Contrary to popular belief, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) is not the end of the world. It is not the result of poor parenting.
It does not mean your child is a 'problem child.'
It is because of these, and many other, misconceptions about ADHD that
people with ADHD are often deemed trouble makers or are someone that is
just trying to attract attention.
This type of thinking does nothing for people with the disorder except
make their lives harder than it has to be.
Although this disorder has been researched and studied for over a century,
there are still aspects of it that are not understood by the general public.
ADHD is a disorder that affects a person's ability to pay attention and
focus. This sounds simple enough, but the disorder shows up in people
in different ways.
Some cases of ADHD involve hyperactivity, some do not. Some people are
better at keeping their hyperactivity under control. Also, the general
public tends to forget that impulsivity is part of ADHD as well. Impulsivity
covers a wide range of behaviors, from verbal blurting to drug abuse.
Because the description of symptoms has changed so much over the years,
many people were not diagnosed with ADHD until they were adults. With
these cases, there are secondary problems that often come with ADHD, such
as depression and anxiety.
Some of the main signs of ADHD are not being able to pay attention to
the task at hand, lack of follow through, loses things easily, makes careless
mistakes, has trouble paying attention to details, difficulties organizing,
interrupting others, restlessness and overly active.
Not every person has every symptom, and some symptoms are more severe
in some people compared to others with the disorder. This is why the disorder
can be so difficult to discern. Also, many people have trouble with these
things at one time or another. But people with ADHD have such a hard time
that it affects them emotionally and developmentally.
It is still not known exactly why people are born with ADHD. It is known
that many cases are genetic, but not all. Doctors do know that the way
your brain is wired will determine whether you have ADHD or not. People
with ADHD have a low level of dopamine in their brains. Dopamine is the
neurotransmitter that affects focus and attention.
In regards to treating ADHD, I believe there is a real misunderstanding.
It is very true that medication helps with the disorder. It helps you
focus longer, get things done and evens out emotions as well. But it is
by no means a cure all. It is very important to get individual counseling, and possibly family counseling
if needed.
ADHD can make you feel like the oddball, and it can make adolescence particularly
difficult. Get as much help as you can. Most importantly, help yourself.
It has been found that regular exercise if very good for the symptoms
of ADHD. It stimulates endorphins in the brain and calms the internal
restlessness that people with ADHD have. Another thing that is helpful
for people with ADHD is meditation practice. Starting off each morning
by meditating can be calming for anyone, but particularly for individuals
who have trouble focusing and slowing their minds down. Take a few minutes
each day and breathe. It costs nothing and it can really affect your life
positively.
Ampuan Yussof co writter of a Comprehensive Guide Living & Thriving
with ADHD You can reach him at http://www.living-with-adhd.org/
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