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ADD, ADHD, AD/HD: Is There a Difference?
The history of ADHD dates back more than a hundred years ago and hasn’t always been called the same thing.
The terminology does get confusing but basically it is simply a difference in terminology. Currently, the official terminology & clinical diagnosis is AD/HD, or Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADD (attention deficit disorder – without hyperactivity), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or AD/HD (attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder) is classified into three different types.
The 3 types ADHD are:
- Predominantly hyperactive impulsive type
- Predominantly inattentive type
- Combined type
More commonly referred to simply as ADD by most people and many professionals ADD, ADHD and AD/HD all basically refer to the same condition.
What are the statistics on ADHD?
Based on epideminological data there is between 4% to 6% of the U.S. population that has ADHD:
2% – 4% of adults have ADHD (that’s roughly 8-9 million ADHD adult sufferers)
3% – 4% of children have ADHD (that’s roughly 2 million ADHD children)
As you can see ADD ADHD is not limited to children. ADHD typically develops in early childhood and can persist throughout a person’s lifetime.
What is the Definition of ADD ADHD?
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is the umbrella and most commonly referred to name of the disorder.
It is a group of symptoms that affect a person’s ability to focus, concentrate and stay on task.
ADHD Adults often find it hard to remember information, follow instructions, concentrate, organize their work or daily tasks and complete their work within proper time limits. When these conditions are not appropriately managed they can cause vocational and academic problems as well as behavioral, financial, social and emotional problems.
ADHD Children are characterized as having poor concentration, hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsiveness that is not appropriate for their age. The ADHD child is easily distracted by sights and sounds, can’t concentrate for long periods of time, may be restless, have a tendency to daydream and be slow completing tasks, especially tasks that do not interest them.
Because there are so many different traits, characteristics and symptoms associated with an ADD ADHD diagnosis it’s important to get as much information on ADHD as possible, and to learn about the various degrees and types of the condition.
It’s also important to realize there are numerous co-existing conditions as well as conditions that mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
There is no one size fits all diagnosis or treatment plan; ADHD is a very individualized person-specific disorder. Getting a diagnosis can be difficult and finding the right ADHD treatment plan often is through trial and error and persistence.
Keeping this in mind it is of utmost importance to seek out a qualified health care professional specialized in diagnosing and treating AD/HD as well as related coexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness and irritability to name a few.
How Do I Treat ADHD?
The conventional method of treating ADHD has typically been with stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and others. However, due to numerous undesirable and potentially dangerous side effects of stimulant prescription medications people are seeking safer and less harmful natural remedies.
Due to the demand for alternative ADD ADHD solutions, natural medications and treatment options are becoming more mainstream.
While prescription medicine certainly has it’s place in certain ADHD cases, careful consideration needs to be taken regarding the possible cautions and side effects.
Can Natural ADHD Remedies Help?
Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies can help maintain health, harmony and systemic balance in the nervous system and brain without side effects or sedation. These products support function in maintaining brain, circulatory health, nervous system health and general well-being.
Complementary alternative treatment options should also be explored and used when appropriate. These include making simple life style changes to diet, exercise, daily routine, sleep routine and expose to the outdoors.
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