ADHD In Children Is No Longer A Debilitating Condition

By Gary Young


In years gone by parents and teachers were often bewildered and and even angered by kids that performed poorly at school, that disrupted households, that exhibited aggressive behaviour and that appeared to be plain unruly and naughty. Little did they know that many of those kids suffered from a medical condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In Dallas, for example, ADHD in children can be diagnosed at a very early age and a treatment plan can be implemented.

ADD, as this condition is commonly known manifest in a wide variety of symptoms. Sufferers commonly struggle to concentrate and subsequently they struggle to learn. Many kids with ADD exhibit destructive behaviour, they can be moody and they often talk a mile a minute. Many patients often become withdrawn and refuse to participate in group or family activities. In extreme cases kids may sometimes become violent.

When parents or teachers learn that a child has been diagnosed with ADD they immediately think that a drug such as Ritalin will be prescribed, that the child will take his, drugs and that the problem will be something of the past. This is not the case. Drugs can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADD, but not all of them. Many children do not react well to the drugs and experience severe side effects.

ADD is best managed and treated with a holistic management plan. One important component of such a plan is regular exercise. Experts advise that kids with ADD should exercise at least thirty minutes per day, preferably in the outdoors. Exercise releases serotonin and dopamine in the brain which help improve the concentration of the child. Exercise also contributes towards the development of positive attitude.

Quality sleep is vitally important for youngsters suffering from ADD. Many patients are insomniacs and their symptoms are aggravated by the lack of quality sleep. Parents need to make sure that sufferers have a strict routine for going to bed and for waking up in the morning. Their rooms should be dark and they should not be watching television or play with a computer, for example, for at least a half hour prior to bed time.

Particular attention should also be paid to the diets of youngsters with ADD. They preferably need to eat six smaller meals per day and each meal should contain both protein and omega fatty acids. Foods such as fresh vegetables and fruit as well as fish are ideal. ADD patients often fail to eat for a while and then eat everything in sight, often the very foodstuffs that will aggravate their symptoms.

Kids that understand their condition are more likely to cooperate in their treatment programs. That is why some form of counselling is often extremely beneficial. A counsellor can help the child to implement strategies that will prevent symptoms from developing and that will help him to cope with his symptoms. Yoga and meditation have also been proven to help patients to focus and to improve their concentration.

ADD does not need to be a life sentence. With a proper, balanced treatment plan kids with this condition can lead fulfilling lives and there is no reason why they cannot achieve their goals. It is very important to watch out for the symptoms and to seek professional help as soon as possible.




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