Health - AD/HD affecting adults and children

Now it's becoming increasingly clearer that children that suffer from this disorder often become adults who struggle with it as well.

The term AD/HD is thrown around in jest when an adult can't concentrate or when they may not be able to stop moving. However, the website for the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) states that the actual disorder is “…characterized by developmentally inappropriate impulsivity, inattention and in some cases, hyperactivity.” The CHADD site also states that the symptoms of AD/HD have to cause disruption to the daily lives of those suffering.

The CHADD website considers AD/HD a “neurobiological disorder.” This is a disorder of the nervous system caused by biological, metabolic or genetic factors. Autism, Bipolar disorder, and Schizophrenia are examples of other neurobiological disorders.

The CHADD website breaks AD/HD into three different types. The first type is “Primarily Inattentive.” These symptoms include but are not limited to the inability to pay close attention to details which often leads to careless mistakes and often appearing to not listen when spoken to.

This type also has trouble following directions and organizing and is easily distracted. A certain degree of forgetfulness is also prevalent.

The second type is “Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive.” This type has trouble remaining seated, waiting or taking turns, and often interrupts others. The CHADD site says that this type also “acts as if driven by a motor.” These characteristics are most often thought of when one thinks of AD/HD. The third type is a combination of the two.

Alexandra Riccio of One Roof Holistic Care in Saratoga Springs specializes in treating children with ADD and other psychological disorders. Riccio believes that AD/HD is a cluster of symptoms that may be felt at different times and in different intensities depending on the person.

Modern medicine typically calls for medication to help focus the sufferer of AD/HD symptoms.

Riccio explained that these psychotropic drugs are “equivalent to cocaine.” Instead of medicating, Riccio recommends that adults meditate, exercise and change their diet. The best diet for those who suspect they may suffer from symptoms of AD/HD is to get rid of sugar, wheat and food which contain food colorings - and also some dairy products.

The cause of AD/HD is thought to be part heredity, part environment and part gender. CHADD believes that heredity is the main cause. It is also thought to be caused by problems during pregnancy including premature delivery, prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposure and low birth rates.

Riccio believes that often times children simply learn differently. She said that boys are most commonly diagnosed with AD/HD because they have more energy than their female counterparts. She suggests that having recess or gym in the morning would better prepare students to concentrate.

Riccio noted that studies have shown if fathers spend one hour more a day with their supposedly AD/HD sons, then AD/HD symptoms seemingly disappear. She also said that most children who are diagnosed with AD/HD are very intelligent, just unable to sit still in a public school environment - they don't find it stimulating enough.

Riccio said that adults with AD/HD learn to adapt through physical activity and breathing exercises. “Adults learn how to calm their mind through meditation or even yoga,” Riccio said.

She also suggests seeking homeopathic remedies to bring the body “back into balance.” That is, often sufferers of AD/HD have a cyclical low to match their hyperactive high.

CHADD suggests that adults with AD/HD should opt for a “team approach,” consisting of help from immediate family, significant others and healthcare professionals. The site also suggests that adults with AD/HD should enroll in “short or long-term psychotherapy.” And, of course, medication is recommended when needed to help sufferers organize themselves and their lives better.

Riccio believes that many adults have the tools to center themselves and help them deal with AD/HD symptoms. Typically, as a nation, our diets are terrible. This is something that a whole slew of books have been written about. Riccio considers this “…really obvious stuff. People just don't want to hear it.”

The CHADD website points out that until recently, AD/HD was thought to be a disorder that many grew out of. Hyperactivity typically calms in teenage years; however, there are often other symptoms that continue into adulthood and prevent adults from functioning in their full capacity.

These symptoms are serious and may cause problems with significant others, employers and family. There are also other psychological problems such as anxiety or depression that may be caused by untreated AD/HD in adults.

Regardless of the method that adults use to deal with this problem - whether it's Alex Riccio's holistic approach or the CHADD-recommended medication and psychotherapy - adults who have experienced these symptoms since childhood, and had at least two areas of their lives (such as social life, home or work) affected because of their symptoms should consider talking to a professional so that they may be of some help. For more information, CHADD's website is www.chadd.org and Alexandra Riccio can be reached at One Roof Holistic Care, (518) 581 - 3180.