| ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is | | | | today. When Johnny's teacher asked "WHY |
| a genetic predisposed condition with neurological | | | | Johnny?" he simply said "I couldn't resist". Many |
| underpinnings. It is estimated that from 5 to 10% | | | | people with attention deficit hyperactivity have |
| of school aged children have the condition and | | | | trouble regulating their behavior. In this case, |
| approximately 5% of adults. | | | | Johnny took action without thinking about the |
| In essence ADHD is a problem with regulating | | | | consequences. |
| behavior in three specific areas; attention, | | | | *Hyperactivity: As if driven by a motor is the |
| behavior, and motor movements. While this | | | | classic description of the ADHD child. Someone |
| description seems fairly straightforward the | | | | who is hyperactive is frequently moving in some |
| condition itself can present in many different | | | | way. They may be able to sit but may need to |
| ways. For instance one person may be labeled as | | | | release that energy through some other means. |
| a daydreamer, constantly starring off into the | | | | This primary symptom is most noticeable in |
| space but have no problems staying seated. | | | | childhood and tends to evolve into less noticeable |
| Others fit more the common perception of the | | | | actions in adults. In adults it may be more aptly |
| ADHD child, whereas they constantly exhibit signs | | | | described as restlessness. This form of |
| of hyperactivity with seemingly endless supplies of | | | | restlessness leads the adult hyperactive to change |
| energy. This is part of the complexity of asking | | | | jobs frequently or talk endlessly. |
| whether I think I might have ADHD. Under the | | | | In summary, the question as to how do I know if |
| proper set of circumstances almost anyone could | | | | I have ADHD is one that might be easily answer |
| conclude they have the condition. | | | | or perhaps a difficult diagnosis to uncover. There |
| For a diagnosis all signs do not have to be | | | | also are numerous secondary symptoms that |
| present. Nevertheless, signs of inattention must | | | | might prove helpful in uncovering the truth. These |
| always be present in two or more situations (for | | | | would include but not be limited to worry, |
| example home and school) and must interfere | | | | hopelessness, low self esteem, sleep problems, |
| with social or academic functioning. | | | | boredom, loss of motivation, irritability and |
| Despite the many faces of ADHD there are three | | | | frustration. |
| basic symptoms: | | | | Additionally, many of those thinking that I might |
| *Inattention/distractibility: As noted in the clinical | | | | have ADHD have found comfort in the form of |
| diagnostic criteria inattention is the primary | | | | natural remedies for ADHD symptoms. These |
| symptoms for confirming a diagnosis. Put simply | | | | safe, effective and affordable formulas have |
| people with ADHD have a problem focusing. They | | | | shown to be an effective way of dealing with |
| may be able to focus sometimes but not others. | | | | such problematic symptoms as inattention, |
| The unpredictable nature of inattention is one of | | | | impulsivity, erratic behavior, and hyperactivity and |
| the main features of ADHD. | | | | are worth considering. |
| *Impulsivity: Little Johnny pulled Sara's hair in class | | | | |