The World Of ADD/ADHD

My son Tyler is energetic, smart, and has a passion for life. That said, some teachers have explained to me that he may suffer from ADD/ADHD. You can imagine my surprise when I heard his teacher tell me this very disturbing assumption. She explained that she had to ask my son numerous times to complete a task. I was not surprised when she had told me she had no children. I explained to her that I was not aware of a child in existence who would perform all tasks simply by asking them one time. Never the less, testing for ADD/ADHD was recommended.

Many parents have or will have to go through this scenario. It is not pleasant for the parents or the child involved. Parents do not wish to have their children labeled or to take a medication that may harm their children.

In order to understand the world of ADD/ADHD we must define the disorder, research the causes and symptoms, and review the possible treatments.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) also known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) are defined as a syndrome which consists of poor concentration, a short attention span, and performing tasks on impulse. These symptoms could be present in early childhood and may continue through life.

The cause of this disorder may often be genetic, however the specific cause is a mystery. The symptoms are evident early in life and are believed to effect males more so than females. Symptoms vary from subject to subject. However, usually consists of a lack of concentration and the inability to focus on one topic at a time. Other disorders may accompany ADD/ADHD, such as panic attacks (anxiety) or depression. Some medical professionals believe that environmental factors contribute to an increasing number of diagnosed ADD/ADHD sufferers. The environmental factors they speak of are increased levels of pollutants and toxins in the air and food.

Treatment opinions vary from professional to professional. Frequently prescribed mediations consist of Ritalin, Adderall, and Trileptal. These medications are known to assist sufferers by alleviating symptoms. That said, the side effects are mild to severe and include possible dependency of the medications. A natural herbal supplement namely pine bark (Pycnogenol) is believed to assist children with their hyperactivity. Pycnogenol is a natural remedy and does not produce any harmful side effects. Pycnogenol alleviates symptoms by controlling the hormonal levels. When a child experiences anxiety, their stress hormonal levels are elevated. Pycnogenol decreases the level of the stress hormones and therefore reducing the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. This gives parents an alternative to traditional medications that carry with them mild to severe side effects.

Further research is needed to isolate the specific causes of ADD/ADHD. The new findings of traditional medication alternatives are promising. Further research and testing is needed in order to find a more direct treatment to control the symptoms and possibly a cure.

About the Author

William Bailey, Author
William’s love for writing is second only to his love for his son. William has published essays, fiction, non-fiction, short storys, and more…

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