Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) affect approximately 5 percent of the world’s population.
Both Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder are typically diagnosed in childhood. ADD/ADHD is a neurological
disorder that is diagnosed because the patient exhibits a persistent
pattern of a short attention span and impulsiveness, often coupled
with hyperactivity, that can interfere with social interactions,
occupational performance, and educational performance. ADD/ADHD
usually begins to manifest in childhood and 40 percent outgrow ADD/ADHD
by adulthood.
ADD/ADHD has also become the “catch-all" category for
behaviors and attitudes that may have other root causes, which have
not been explored. While a definite ADHD
cause has not been discovered, it is currently believed that
this condition is a genetic disorder, although this has yet to be
proven. The current data is that 35 percent of adults who have children
diagnosed with ADD/ADHD have the disorder as well. However, one-fifth
of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are thought to have acquired this
disorder through environmental toxins or physical trauma.
Adult
ADD/ADHD
ADD/ADHD affects
30-50 percent of adults who were diagnosed in childhood. Often,
most of the childhood symptoms are outgrown and adult symptoms usually
take on different forms. Some of the usual symptoms of Adult
ADD are: short temper, stress intolerance, consistently forgotten
meetings, missed deadlines, overlooked social obligations, and impulsive
behavior. The impulsive behavior takes on the form of socially inappropriate
behaviors, such as blurting out something that is deemed rude or
offensive. To obtain an accurate diagnosis as an adult can often
be more difficult than with children due to the overlapping of other
conditions such as depression or substance abuse.
There are effective forms of treatment for both children and adults.
The usual course of action is to combine medication, counseling,
behavioral modification (children), lifestyle coaching (adults),
specialized ADHD nutrition, and
lifestyle change. Each form of therapy plays an important role with
learning how to cope with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
With Childhood ADD, behavioral
modification positively teaches acceptable social behavior. For
adults, employing a lifestyle coach can guide and encourage learning
how to work with this condition, not against it. Diet plays a big
part in all facets of someone’s lifestyle. By eliminating
sugars (including artificial sweeteners), preservatives, food colorings,
and flavorings—and incorporating foods that are high in protein
and nutrients—the patient can greatly impact ADD/ADHD behaviors.
In addition to trying an ADD
ADHD diet, it is important for both children and adults to allocate
more “green time." By spending more time outdoors, it
has been proven for both children and adults alike, to reduce the
symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder. It is recommended to spend at least 30 minutes a day in
a natural setting. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity,
something as simple as taking a walk or having a picnic/lunch outside
can be beneficial as a great mood booster.
