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A Description of ADD |
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While most of us may sometimes desire a little more alertness and perhaps
sharper focus, some of us have an exceptionally difficult time focusing,
concentrating, and being still. When these problems begin to interfere
with our daily lives or with the lives of those around us, this
“condition” may qualify as a disorder known as Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). This
is predominantly a genetic, neuro-physiological condition generally
present in the frontal lobes of the brain. ADD/ADHD is characterized by
the excessive outward symptoms of distractibility, impulsivity and, in
some cases, hyperactivity. It is suspected that these symptoms, most
visibly hyperactivity, are the result of the mind and body compensating
for a very under aroused central nervous system. Often those with the
disorder struggle with additional complexities such as anger, moods,
depression, low self-esteem or self-image, oppositional defiance,
disrespect for authority and other related issues. These typically are the
logical outgrowth of the labeling or marginalizing that may go on within
themselves, within schools and social settings, as well as the home or
workplace.
The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder can have far reaching
implications. Adults and children are likely to be seen as underachievers,
having great potential but consistently performing below their abilities.
They may appear disrespectful or non-caring by not listening when they
should or by losing interest easily. They may seem forgetful or
uncooperative. They may appear to lack judgment in social situations by
interrupting, speaking their mind or failing to consider the needs and
social conventions of others. Commonly, academic problems are pronounced.
They are likely to have poor reading comprehension, poor writing mechanics
and bad spelling. They may show difficulties in completing tasks or not
turn in completed works on time, or at all. Even with tutoring or coaching
they may seem to lack the discipline required for improving organizational
skills or for developing good study habits.
ADHD occurring in both males and females with or without hyperactivity is
understood to be a disorder of relative “under arousal”. Such individuals
show lower and/or slower than average physiological reactions to stimuli.
Excessive levels of “low frequency” (drowsy) patterns appear in the
brain’s electrical activity. This excess in low frequency brainwave
activity is often most pronounced during reading, listening or other
non-stimulus tasks, and can look much like Stage 2 sleep. Stimulant
medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and others are currently the most
commonly recommended and prescribed treatment for ADHD by psychiatrists,
psychologists and general practitioners across the United States and
Canada. This is because with the introduction of stimulant medication into
the body, the patient’s brain activity is pharmaceutically elevated out of
a low frequency, under aroused state. Adequate levels of stimulants seem
to allow for some measure of focus and attention. One may observe that
when we first get hyperactive children to sit or be still, they rapidly
drop off into a drowsy state. These folks seem to live at the edge of
sleep, much like a driver who is getting tired and involuntarily drops
off, even while fighting it. If the tired driver could just get up, move
around or just do something different he would become more alert.
Hyperactivity in the same way is thought to be the body’s way of
attempting to maintain normal arousal in an effort to prevent drowsiness.
This is why amphetamine medications (speed) create the so-called
“paradoxical” effect of calming down ADHD behavior.
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