Attention-Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD/ADHD, is a psychological term currently applied to anyone who meets the DSM IV diagnostic criteria for impulsivity, hyperactivity and/or inattention.  The diagnostic criteria are subjective and include behavior which might be caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from brain defects to allergies to giftedness.  ADD, as currently defined, is a highly subjective description, not a specific disease. 

Posible causes of ADD:

      Organic Brain Damage

The first suggestion about the possible cause of ADD was put forward in 1908 by Tredgold, who stated that hyperactivity was linked to organic brain damage which he believed was caused by injury, oxygen deprivation, prenatal complications or infection during birth.

Later research showed this theory to be flawed (Stewart and Olds, 1973) - most children with ADD do not show 'hard' signs of brain damage. Such damage may only be the case in 10% or less of this population.

       Genetics

10% of ADD parents are also hyperactive and monozygotic twins have a higher correlation of them both exhibiting the disorder than do dizygotic twins. There is also some evidence (Morrison and Stewart, 1971, 1973) of psychiatric disturbance in the biological (and not the adoptive) parents of ADD children

      Environmental factors

Artificial colors in various food stuffs, lead levels in the atmosphere, environmental pollution and fluorescent light levels have all been implicated as possible causes for ADD. However, the experiments investigating these factors have typically been poorly designed. There is some evidence, however, that special diets (e.g. the Feingold diet, 1975 - which restricts artificial food coloring, flavorings and natural salicylates) can 'work' for some sufferers. There has also been evidence that sugar (e.g. in fizzy drinks) can amplify the hyperactive behavior.

       Family factors

Battle and Lacey (1972) suggested that their studies indicated that the mothers of children with ADD tend to be critical, disapproving, not affectionate and may use severe punishment. Today, however, it is generally agreed that this type of behavior from the mother is more likely to be a reaction to their child's behaviors rather than the cause of the behavior per se (Weiss and Hechtman, 1986). The problem here is that the arguments tend to be circular - cause and effect are difficult to separate, especially because the children with this disorder tend not to be 'labeled ADD' until they reach school age - seven or more years have elapsed and early mother-infant interactions are not available for analysis. 

The Basic Characteristics of ADD

  Inattention

• difficulty organizing tasks
• difficulty staying on task (quick loss of interest) and maintaining effort
• difficulty with transitions or prioritizing tasks, following instructions, and completing school work
• problems with misplacing things needed for tasks
• becoming easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• difficulty remembering daily activities

 Hyperactivity

• experiences minor motor restlessness, such as fidgeting of hands
• has difficulty remaining seated and talks excessively
• has difficulty regulating restlessness to situational demands
• has difficulty channeling physical restlessness in productive directions
• has difficulty listening to others
• becomes easily distracted while reading

  Impulsiveness

• speaks or acts without considering the consequence
• has difficulty taking turns
• has feelings of being out-of-control, which can result in obsessive compulsive behaviors
• has need for high stimulus activity.

Treatment options

• If you or your child are struggling with ADD/ADHD, take hope. There are many safe and effective treatments that can drastically improve its symptoms. ADD/ADHD treatment can boost school and job performance, improve organizational skills, and foster better relationships.
  Furthermore, treatment doesn’t necessarily mean pills or doctors’ offices. Treatment for ADD/ADHD is any action you take to manage your symptoms. And while you may want to seek professional help along the way, ultimately, you are the one in charge of treating ADD/ADHD, whether you are the parent or the patient. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis or rely on professionals. You can start treating your or your child’s symptoms today.
  Understanding your ADD / ADHD treatment options
  Treatment for attention deficit disorder isn’t just about seeing doctors or taking medication. The term treatment actually refers to behavior, management, or action—not just to medical approaches. ADD/ADHD treatment can mean changing your habits, altering your frame of mind, talking to others, and learning strategies to help yourself or your child. And you don’t have to pick just one treatment. In fact, the best way to treat ADD/ADHD is to combine several different methods to get the best possible result. You have the power to figure out what works for you or your child and implement the appropriate treatments. Finding relief for the symptoms of ADD/ADHD is in your hands.
  The power of a positive attitude
  A positive attitude and common sense are your best assets for treating ADD/ADHD. When you are in a good frame of mind, you are more likely to be able to connect with your own needs or your child’s.
• Keep things in perspective. Remember that your child’s or your own behavior is related to a disorder. Most of the time it is not intentional.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. One chore left undone isn’t a big deal when your child has completed two others. If you didn’t finish the project tonight, you can do it in the morning.
• Believe in yourself or your child. Think about or make a written list of everything that is positive, valuable, and unique about the person with ADD/ADHD, whether it is you or your child. Trust that this person can learn, change, and succeed.

Therapy treatment options for children with ADD / ADHD

Children with ADD/ADHD can benefit from similar types of therapy to those available to adults. Kids can use talk therapy as an outlet for emotion, as well as behavioral therapy for modifying behavior.

• Behavior therapy. Behavior therapy involves reinforcing desired behaviors through rewards and praise and decreasing problem behaviors by setting limits and consequences. As parents, you can set up a customized program for your child with the help of behavioral specialist. Patience is key with behavioral therapy. One day, your child may behave beautifully, and the next, fall back into old patterns. Sometimes it may seem as if the training is not working. However, over time, behavioral treatment can improve the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in kids.
• Social skills therapy. Because kids with attention deficit disorder often have difficulty with simple social interactions and struggle with low self-esteem, another type of treatment that can help is social skills training. Normally conducted in a group setting, social skills training is led by a therapist who demonstrates appropriate behaviors and then has the children practice repeating them. A social skills group teaches children how to “read” others’ reactions and how to behave more acceptably. The social skills group should also work on transferring these new skills to the real world.