INTRODUCTION: ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children and stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention and used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD.

INTRODUCTION: ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children and stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention and used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD.

ADHD can't be cured, but it can be successfully managed. This disorder is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or vaccines, But has biological origins that are not as yet clearly understood.

SYMPTOMS: Show up over the course of many months, and include Impulsiveness ( a child who acts quickly without thinking first) and also include excessive worry, fear, or panic, which can lead to physical signs such as a racing heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea.

Such symptoms frequently get better as children become older and learn to adjust, But although some may "grow out of" their symptoms, more than 1/2 of all kids who have the disorder will continue to show signs of the problem as young adults. The good news is, with proper treatment, children can learn to successfully live with and control their symptoms.

TEST: Because there's no examination that can prove the presence of ADHD, a diagnosis depends on a total and complete evaluation. Your child's MD may also perform a physical examination as well as tests to check hearing and vision so other medical conditions can be dismissed. A definitive diagnosis is difficult because there are no tests that routinely detect this condition.

Very few parents are surprised when the results of a MD administered Attention Deficit Disorder test come back with a positive diagnosis of their child having adhd. They already suspect a hyperactivity or attentional problem or they would not be in the MD's office asking for an ADHD test to begin with. The biggest problem with such a test is that diagnosis is basically subjective and often relies on the tolerance of the observer.

TREATMENT: Effective treatments for ADHD are available, and include behavioral therapy and medications. Ultimately, the primary care MD gathers the information, makes the diagnosis, and begins treatment. Some treatments are better than others at addressing specific combinations of symptoms. A good treatment plan will require close follow-up and monitoring, and your child's MD may make adjustments along the way. When determining the proper treatment for your child, the MD might try various drugs in various doses, especially if your child is being treated for ADHD along with another disorder. Your child's MD may recommend additional treatments and interventions depending on your child's symptoms and needs.

A number of alternative therapies are promoted and used by parents including: megavitamins, body treatments, diet manipulation, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention and visual training, and traditional one-on-one "talking" psychotherapy, But scientific research has not found them to be effective, and the majority of these treatments have not been studied carefully, if at all.

Anti-depressants are occasionly a treatment option; However, in 2004 the FDA issued a warning that these drugs may lead to a rare increased chance of suicide in children and teens. Because it's important for parents to actively take part in their child's treatment plan, parent education is also deemed an important part of ADHD management. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, Speak to your MD.

CONCLUSION: ADHD is a real illness that starts in childhood, is more commonly found in boys than girls, and it affects 8-10 percent of school-age children in the United States. It must be diagnosed by a health care professional who specializes in these types of disorders in cooperation with parents and teachers.

Teachers should develop shorten assignments or provide extended time for children with ADHD. Even though it can often be challenging to raise kids with this condition, it's necessary to remember they aren't "bad," "acting out," or "being difficult" on purpose. For more information about ADHD and Adult ADD, see your MD or other health care professional.

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