Author Archive

by Victor Raff

The exact causes of ADHD are not know yet. It is known that ADHD is connected to the brain’s neurotransmitters. Chemicals that the brain uses are called neurotransmitters. Two of these chemicals are called dopamine and norepinephrine.

When a child’s dopamine and norepinephrine levels are abnormal, they have ADHD. These abnormal levels can be caused by both environmental and biological factors.

ADHD is linked with causes like: Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke, even smoke in a child’s nearby environment, Premature birth, Lead poisoning, Usage of substance during pregnancy (Drinking alcohol, cocaine, other drug), In the early stage of development having low iron, high blood lead, significant under-nutrition. And rarely: after a serious brain infection / trauma to the brain.

How to treat ADHD: The treatment plan includes medication to control their symptoms Most common medicines used are methylphenidate (some brand names: Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine (brand name: Dexedrine), pemoline (brand name: Cylert), atomoxetine (Strattera), and a combination drug called Adderall. These medicines improve attention and concentration, and decrease impulsive and overactive behaviors. Never use these or other medicines without or against your doctor’s advice!

Parent naturally want to know how to help their child. Children with ADHD need a structured routine and to know what is expected of them. Parents, teachers and doctors should team together to create open communication. Speaking with an ADHD specialist or getting the child counseling along with medication would benefit the child, as well. Speak with your doctor and come up with a plan together.

About the Author:

Comments No Comments »

by Victor Raff

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADD stands for Attention deficit Disorder. These disorder names cover a group of behaviors that children or adults can have. The main problems it causes is in focusing and concentrating, also paying attention. These people seem to be a lot more active and/or impulsive than their peers. Problems in relationships as well as learning can result from this behavior. A lot of kids are misdiagnosed as problem children, when they have ADHD, as it starts in childhood.

ADHD causes deficits in executive function: the ability to complete tasks, plan and think ahead, control impulses, organize, and follow through. You can help your child in learning to acquire these executive skills on their own by having a positive attitude and common sense. Common sense will tell you which behaviors to work on the most, when to negotiate and when to stand firm, and how to head off problems before they start. A positive attitude will help you see the small, praiseworthy successes that can add up to permanent improvement in your child’s behavior.

There are two main categories of symptoms: Inattention and Hyperactivity. An inattentive person will exhibit the following: very easily distracted, often make careless mistakes in school or at work, might neglect to pay attention to details, will often start off strong on a task but then fail to complete it, trouble following directions and often forget things, procrastinators, might have difficulty with housework/remembering paying bills, difficulty sleeping, as their mind is occupied by too many thoughts, they become frustrated easily, have emotional outbursts, and frequent mood swings, seems disorganized, is easily distracted.

Hyperactivity symptoms are:Can’t sit still, moves hands and feet, fidgety, very impulsive behavior, having trouble listening/paying attention to others, children have trouble playing quietly, difficulty waiting in line / waiting for their turn, runs or climbs inappropriately, blurts out answers, interrupts people, talk too much, is always on the go. A child must exhibit these behaviors for at least three months to be diagnosed correctly.

In diagnosing ADHD, the process of “clinical judgment” is used. There are no lab tests that can be used to determine the disorder. this process involves a doctor asking specific questions about the patient’s behavior and symptoms as well as other factors in their life. The symptoms have to fit into the ADHD profile only, to be properly diagnosed.

The doctor generally collects information from parents and teachers, this is because ADHD is a behavior condition, we can only know this condition by studying the patient’s behavior through the people who are most close to them. Children behave different when they are at school or at home. This is another reason why also the teachers need to be questioned. If the teachers and parents are one in their observations it will be a most likely accurate diagnose for the condition. When they disagree, the doctor should look for other diagnosis.

Another way for the doctor to conclude a diagnosis for ADHD is to let the parents fill out questionnaires. One kind of questionnaires ask about symptoms, another about medical and psychological problems. With the information from the questionnaires and the parents / teachers there should be a third evaluation: a precise interview about the medical history and a physical exam of the patient. Make sure the doctor has the most complete information to enable him to make an accurate diagnose of ADHD.

About the Author:

Comments No Comments »

by Victor Raff

Some women are still in the dark when it comes to detecting their own possible pregnancy. They may suspect something is taking place in their body, but choose to wait. When they finally begin to show, they go to the doctor, only to have him confirm their suspicions. Your body is giving you all sorts of indications that are meant to alert you to go to the doctor. After all, pregnancy is happy time full of planning and expecting.

Tips in identifying pregnancy

1. Morning sickness: Being nausea in the morning or evening for a week. This is a clear sign that you need to take action. Buy a pregnancy test or see your doctor.

2. Eating habits changing and mood swings;Pair this with nausea and you are pretty sure to be pregnant.

3. A missed period; All 28 day cycles vary, you will notice the fertilization period. This delay in your period can be up to 14 days. This factor, along with the previous two, is almost a sure positive result in pregnancy.Because all women are unique, the symptoms can vary and be experienced differently. A woman’s surroundings can also affect her circumstances.

As soon as you suspect or confirm pregnancy, you need to do these three things: Firstly, get good prenatal care. This can clear up all the confusion and keep anxiety at bay. This also keeps you informed and in control of your thoughts. Secondly, the support of your family and friends is very important. Having this will make you feel more relaxed about the situation. Talking with your mom or women who have children is a good way to learn from them. Thirdly, read pregnancy books and journals. They can help you with your own pregnancy symptoms and reassure you of the end result.

All of these things are such a small step on the way to becoming a mom. It is life changing, knowing a new life is growing inside of you. Be sure to do so with love, knowledge, care and understanding and the end result will be a good adult. Starting on a solid foundation, you cannot go wrong.

About the Author:

Comments No Comments »