Category Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Feb 18 2012

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is common in children and teenagers, but can also affect adults. The symptoms of ADHD include inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These are traits commonly displayed by children at some point or another, so before assuming the worst, realize that some of the symptoms might be normal for the child’s age.

With ADHD in adults, there may be some variation in symptoms. For instance, an adult may experience restlessness instead of hyperactivity. Many adults with ADHD consistently have problems with interpersonal relationships and employment.  A person with ADHD:

  • Will often have difficulty paying attention to details, and a tendency to make careless mistakes
  • Can become easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli usually ignored by others
  • Has difficulty performing tasks that require concentration and
  • Procrastinates or fails to complete tasks such as homework or chores.
  • Frequent shifts from one incomplete activity to another are also common, along with
  • An inability to listen to others, keep focus in conversations, and follow the details or rules of activities in social situations

First Aid treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder includes:

  • Daily exercise.  30 minutes a day is recommended. Activities that require close attention to body movements, such as dance, gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts are particularly good.
  • Get plenty of rest and try to spend more time outdoors.  Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in both children and adults.
  • Schedule regular meals or snacks no more than three hours apart. Make sure you’re getting enough zinc, iron, and magnesium in your diet. Consider a daily multi-vitamin if you’re unsure.
  • Add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. A growing number of studies show that omega-3s improve mental focus in people with ADD/ADHD. Omega-3s are found in salmon, tuna, sardines, and some fortified eggs and milk products.

Treatment for ADHD might also mean seeking outside help. Professionals trained in ADHD can help people learn new ways of coping with symptoms and change habits that are aggravating the condition.

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