Misconceptions about ADHD

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There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The disorder is characterized by impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.
There are some misconceptions about ADHD. Many people are either misinformed or totally oblivious of what ADHD actually is. Let us take a look at these misconceptions about ADHD.

ADHD is overly diagnosed
ADHD is often disregarded by many people for being a disorder of parents whose children have learning issues. Such parents look for a reason, and find a scapegoat in the form of ADHD. It is often perceived that parents want to seek mental satisfaction by basing their child’s learning weaknesses on ADHD.

But in reality, and as per research, many kids with genuine ADHD problems do not get medical help. They are often not diagnosed at all. Their behavior is blamed on the environment in which they live.

Only boys get ADHD
ADHD can affect girls too. Unlike boys, girls with ADHD tend to become extremely shy. They are more anxious, and have a tendency of having self-defeating thoughts.

Males with ADHD become rebellious, aggressive and problem-some. They develop in adults with serious behavior disorders, such as anti-social behavior, and rogue behavior.

Sugar causes ADHD
Research indicates no connection to excessive sugar intake and ADHD. Somehow, researchers cannot find the connection between hyperactivity and sugar intake. Parents of extremely hyperactive boys tend to completely make their children abstain from taking sugar-based food products because of this misconception.

Too much video games and violence on television causes ADHD
Researchers have again proven that despite so much action in the virtual world, this does not necessarily translate into hyperactivity in children.

Filed Under: ADD Help & Guidance, Facts & FAQ Tagged With: , ,

Is Attention Deficit Disorder a Myth?

Joy

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Many people do not know if Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a myth. Some feel it is the creation of the modern day mind. After all everybody sees attention, so how could there possibly an attention deficit disorder? Nearly everybody wants more attention!

ADD is a case of hyperactivity. Kids with ADD are said to behave hyperactively. But kids are by nature hyperactive. So what’s the problem? Does it mean that all hyperactive kids have ADD? Doesn’t it suggest that now parents will actually start viewing hyperactivity not as a sign of smartness, but as a sign of ADD?

Hyperactivity in kids may be due to various reasons. Bored kids want excitement. When they see what they like, the get hyperactive. With television sets doubling up into video game monitors for console and Internet based games, kids are often influenced by characters in the video games.

Many critics of ADD feel that tests for diagnosing ADD has plenty of chinks in it. In other words, the detection of ADD in people itself if imperfect. And then, there is no clear answer to how ADD came about. Is it inherited? Is it stimulated by social circumstances?

There is no way a doctor can detect ADD other than study the behavior of the person suspected to have ADD. Because blood samples do not indicate the presence or absence of ADD. The only thing left would be the doctor’s judgment of the patient’s behavior. This would again raise doubts. Is ADD diagnosed based on perceptions?

Filed Under: ADD Help & Guidance, General Tagged With: , ,

Continuous Performance Task

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A continuous performance task is a set of tests used in the field of psychology. It is used to measure a person’s attention level. Apart from this it also measures other things like impulsiveness, focus-time, and all behaviors related to sustained attention.
Some of the common common performance tasks are Integrated Visual and Auditory CPT (IVA+Plus), Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.) and the Conners’ CPT-II.

These are some of the tests amongst a host of other tests to check a person’s attention level. Such tests diagnose problems associated with a person’s concentration and attention level. It will also measure the person’s ability to process, organize, and deal with all kinds of information.

Each test may have  different periodicity. The stimulus engaged in such tests will also defer. A common component of all tests, is the providence of a boring activity, and subjecting the person to maintain controlled attention and effective rendering of the activity.

In-between such tasks, a lot of triggers to divert attention are brought in. The person must maintain a degree of consistency in the attention span and must not divert from the activity in focus.

Visual and auditory tests such as the Integrated Visual and Auditory CPT (IVA+Plus) use sounds to test a person’s attention level. By presenting a visual image or an audio stimulus, the person should respond by invoking the similar sound or image on a computer.

Tests are adjudicated based on the attention capacity, variations, and omissions. Where omissions deal with how much the person was distracted.

Filed Under: Adult ADD Test, General Tagged With: , ,

Dealing with most tough phase of my life

Everything was going right as I had most caring wife and two little angles. Four of us were leading very happy and comfortable life until I came to know that I was suffering from mesothelioma, rare cancer. I was the first time I heard the name of the disease and I was totally frighten.

Most shocking news was that, I was a victim of this disease due to my prolong exposure to asbestos. Yes I was working for a company which deals with asbestos material. I had been working there from past many years and from all these years, asbestos fibers have been accumulated into my lungs, transformed into tumor and now spreading to various parts of the body. I went to doctor as I was not feeling well from past 2 months. I was feeling very tired and often have problems in breathing. When I went to the doctor he suggested me to go for chest x-rays, where the reports confirmed I was suffering from this deadly disease. I was a traffic moment for my whole family as I was the only bread earning in the family, I was very much worried about my kid’s future. I strongly made my mind that; I will defiantly get well soon, not for my sake but for the sake of my wife and children. So I went to the doctor to know about various mesothelioma treatment procedures. After examining my health condition, he suggested me to go for chemotherapy. From past 3 months, I am taking the treatment and now I am very happy that, I have been successful in fighting against this disease. All this happy only because of my wife, she was there with me in most tough phase of my life. She have given a new life to me.

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ADD And ADHD ? What Is The Difference? Find Such Answers Online

The cerebellum is largely responsible for coor... 

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The internet has become a wonderful place to learn more about medical problems and disorders. Take the attention deficit disorder as an example. What is the difference between attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Both these problems seem to be similar but the different terminology used may create the impression that these are two separate complications. The truth is that both these phrases refer to the same disorder.

The disorder involving attention incorporates three aspects-attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A person suffering from this disorder may either remain inattentive despite your best efforts or may remain hyperactive despite your best efforts to calm that person down or may not show any hyperactivity but may be very impulsive in his or her actions.

These are three aspects or facets of the same disorder and have to be treated in a similar manner. This problem is common in kids. Statistics indicate that boys are at a higher risk for this disorder. However, the general perception is that boys are more boisterous and fun loving as compared to the girls. This often leads to teachers referring more boys for tests related to the attention deficit disorder. In such a scenario, the fact that a large number of boys are tested automatically has an impact on the results.

This disorder commences in the childhood and continues still adulthood. As the individual grows older, he or she finds ways and means to manage the same. Some persons give themselves time for their mind to wander. Other individuals make it a point to exert strict control over their hyperactivity.

 

 

 

Filed Under: ADD Help & Guidance, General Tagged With: , ,

Understanding The Symptoms Of ADD – Be Flexible When Assessing Parameters

Methylphenidate 

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The internet is a useful tool to know more about the facets and aspects of the attention deficit disorder. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that the same resource that tells you the symptoms of ADD can help you overcome the same as well.

The disorder is a neurological problem and will have to be treated with a combination of medication, child psychology analysis and changes in the parenting skills. Medication is normally recommended in extreme cases. Otherwise, the idea of restraining the child using medicines is considered risky.

There are many resources available on and off the web that helps the individual understand what ADD is and what its symptoms are. Do not treat the symptoms as the final word. It is possible for an individual to display some other set of symptoms and yet face the problem of ADD. A lot depends on the individual circumstances. If the person tends to lose focus for a specific subject or course at school, talking of attention deficit disorder does not make sense.

On the other hand, telling yourself that your child is very intelligent and active and cannot possibly be a victim of this disorder does not make sense either. Those who suffer from this problem are not intellectually weak. They just have an overactive or hyperactive brain which does not come under control very quickly. A vehicle that operates without any brakes is not a bad vehicle, right? You just need to repair the brakes and the vehicle will run perfectly fine. This is all you have to consider and focus on when you are trying to treat ADD in your child.

 

 

 

Filed Under: ADD Help & Guidance, General Tagged With: , ,
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