What is Attention deficit disorder (ADD) / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?  

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or attention deficit disorder (ADD) with hyperactivity, is the newest name given to a group of disorders of certain mechanisms in the central nervous system.  These disorders cause a variety of learning and behavioral problems for the affected individual and their entire family.  Often  someone who suffers from ADD/ADHD is labeled as having a learning disability, but the individual is usually of average or above average intelligence and highly creative. 

It was estimated that between 3 to 5 % of children in the United States have ADD/ADHD.  Boys are diagnosed of having ADD/ADHD 3 times more than girls. It was thought that ADD/ADHD was primarily a childhood disorder but it can be found in adults as well.  Experts say that 8 million adults may suffer from ADD/ADHD and 80% of them don’t even know it. ADD/ADHD is more complex disorder with adults.

Some experts say that ADD/ADHD in adults manifests itself not so much as problems with paying attention or impulse control, but a problem of self-regulation.  Without this self control, an adult’s ability to do tasks is impaired, because not only must the tasks be done, but they have to be scheduled, organized, and placed in proper perspective.  This condition can lead to marital conflicts, substance abuse, and financial problems.  Infidelity is common because ADHD adults easily become bored with things-including spouses.

Some factors that have been linked to the development of ADD/ADHD.  They are heredity, anxiety, allergies, hyperinsulinemia, oxygen deprivation at birth, environmental stress or pollutants, artificial food, additives, injury, infections, lead poisoning, and much more. 

There is no single test to determine if a person has ADD/ADHD.  A specialist makes the diagnosis by comparing a person’s behavior pattern against a set of criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association.

The person being tested has either six inattention symptoms or six hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms.  Symptoms of inattention include:

Does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

Has trouble keeping attention on activities.

Does not seem to listen when spoken to.

Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks.

Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks requiring sustained metal effort.

Loses things necessary to do tasks or activities.

Is easily distracted.

Is forgetful in daily activities.

Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:

Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in his or her seat.

Leaves his or her seat at times when remaining seated is necessary.

Feels restless or, as a child, inappropriately runs about or climbs excessively.

Has difficulty taking part in leisure activities or quiet play.

Is “on the go” or acts as if driven

Talks excessively.

Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

Has difficulty awaiting his or her turn.

Interrupts conversations or intrudes on other’s activities.

What is Anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders can effect people of all ages.  Anxiety disorders can be either acute or chronic.  Acute anxiety disorder is known as panic attacks.  Panic attacks are when the bodies "fight or flight" reaction occurs at the wrong time.  This involuntary response is the body's way of preparing to deal with an emergency situation.  Stress causes the body to produce more adrenal hormones, such as adrenaline.  This increased production of adrenaline causes the body to step up metabolism which causes muscles to tense, and heartbeat and breathing become more rapid.  In an accident or disaster this type of reaction is normal, but at other times this surge of adrenaline can be distressing and frightening.  A person having a panic attack is often over whelmed by a sense of impending disaster or death. Panic attacks are usually abrupt and intense and can happen during the day or at night. 

Some symptoms of a panic attack include: shortness of breath, smothering effect, claustrophobic sensation, heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, hot flashes, chills, trembling, numbness or tingling senations, sweating, nausea, distorted perception, aches and pains, muscular twitching, stiffness, depression, insomnia, nightmares, decreased libido, and inability to relax. 

Chronic anxiety is a milder form of this disorder.  Sufferers may feel anxiety much of the time, but it does not reach the intensity of those in an actual panic attack.  Headaches and chronic fatigue are common among people with this form of disorder.

What is depression?

Depression is a whole-body illness.  It effects the bodies nervous system, moods, thoughts and behavior.  It effects the way you eat and sleep and they way you feel.  People with depression usually withdraw and hide from society.  Here are some symptoms of depression; chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, inadequacy, feeling of worthlessness, loss of interest in hobbies, quickness to anger, restlessness, feeling sad, and much more.  The causes of depression are not fully understood.  Depression may be caused by tension, stress, traumatic life event, hyperstimulated immune system, chemical imbalances in the brain, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, sugar, lack of exercies, endometriosis, serious physical disorders, and allergies.  What ever factors trigger depression it begins with a disturbance in the part of the brain that governs moods.  When stress is too great for a person depression may be triggered. 

The above information was taken from a wide source of documents, articles, definitions and is for informational purposes only.  We are not responsible for any inaccurate reporting of the above definitions and terms.