Other symptoms include Frequent daydreaming, difficulty in understanding and following instructions, fidgeting hands and feet, squirming in seat, and difficulty in remaining at one position, talking excessively, behaving aggressively and being restless all the time. Short term memory loss is also one of the symptoms of ADHD.
Treatment
Attention Deficit Disorder can be treated with therapy, medication or a combination of both. Studies have however proved that treating this disorder with both is more effective. A treatment strongly recommended for curing Attention Deficit Disorder is Homeopathy. It is very effective in improving concentration and attention span. Homeopathy is free of side effects and improvement in most of the cases is noted in about two to three months of starting medication.
Therapy includes counseling with psychologist or a psychiatrist for the patients suffering from ADD disorder. Psychotherapy teaches the patients to cope with prevailing symptoms. Behavior therapy is imparted to the parents or teachers so that they can deal with the child’s behavior.
Alternatively psychostimulants are prescribed to the patients by professionals. They are given to balance neurotransmitters or in other words brain chemicals.
If diagnosed and treated early, a child can grow up and adapt to normal routine life.
