Symptoms and Treatment of ADD and ADHD

ADD and ADHD are household terms today, as more and more people are being found to suffer from one of these issues. The reason that it seems like more and more people are being diagnosed with these conditions are because interventions are taking place more often as parents and teachers are being educated about exactly what ADD and ADHD is.

Symptoms of ADD and ADHD

ADD and ADHD are different than children who are just hyperactive from time to time. Many parents believe that hyperactivity and ADD and ADHD are one in the same but this simply is not true. True symptoms of ADD and ADHD are not just wild and uncontrollable behavior, so knowing the symptoms is important as it can help parents be aware of symptoms in their children as well as themselves, as many adults are undiagnosed and don’t realize just how much their symptoms are impacting their day to day life.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADD and ADHD include but are not limited to:

1.    The inability to continue to pay attention to one task or activity
2.    Difficulty completing schoolwork that requires concentration
3.    Shifting quickly from one activity to another
4.    Inability to complete an activity before it is completed
5.    Procrastination
6.    Forgetfulness
7.    Failure or difficult time completing chores
8.    Inability to hold a conversation
9.    Inability to pay attention to directions or what others are saying
10.    Fidgeting
11.    Getting up after being asked to stay seated
12.    Running instead of walking when asked to walk
13.    Climbing when inappropriate
14.    Inability to play quietly
15.    Excessive talking

ADHD and ADD Treatments

With a better understanding of ADD and ADHD than at any other time in history, there are more treatments available than ever before. Many people choose to use medications, usually those that are stimulants, which can help those with these conditions to become more focused in their day to day life. However, medication is not required and many people are able to make simple changes to their life that allow them to thrive.

There are some simple things that can be done, specifically for children with ADD or ADHD but these guidelines also apply to adults who have ADD and ADHD. Children with ADD or ADHD need to have clearly defined rules that they know and can expect to have enforced. They will always challenge these rules and even complain about these rules but they are necessary for children to feel safe and secure and be able to anticipate what is coming next. You need to set clear rules and fall back on them every time. These boundaries will help for the person with ADD or ADHD to know what to expect and to know of consequences for their actions.

Regular routines are important anyone with ADD or ADHD and are especially helpful for children who tend to do better when they know what is going to happen next so they are not as easily distracted. These children often have a hard time focusing on the task at hand. When they have the same routine every day, they will know what is coming next so they will be better able to focus on the task at hand while also being able to anticipate what is coming next.

Many find that just sitting in a more direct place in the classroom or in a more confined space in an office setting is helpful. Doctors and therapists can work closely with patients to help them identify behavior modifications that they can put in place to make living with ADD or ADHD much easier and life much more enjoyable