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What is ADD/ADHD?
ADD has become a well known disorder. It is also known as Attention Deficit Disorder. This disorder has another name, described as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD.
According to Wikipedia ADHD, is described as...
The most common symptoms of ADHD are distractibility, difficulty with concentration and focus, short term memory loss, procrastination, problems organizing ideas and belongings, tardiness, impulsivity, and weak planning and execution. Not all people with ADHD exhibit all symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders categorises the symptoms of ADHD into two clusters: Inattention symptoms and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity symptoms. Most ordinary people exhibit some of these behaviors but not to the point where they seriously interfere with the person's work, relationships, or studies or cause anxiety or depression. Children do not often have to deal with deadlines, organization issues, and long term planning so these types of symptoms often become evident only during adolescence or adulthood when life demands become greater.
How Attention Deficit Disorder Affects Families
by Sarah K. Jenkins
Most parents come to understand that there is a lot of blame and frustration associated
with Attention Deficit Disorder.
The longer the problem has gone on for before being
diagnosed, there may be serious mental and emotional scars
as family members and the child dealt with issues associated
with ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder. This disorder is not only difficult
for parents, but also the child with ADD
and other siblings in the family.
There are many people affected by this disorder. However,
the obvious victim of ADD is the child.
Being accustomed to negativity, these children usually
suffer from very low self-esteem. Although they want to
behave well, they have impulsive actions that typically
result in constant punishment. Parents and teachers of
an Attention Deficit Disorder child often are
not aware or do not accept that the child suffers from
a disorder and they are not always acting on a conscience
level. The child, after being reprimanded and not being
able to control their actions, is left feeling as though
they will never be adequate or meet everyone else's expectations.
The parents of an ADD child suffer from incredible frustration
and doubt of their parenting skills. Often ridiculed by
teachers, family members, and other acquaintances, they
are often viewed as being the cause of their child's behavior,
as though lack of discipline is the root cause of their
child's actions. Attention Deficit Disorder sometimes
places a strain on the parents' marital relationship as
well, as parents blame each other for being overly lenient
or harsh in their rearing habits. This can lead to many
arguments and disagreements that prove to be difficult
on spouses.
An often forgotten casualty of Attention Deficit Disorder
is the siblings of a child with ADD. Often not apparent,
siblings in this situation often experience similar frustration
and anxiety as the parents and child with ADD. Jealously
sometimes plays a factor in their feelings as their sibling
requires so much more attention, even if it is negative
in nature. Also, these children often get the brunt of
their sibling's impulsive actions, including aggressive
behavior typical of ADD. These children may also find
themselves being categorized in school and other social
environments because of their sibling's behavior, which
can also have a negative connotation.
In addition to immediate family, grandparents, aunts,
uncles, and cousins may also be affected when a child
has ADD. Depending on the closeness of the family, behavior
outbursts and discipline issues may be a factor dealt
with on various levels. In extreme cases, Attention Deficit
Disorder may actually cause some familial relationships
to be severed.
Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has
written extensively on the subject of Attention Deficit
Disorder. For more of her articles, go to Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD) now.
For more great ideas on managing Attention Deficit
Disorders (ADD) why not visit:-
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder Online support group
http://www.adders.org/
An Introduction
Over the past few decades, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) has captured the attention of millions
of people. Across this nation researchers, educators,
and clinicians
http://www.middleschooladhd.com/
Attention deficit
disorder information, product, and services site for ADD
& ADHD related issues.
http://www.oneaddplace.com/
Help and advice
for parents of ADHD and ADD children
http://www.addadhdadvances.com/
Diagnosis ADD ADHD
Now What? ... to assist parents and teachers devise a
plan of action AFTER ADD ADHD diagnosis
http://www.addchoices.com/
Other
Attention Deficit Disorders ADD Sites
For More Information:
Contact your local Mental Health Association,
community mental health center, or:
National Mental Health Association 2001 N. Beauregard
Street, 12th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311 Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA TTY Line 800/433-5959
National Clearinghouse on Teenage
Attention Deficit Disorders Resources and Treatment
Phone: 800-729-6686 http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/
For guidance and recommendations - call
1-877-202-2556 toll free. We have consultants waiting to take
your call 24 hours a day/7 days a week - Call Us now about help for ADD-ADHD!. |
