What is ADHD?

Answer 1

Mostly an excuse for bad parenting.

Answer 2

The term "ADHD," or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".

Despite claims of irrefutable science, there are absolutely no objective criteria by which ADHD can be confirmed to exist. This is not science.

Nor is there any scientific evidence proving that a chemical imbalance in the brain is responsible for the symptoms attributed to ADHD, or that ADHD is a “brain-based disease.” Yet this is repeatedly claimed as fact by psychiatrists.

In fact, the diagnostic criteria to determine if a child has ADHD were voted on in committee by members of the American Psychiatric Association, by a show of hands. There are many reasons why a child might be displaying behavioral or educational problems. Drugging only masks the real cause.

Dr. Mary Ann Block, the author of “No More ADHD” stated, “If there is no valid test for ADHD, no data proving ADHD is a brain dysfunction, no long-term studies of the drugs’ effects, and if the drugs do not improve academic performance or social skills and the drugs can cause compulsive and mood disorders and can lead to illicit drug use, why in the world are millions of children, teenagers and adults…being labeled with ADHD and prescribed these drugs?”

According to Beverly Eakman, author of Cloning of the American Mind, “These drugs make children more manageable, not necessarily better. ADHD is a phenomenon, not a ‘brain disease.’ Because the diagnosis of ADHD is fraudulent, it doesn’t matter whether a drug ‘works.’ Children are being forced to take a drug that is stronger than cocaine for a disease that is yet to be proven.”

Dr. Joe Kosterich, Federal Chairman of the General Practitioners’ branch of the Australian Medical Association, said, “The diagnosis of ADD is entirely subjective....There is no test. It is just down to interpretation. Maybe a child blurts out in class or doesn’t sit still. The lines between an ADD sufferer and a healthy exuberant kid can be very blurred.”

Such behavioural characteristics that Psychiatry created this unscientific "disease" from are, and always have been, generally considered NORMAL. Now, it seems, inattention or "hyperactivity" (Hyperactivity means 'excessively active' -- what is excessive? On whose authority?? It's ridiculous!!) is abnormal, a "mental illness".

Unwanted or hyperactive behavior can in fact have many sources ranging from, but not limited to allergies, food additives, environmental toxins, improper sleep, certain medications, not knowing how to study and going past words not fully understood, to being bored with the curricula because you are very intelligent or creative.

By isolating and correcting this, the child can be helped so that there are no symptoms and no need for drugs.

Answer 3

Attention
Deficit
Hyperactivity
Disorder

It's a 2-part mental and behavioral disorder-

Attention Deficit- where the individual (most commonly seen in kids) has difficulty maintaining attention, keeping on-task, etc.

Hyperactivity- where the individual (again, usually seen in kids) has difficulty controling their activity level- they're usually VERY high energy, have a hard time sitting still, always wanting to get up, walk around the class room, etc.

My experience with people who struggle with this and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)- This is a managable disorder. These people are usually very bright, creative, etc... they just struggle managing it all.

I read an article about it in US News- the author described it as being similar to having a tiger by the tail.. As long as you can hang on, you're ok, but if you let go or relax, you can be in a world of trouble, hard to get back on your feet.

BTW- my gyencologist is ADD- he said it doesn't have to be an excuse...and he's one of the best gyn's in the US!!

Answer 4

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

Answer 5

You must be a nurse, my oldest son was diagnosed early on and I hate the fact that I have to give him meds. all the time, but without them, he could not get through a day. One other thing about kids with ADHD, is that they are very smart and as they grow older they need more challenge then they get in school because they absorb info. faster but become board easily. Keep them challenged and watch them blossom. In my sons case, he loves to write stories out of his head and has been approached by two authors to publish some of the stories. he will be in the 7th grade this year and has 10th grade level writing skills..

Answer 6

Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder

Answer 7

It's probably Bipolar Disorder. At least many mental health practioners are thinking that they are both the same disorder. And, therefore, stimulants eg ritalin and antidepressants make the condition worse, whereas a mood stabilizer such a lithium, depakote or lamictal would improve the condition.

Answer 8

Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder My (husband) LOL

Answer 9

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition in which children have difficulties paying attention and focusing on tasks. This common disorder begins in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. If not recognized and treated, it can cause problems at home, school, and work and with relationships.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The three types of ADHD symptoms are:

Inattention. This is the most common symptom. In addition to having difficulty paying attention, people with this symptom often are unable to consistently focus, remember, and organize. They may be careless and have a hard time starting and completing tasks that are boring, repetitive, or challenging.
Impulsivity. People who frequently act before thinking may not make sound judgments or solve problems well. They may also have trouble developing and maintaining personal relationships. An adult may not keep the same job for long or spend money wisely.
Hyperactivity. A hyperactive child may squirm, fidget, and climb or run when it is not appropriate. These children often have difficulty playing with others. They may talk a great deal and not be able to sit still for even a short time. Teenagers and adults who are hyperactive don't usually have the more obvious physical behaviors seen in children. Rather, they often feel restless and fidgety and are not able to enjoy reading or other quiet activities.
Many children with ADHD have signs of both hyperactivity and attention problems. This is called combined type ADHD. When children have significant problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity and fewer problems with attention, it is called predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD. Some children mainly have problems with inattention and fewer problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is called predominantly inattentive type ADHD.

Symptoms of all types of ADHD can range from mild to severe.

Other conditions, such as learning disabilities, depression, anxiety disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder, are sometimes mistaken for ADHD. They may also occur along with ADHD, which can make diagnosis of the primary problem difficult.

What causes ADHD?

While the exact cause is not clear, researchers have found that ADHD tends to run in families, so a genetic factor is likely. Ongoing research is focused on identifying genes that cause a person to be susceptible to ADHD.

Studies have also shown a possible link between alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy and ADHD. 1

How is ADHD diagnosed?

ADHD is often diagnosed when a child is 6 to 12 years of age. Children in this age group are most easily diagnosed because symptoms become more noticeable in school. It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in a child younger than age 6 because the symptoms can also occur periodically during normal development.

ADHD is diagnosed by first having a thorough medical examination to rule out other conditions. An evaluation by a pediatrician, family doctor, psychologist, or child and adolescent psychiatrist uses specific criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). 2 Observations of a child's behavior documented by parents, classroom teachers, and others who have regular contact with the child are evaluated.

How is it treated?

Although there is no cure for ADHD, treatment can help control symptoms. Stimulant medications, such as amphetamine (examples include Dexedrine or Adderall) and methylphenidate (examples include Ritalin, Concerta, or Metadate CD), are effective in controlling symptoms in children. 3

Studies show that some children who receive behavioral therapy along with medication improve more than those who receive medication alone. 4 Often, extra support at home and at school and counseling help children find success at school and feel better about themselves.

Doctors recommend that children be closely followed after they begin to take medications for ADHD. Side effects—including loss of appetite, headaches or stomachaches, tics or twitches, and problems sleeping—usually decrease after a few weeks on the medication, or the dosage can be lowered to offset them.

How does ADHD affect adults?

Many adults do not realize that they have ADHD until their children are diagnosed and they begin to recognize their own symptoms. Adults with ADHD may find it hard to focus, organize, and finish tasks. They are often forgetful and absent-minded. Some adults with ADHD learn to manage their lives and find careers in which they can use their strengths—intellectual curiosity and creativity—to their advantage.

However, many adults have difficulties at home and work. As a group, adults with ADHD have higher divorce rates, are more likely to smoke, and have more substance abuse problems than adults without the disorder. Also compared with their peers, fewer enter college and fewer graduate. Treatment with medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies can provide significant benefit.

Answer 10

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young children wherein the child is full of energy but is unable to channelise it constructively and gainfully