Where Does ADHD Come From?

To this day, there is no clear answer to this question. We know that ADHD has a strong neurobiological basis. Neurobiological is a big word that refers to the nervous system. The nervous system is the system of cells, tissues, and organs that regulate the body's responses to internal and external stimuli. That’s your brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor and effector organs. I don’t want to scare you away with big words so just know this: scientists know that ADHD is based in your nervous system.
The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown but most roads lead to heredity. As with most other disorders it is almost certain there are multiple factors in this equation. But is it broadly (not completely) accepted that heredity usually is the leading factor.

There are instances where heredity does not seem to be a factor. In these cases difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, significantly low birth weight, excessively high body lead levels, and postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain have all been found to contribute to the risk for ADHD to varying degrees.
While heredity and all the other factors have been found to play a role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, the chances of having ADHD as a result of one of the factors above is not assured. Even if all of these things occur, there is still a chance that ADHD will not occur. It is obviously recommended; however, not to smoke or drink during pregnancy.

Confronting the myths

There are plenty of those who like to make amateur observations. This applies to ADHD as there are many people who believe ADHD is either a fraud, or is caused by bad parenting, social environment, sugar intake, food additives, too much TV, or even poverty.
Research on ADHD simply does not point to any of these things. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders may be serious if diagnosed, however, displaying some signs of the disorder does not automatically mean that your child has ADHD. While all of the things above may lead to other problems, they simply will not spawn medically diagnosed ADHD in your child.

In these situations, it is important for parents to learn more about their child's condition and explore potential non-prescription solutions like discipline, diet and limited time with non-productive activities. Creating a weekly schedule, or plan, for your child may help him/her to stay focused on specific activities like home work, house-work or sports.

ADHD in Adults

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults. However, few adults are identified or treated for adult ADHD.   

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.

Adult ADHD Stats

• ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an estimated 60% of those will maintain the disorder into adulthood.
• Prevalence rates for ADHD in adults are not as well determined as rates for children, but fall in the 1% to 5% range.
• ADHD affects males at higher rate than females in childhood, but this ratio seems to even out by adulthood.

Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD

The following behaviors and problems may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of related adjustment difficulties:

• 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.

These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social and unable to be alone.

School-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD may have:

• Had a history of poorer educational performance and were underachievers.
• Had more frequent school disciplinary actions.
• Had to repeat a grade.
• Dropped out of school more often.

Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Change employers frequently and perform poorly.
• Have had fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status.

Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Have a lower socioeconomic status.
• Have driving violations such as: be cited for speeding; have their licenses suspended; be involved in more crashes; rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits.
• Use illegal substances more frequently.
• Smoke cigarettes.
• Self-report psychological maladjustment more often.

Relationship-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Have more marital problems and multiple marriages.
• Have higher incidence of separation and divorce.

Much of this functional impairment diminishes with remission of the disorder and can be mitigated by appropriate treatment.

Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Symptoms and Characteristics
This condition is marked by learning disabilities, frequent forgetfulness, impaired judgment, excessive talking/interrupting, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, and organization problems.

What Causes ADHD?
Research shows the common factor in all forms of ADD and ADHD to be a coordination failure in the reticular activating system of the brain. This area of the brain helps coordinate external stimulus. A brain chemical, norepinephrine, carries information between different regions of the brain which allows certain areas to be activated while others are inhibited, allowing one to focus on selected external information, while excluding others.

In the case of ADHD this neural coordination is impaired, causing competitive stimulation from multiple external and internal sources -too much visual stimulation, too much sound stimulation, too many internal feelings and emotions, etc. When the limited neural network is overly taxed in this regard, it becomes unable to "tune in" or focus on some stimulation, while "tuning out," or "turning down" (attenuating) other stimulation. The results can be irritation, aggression and anxiety.

Sugar Consumption blunts the brain's ability to respond to norepinephrine, thus impairing brain coordination.

Allergies Up to 90% of all children with these conditions are allergic to red, yellow, and blue dyes found in food products. Other common food allergens include, cow's milk, peanuts, citrus, and tomatoes.

Family History

Oxygen Deprivation at Birth

Lead Poisoning

Dietary Deficiencies

Smoking During Pregnancy

What Treatments Are Available?

Conventional Approach

Conventional treatment most often includes the use of psycho stimulant or antidepressant drugs. Over time, however these drugs often become ineffective and cause a sort of rebound effect where frustration and anger return. Excessive use of stimulant drugs can cause lethargy and depression.

Alternative Approach

Fortunately there are natural alternatives that have shown to be very effective in treating this condition. which can often balance the brain chemistry naturally without the side effects of medications.

Herbs that are used to treat ADHD include:

Ginkgo Biloba, Scuttelaria (also known as Skullcap), German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Avena Sativa (Oatstraw), Rooibos, Lemon Balm, Valerian, Lobelia, and Hawthorn.

~ Considerations ~

Avoid Sugar: Research has shown that children with ADD and ADHD may not digest sugars properly. Sugar consumption has been linked to aggressive, restless behavior.

Avoid Soft Drinks: Both sugar-free and sweetened contain phosphates which displaces calcium/magnesium levels, causing exaggerated muscle activity.

Get Plenty of Sunlight: Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Occurring mostly in northern latitudes during the winter months, SAD produces ADD-like symptoms. Consider exposure to full-spectrum lighting if unable to spend time outdoors each day.

Consider Using Emotional Freedom Techniques: This method has had extremely promising results with ADHD!

*Note from Editor: If you are in need of a professionally prepared formula, alot of people have great results with one called Focus, which combines Ginkgo Biloba, Scuttellaria Laterifolia (also known as Skullcap), German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Avina Sativa Urtica Urens, and Rooibos to make an all natural ADHD formula that is a 100% safe, non-addictive alternative treatment for ADHD, without the risks and side effects of prescription psychiatric drugs.

Many children and adults alike are finding great relief from ADHD with this combination of herbs.

Get more info on Focus for ADHD
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