Symptoms and Treatment of ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD as it is more commonly known, is characterized by restlessness and impulsivity. Though extensive studies have been done and are ongoing, much is still to be learnt about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of ADD. Symptoms vary so greatly in different individuals that it makes the diagnosis and treatment of ADD very difficult. ADD can occur in childhood, but so many of its symptoms are associated with the growing pains of childhood and diagnosis is often delayed. If treatment of ADD is not begun in childhood then the conditions will usually continue into adulthood and then manifest themselves in different ways.The most obvious symptom of ADD is the inability to sit still. Many parents see this as a normal phase of growing up for their own child, whereas others immediately rush to the doctor. Who is right? Well, extreme restlessness is a passing phase of childhood growth but can also be a sign of ADD; however restlessness on its own is not enough to start treatment of ADD. The American Psychiatric Association has listed 14 ADD symptoms: a minimum of 8 symptoms needs to be present in order to diagnose ADD and begin any treatment.
Included in this list of symptoms are:
- Restlessness
- Short attention span/Easily distracted
- Poor organization
- Impulsiveness
- Negative internal feelings
- Low energy
- Constantly looking for stimulation.
Each of the symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Attention Deficit Disorder is not, strictly speaking, a disease or ailment, but a condition that a person suffers from. Although there is no cure, treatment of ADD can help control the symptoms. However, treatment is ongoing and needs to be followed over a long period of time, sometimes even a whole lifetime. The symptoms of ADD can in themselves often prevent treatment. People with Attention Deficit Disorder tend to be very restless and get bored easily so that a daily regimen of ADD treatment becomes boring and is discontinued. ADD patients also get easily distracted by any external stimuli or new ideas. However, getting patients to stick to a course of treatment for ADD can educate them in how to overcome one of the main symptoms: the tendency to be easily distracted.
Sometimes a condition known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), brought about by lack of sunlight, is mistakenly diagnosed as Attention Deficit Disorder. Proper care should always be taken to prevent misdiagnosis, although research has indicated that there may actually be some connection between the two conditions. In Sarasota, Florida, many years ago, Dr John Ott, the leading expert on light-deficiency disorders showed that there was an association between ADD and light deficiency. It has been suggested that those suffering from ADD should consider using only full spectrum lights in their homes.
Natural remedies can help supplement the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, including those containing flaxseed oil, primrose oil, and fish oil. Any treatment of ADD should include a full compliment of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients. Avoiding foods that contain additives like aspartame, food colors, and foods that are cooked in trans-fats, is also recommended. Also take care to exclude any foods that can cause allergies, such as peanuts, eggs, dairy products, chocolates and wheat.
Prescriptions by Dr. Balch
