Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is a disorder that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This causes the three main symptoms of ADHD: Distractibility, Impulsiveness, and Hyperactivity. There are other symptoms that may be present in those with ADHD but the three main symptoms are what doctors look for when contemplating a diagnosis.
Who Has ADHD?
It is estimated that up to 5% of the school aged children in the United States are affected by this chemical imbalance that can cause severe issues both at home and at school depending on the severity of the symptoms experienced.
However, this disorder is not only limited to children and many adults face the same trials when it comes to dealing with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Up to 8% of the adult population suffers from what could be a debilitating disorder if left untreated.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Many children are diagnosed with ADHD when teachers notice that they have a hard time concentrating in class, have trouble sitting still, or are displaying symptoms of impulsivity (touching, lining things up straight, organizing, bouncing, etc.) ADHD is a lot harder to diagnose an adult, as many adults have dealt with their symptoms so long that they seem almost normal to them.
Once a diagnosis is made, it’s time to start thinking about how to treat the symptoms that are being displayed so that the person affected can begin to lead a more normal life.
What Types Of Treatment Are Available?
The types of treatments that are out there are many and varied. The medications available to treat ADHD are mostly stimulants that work to correct the imbalance in a variety of ways. A non-stimulant medication, Strattera, has now been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD.
There are also many natural supplements on the market that help some of those affected by ADHD to correct most, if not all, of their symptoms. Lifestyle and diet changes can be helpful, and sometimes necessary, to help lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms on daily life. Coping skills can be learned through individual or group therapy and can be invaluable tools for those with ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a very common chemical imbalance that can be corrected with medical treatment, or symptoms treated with natural therapies, so that those who have the disorder can lead normal lives without their symptoms getting in the way.
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Medical science is still learning more about this disorder, and as more is discovered, better and more efficient ways of treating it will be discovered as well. Talking to your doctor, a counselor, or others who have ADHD can help you to feel better about your diagnosis.
