Fast Facts about ADD/ADHD
- ADD stands for Attention Deficient Disorder and ADHD stands for Attention Deficient with Hyperactivity Disorder.
- Global statistics reveal that 3-5% of children have ADHD.
- ADD/ADHD is more common in boys than girls. The prevalence ratio is 4 to 1.
- As reported by American Psychiatric Association, 5% of all American children suffer from ADHD.
- Worldwide, 6.4 million kids are affected by ADHD.
- Most of the kids diagnosed with ADHD are in between the ages of 4 to 17. But ADHD is not commonly diagnosed and many adults live without the knowledge of having it.
It is very common that many of us find it difficult to focus or concentrate at times. But there are people who feel that way all the time throughout their lives. ADD or ADHD are both mental health conditions in which people experience lack of concertation with or without hyperactivity. The victims are left with a crippled self-esteem as they realize they aren’t as smart or efficient as others. When combined with hyperactivity or an impulsive behavior, ADD or ADHD leaves one helpless to form stable relationships, enjoy family or social life or get a good job for that matter.
Scientists are still struggling to figure out what causes it in the first place. Many hypotheses suggest the following causes:
- Genetics: Children more likely to de be born with ADD or ADHSD if it runs in the family
- Surroundings: many environmental factors such as exposure to lead at an early age also increases the chances of developing ADD or ADHD
- Unstable development: nay child whose nervous system doesn’t develop like other kids at key developmental stages may also be at risk of developing ADD or ADHD as they grow old.
Symptoms
A majority of adults with ADHD depict very mild symptoms of the condition, however, there are few who suffer from severe symptoms, rendering them helpless to perform even the most basic of everyday tasks. The most commonly experienced symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Impulsiveness
- Disorientation and problems prioritizing
- Difficultly multitasking
- Bad time management
- Difficulty focusing on a single task
- Mood swings
- Poor planning
- Difficulty following through
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Short temper
- Difficulty coping with stress
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage ADD/ADHD, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing ADD/ADHD and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for ADD/ADHD. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with ADD/ADHD:
California poppy
California poppy is a safe and mild relaxant for the nervous system. Multiple studies are underway, based on the hypotheses how California poppy aids in preventing and combating behavioral and nervous disorders like ADD and ADHD in both children and adults. So far, it has shown remarkable success in improving concentration, poor memory and intellectual capacity in seniors.
Bacopa
A traditional Indian herbal remedy, Bacopa is used to treat a number of mental health conditions including ADD and ADHD. Its helps improve one’s memory, reduce anxiety, fight allergic reactions, and treat an irritable bowel. It is also an effective stress-relieving tonic and helps reduce the nervousness and jitteriness in the body caused by an anxiety attack.
Ginkgo
People have been using the leaves of the gingko biloba tree for thousands of years. Its use as a remedial medication has been used in many Chinese medications. In other part of the world such as the US, people incorporate gingko in their diets to treat a number of mental health conditions. It is known to sharpen one’s memory, and thinking, thus an effective and safe alternative than most medications to help children with ADHD and ADD. It does so by improving the blood flow in the brain.
Eleuthero
Used as a sedative, eleuthero possess stress-fighting properties that have helps fight depression, attention deficient disorder, and environmental sensitivity. Additionally, men also use it to stimulate their body’s prosecution of testosterone so that they can combat impotence and poor sexual performance.
Gotu Kola
Known as the memory herb, Gotu kola revitalizes the brain cells and aids in a number of health conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s and memory loss. It is also known to improve one’s learning and intelligence by improving one’s concentration, regain poor memory, and balance both the hemispheres of the brain and increase meditation ability. Most commonly used by seniors and teenagers to help with exams, this also promises clarity, mental alertness, improved energy levels and reduce jitteriness and nervousness one often feels in their bones. Many health experts recommend using Gotu kola for children who are mentally retarded, suffering from ADD/ADHD or looking for means to improve their IQ levels.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing ADD/ADHD, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.