By: Heather Willis

 Inattention -- A child with ADHD:  Is easily distracted  Does not follow directions or finish tasks  Does not appear to be listening when someone is speaking  Does not pay attention and makes careless mistakes  Is forgetful about daily activities  Has problems organizing daily tasks  Avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort  Often loses things, including personal items  Has a tendency to daydream  Hyperactivity -- A child with ADHD:  Often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting  Does not stay seated as expected  Has difficulty playing quietly  Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as a sense of restlessness)  Talks excessively  Impulsivity -- A child with ADHD:  Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn  Blurts out answers before the question has been completed  Often interrupts others

 Chronic lateness and forgetfulness  Anxiety  Low self-esteem  Employment problems  Difficulty controlling anger  Impulsiveness  Substance abuse or addiction  Poor organization skills  Procrastination  Low frustration tolerance  Chronic boredom  Difficulty concentrating when reading  Mood swings  Depression  Relationship problems

 The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including:  Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.  Chemical imbalance: Experts believe an imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that transmit nerve impulses may be a factor in the development of ADHD symptoms.  Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD.

 Children with ADHD can be angry, frustrated and depressed, especially before they’re diagnosed and treated. Imagine trying, day after day, and failing miserably, and wondering what is wrong with you and why you are different. Kids reports feelings of sadness, anger and frustration.

 Stimulants used to treat ADHD are Schedule II drugs.  Stimulants are the best- known and most widely used treatments. Between percent of children with ADHD respond positively to these medications.

 Common psychostimulant medications used in the treatment of ADHD include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Focalin), mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Adderall, Adderall XR), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat). Methylphenidate, amphetamine, and mixed salts of amphetamine are now available as both short- and long-acting preparations. Short-acting preparations generally last approximately 4 hours; long-acting preparations are more variable in duration - with some preparations lasting 6-8 hours, and newer preparations lasting hours.

 Although stimulants are the best tested and most widely used medications for the treatment of ADHD, some children, adolescents and adults respond just as well or better to treatment with other medications that are not stimulants.  Atomoxetine (Strattera) neither a stimulant nor an antidepressant. It alleviates inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms of ADHD by affecting specific aspects of the norepinephrine system.  Antidepressants that only affect the serotonin system - i.e. serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa) - have not been shown to be effective for treating primary symptoms of ADHD but may be effective against co-existing conditions. Clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine (Tenex) are sometimes prescribed to reduce excessive hyperactivity or severe insomnia in children with ADHD.

 Stimulants do not cure ADHD; when effective, it alleviates ADHD symptoms during the time it is active. Thus it is not like an antibiotic that may cure a bacterial infection, but more like eyeglasses that help to improve vision only during the time the eyeglasses are actually worn.

 The effects of psychostimulant medications are usually noticeable within minutes once an appropriate dose for that individual has been found. However, determining the proper dosage and medication schedule for each individual often takes a few weeks.  Nonstimulant medications often require several weeks before their full effects can be observed.

 Decreased Appetite/Weight Loss  Insomnia  Headaches/Stomachaches  Lethargy  Increased Blood Pressure  Irritability/Moodiness  Nervousness/Anxiety/Panic Attacks  Motor Tics  Depression  Suicidal Thoughts or Tendencies

 In a study out of Virginia, results showed that 48 percent of the 325 patients surveyed reported at least one side effect, most often loss of appetite, sleep problems, and mood swings. Differences between the drugs in terms of side effects were thought to be minor. About a fifth (21 percent) of the side effects were considered “very bothersome” or “extremely bothersome,” but only 20 percent of patients mentioned the side effects to their physicians.

 Therapy  Vitamins such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and fish oil.  Supplements  Nutrition adjustments to a more balanced diet and exclude sugary and processed food.  Avoid certain food colorings and additives.

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