Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder is a fairly recently recognized affliction that professionals are just beginning to understand. One of the biggest problems that people with ADD have is understanding what other people might be feeling or thinking, which often leads to inappropriate behavior. They don’t try to avoid social interaction, but struggle to recognize non-verbal communication signals and facial expression that those who do not have ADD have no problem interpreting. Because of these issues, having a relationship with someone who has been diagnosed with ADD can often be difficult or trying. Below are some tips that can help you deal with your ADD spouse, as developed by a certified attention deficit consultant.
Stay Calm
Losing your temper will only make things worse, giving your partner the opportunity to call you disrespectful or unreasonable. Let whatever it is that made you mad go and calm yourself down before dealing with it. Someone with ADD will most likely not understand why you are so angry, making the situation much worse than it needs to be.
Take Notes
If you successfully let things slide instead of getting angry, the tendency is to forget about them so that they are never addressed. While getting mad is not the solution, neither is forgetting about the initial transgression. Take notes and write down what you want to talk about so that it can be discussed later. This can also help to show an unreasonable partner with ADD that their behavior repeats itself. This often helps convince them that they need to try to do better.
Regularly Discuss Problems and Issues
It’s a good idea to set up a time each week to discuss any problems and issues you might be having with your ADD spouse. This will allow you to voice your concerns in a calm and even manner, and the problems that you have not addressed during the week will still be fresh in your mind. Never go into one of these meetings when you feel angry. This will only make the problems worse and give your partner an excuse to not deal with their issues.
Take a Break
As a caring and loving spouse, it is very easy to get wrapped up in your partner’s disorder. This often creates a situation where you focus on their issues instead of dealing with your own. The more your ADD spouse’s behavior bothers you, the more that behavior can completely consume your life. Forgetting about yourself and your own needs can end up ultimately making the situation worse as you become more and more mentally exhausted and unable to cope with the ADD symptoms. When things get really bad, take a break for yourself and your sanity. Do something relaxing, for example take a nap or go to the gym. Take your mind off of the issues at home by being selfish for just a few hours. The break can help you reset your mindset and refocus your energies.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Too many people with ADD partners find themselves in a situation where the only social interaction they have is with their ADD spouse. This can be very unhealthy. That’s why it’s important to have at least one friend who supports you as you struggle to make your marriage work. Go out to eat, go to a movie, or just go for drinks. Having someone other than your spouse to bounce ideas off of can help you figure out how to better deal with the ADD and issues related to it.
Be a Good Listener
It is very easy to treat your spouse with ADD as just another child in the family. This often manifests itself in you ordering them around and not really listening to what he or she has to say with an open mind and heart. If you order your spouse around the likely reaction is a refusal to listen to you. Listening to what they have to say and gently asking questions will produce much better results.
Let Others Do the Busy Work
If you have the financial means to do so, try to get others to do things like mow the yard or babysit. The less chores and responsibilities there are around the house, the less chance there is of a misunderstanding or of your spouse shirking their duties.
Find a Support Group
Having friends that support you and your situation is a great thing, but it may not be enough. Talking to others in the same situation can be a great way to find relief and gain more understanding. It is very easy to start feeling like you are the only one in the world who is dealing with an ADD spouse. Support groups are very helpful, and you might even want to consider counseling for the whole family. If your partner hasn’t been officially diagnosed, then going to the doctor and making it official could help him or her realize that they do have an actual disorder. It may also help to take education courses in attention deficit disorder to more fully understand what your spouse is suffering from.
ADD can be a serious disorder that negatively affects every aspect of a person’s life, including all of their relationships. As the spouse of someone with this disorder, you need to have a great deal of patience and understanding, but you also need to make sure that your partner understands that they need to do the same. The key to success includes realizing that the person with ADD sees the world differently than you do and reacts to situations in ways that you might not understand or accept. Remaining calm and not overreacting when your spouse does something that makes you angry is also incredibly important. A person with ADD will shut down or try to place the blame on you if you yell at them or chastise them, much like a small child would do. Making your family work is the most important thing in the world, and with a little effort and a lot of patience you can overcome a diagnosis of ADD in the spouse that you love and cherish. Love conquers all, even when your spouse is acting like a small spoiled child.
To learn more about attention deficit disorder counseling and other ADHD counseling techniques you should go to our page.

Attention Deficit Disorder: Myths and Misconceptions.

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a mental disorder that involves an inability to concentrate for long periods of time. Starting in 1996, ADD was officially re-classified as a sub-type of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that may also involve hyperactivity. However, the older terms, attention deficit disorder and ADD, are often still used to refer to all types of ADHD.
ADD is often misunderstood and there are many common myths about attention deficit disorder that need to be dispelled. Below you will find a discussion of several of the more common myths associated with ADD as defined by those who have taken education programs in attention deficit disorder.

Myth #1: ADD Is Not a Real Medical Disorder
When many people observe children with ADD, they interpret what they see as a child with a behavior problem. They may think that the child just needs to be disciplined more so they won’t act out as much. They may even blame it on the parents or the teachers. However, while a child can be taught skills that will help manage their ADD symptoms, their behavior is definitely not just a matter of willful misbehavior. ADD is a very real medical disorder that is clearly defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that essentially serves as the bible for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and others who work with those with ADD. in fact, there are well-defined parameters that must be met to receive a diagnosis of ADD.
Myth #2: ADD Is Only Found In Children
While it is true that attention deficit disorders are most often first diagnosed in children, ADD is found in four to six percent of all adults. However, these adults often remain undiagnosed. In fact, many adults are first diagnosed with ADD when their children are diagnosed with it and they recognized that they have many of the same symptoms as their children. ADD does tend to run in families. The reason ADD is more commonly diagnosed in children than adults is because teachers and other school professionals such as school counselors and nurses are trained to look for ADD symptoms in children. Also, if a child is suspected to have ADD, they can be quickly and easily evaluated with the help of school resources.
Myth #3: You Can Grow Out Of ADD
People who have ADD do not actually grow out it, although in about half of them the symptoms are no longer recognizable into adulthood. This is because many children and teens learn how to manage their symptoms very effectively.
Myth #4: All Rambunctious Children Have ADD
This is not at all true. Just because a child happens to be rambunctious, the underlying reasons for this may not be ADD. It could be they are having a problem at home. They may have another emotional issue that is causing them to act out. They may be eating too much sugar. Only a professional can distinguish between ADD and other reasons for rambunctious behavior.
Myth #5: People With Attention Deficit Disorder Have Learning Disabilities
People with ADD may have trouble focusing on assignments or tasks at work but this does not mean they have any difficulty actually taking in new information and assimilating it. In fact, some of the brightest and most creative individuals in the world have ADD. Some studies have even suggested a correlation with ADD and above average intelligence. There is some evidence that giving medications for ADD can quash creativity and imaginative thinking. There are many famous artists, musicians, writers, politicians, and businesspersons who are thought to have had ADD. These include Mozart, Dali, George Bernard Shaw, and Abraham Lincoln.
Myth #6: Only Boys Get ADD
Girls struggle with ADD too. However, it is true that more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADD. In fact, boys are diagnosed with ADD on average about three to four more often than girls. However, some studies suggest that this may be due to a observational bias because teachers, parents, and other adults are expecting to see ADD in boys more than in girls. At any rate, you should not discount the possibility of girls having ADD, especially if it runs in the family. Also, keep in mind that the symptoms for ADD in girls may be more subtle than they are in boys.
We hope that this article helps to dispel some of the more common myths about attention deficit disorder. If you are unsure whether your loved one has ADD, it is always best to consult a doctor or a certified attention deficit consultant.
If you want to learn more about Attention Deficit Disorder education then you might want to visit our website.

How Attention Deficit Disorder Counseling Training Can Help!

If you would like to help people that are suffering from ADD or attention deficit disorder then you should look into what you can do to get the training that you need. If you are a health care professional you will be able to get a certificate that will help you to help people that suffer from this condition. ADD is a disorder in which people have a problem with inattention, disorganization, procrastination, and forgetfulness. This can be diagnosed in people at a very young age and often presents itself in kids at school when they are unable to pay attention. Getting certification to help people with this will allow you to help diagnose people and to help treat people. There are many treatment options for people depending on how bad they have the disorder. Look into getting certified today so that you can start helping people as soon as possible.

Nutrition is extremely important for the body for a number of different reasons. It’s even been shown that individuals can improve their attention deficit disorder symptoms by eating the right foods and taking the proper supplements. When the body is balanced with the proper vitamins and nutrients, it’s able to function much better. There are a lot of different supplements you can try out if you’re interested in seeing if they are effective.

How Nutrition and Attention Deficit Disorder are Linked

Types of Supplements to Consider Trying out.
Fish oil is a supplement that is easy to find and it’s affordable. It comes in pill form, but there is also raw form that is liquid. You could also choose to just eat more fish each day if you want to avoid supplements. Fish oil has essential omega-3 fatty acids that are extremely good for the body. The acids are good for the brain, which is why they have been shown effective for ADHD. Fish oil is also really good for the heart and can help reduce chances of heart disease developing.
Lithium is a common element that is also used for many people who suffer from ADHD. In addition to being used for this, it’s also used for a lot of different mental problems. These include illnesses like epilepsy and Grave’s Disease. Trace amounts of lithium are found inside of most rocks, which is where it got the name from. It works with a lot of growth factors and hormones in the body. This is why it’s effective for so many people.
Zinc is another essential element that is good for the body. It can do a wide variety of things, including relieve diarrhea and cure the common cold. This element boosts the immune system and promotes proper growth in the body. Lack of zinc can end up causing a lot of health problems, which is why it’s so important to maintain proper levels of it. Many people use this to help relieve symptoms of ADHD and there is evidence to support claims.
There are a wide variety of other supplements that people have found effective for their ADHD. Although there isn’t enough evidence to support them being promoted as cures; there are some people that have been able to use to use them effectively. Not all results turn out the same, each person is different. Some other supplements and vitamins people use include: Deanol, flaxseed oil, ginseng, magnesium, melatonin, vitamin c and many others. It’s very important to speak with a doctor before you start taking any supplements.
What Type of Diet to Start?
If you aren’t eating healthy, your brain isn’t going to function properly. Healthy foods are full of pure forms of vitamins and nutrients, which will be delivered to all areas in the body that need them. Insufficiency from a bad diet can cause a wide variety of health problems for people of all ages. A lot of people have found that when they change their diet they feel better, lose weight and don’t suffer from all the usual symptoms of ADHD. The brain is able to function more efficiently when it’s not filled up from a bunch of toxins that are in unhealthy foods.
Nutrition and attention deficit disorder go hand in hand. Many people have been able to stop taking medication for this condition as a result of changing their diet. Results are always different depending on the person and their exact disorder, but it’s worth trying out. There is no harm in eating healthier and getting more nutrients in your everyday diet. Your body is going to perform better, you have more energy and you will think more clearly as well! Good nutrition is something that can benefit adults and even children who have ADHD.

One of the easiest things you can do is swap out your simple carbohydrates (pasta, rice, bread) for raw or lightly cooked vegetables. These are packed full of healthy nutrients that your body and brain are going to really love. Those fatty and fried foods you might be currently eating are just filling you up with toxins. Your ADHD symptoms might actually get worse when you eat really unhealthy foods. It’s also important to eat grains, fruits and calcium to keep the body healthy.
For more information on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder please visit our site.

A new study has shown there is a link between infant malnutrition and attention deficit disorder.  In adults studied with ADHD, they were all malnourished in their first year of life.  The same adults showed Attention Deficit problems throughout their school years as well.   An article by Barbara Diggs on nutraingredients.com has more.

Infant malnutrition increases risk of adult attention deficit disorder: Study

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Infant-malnutrition-increases-risk-of-adult-attention-deficit-disorder-Study

Make sure you properly monitor your infant’s nutritional needs, you should not have to worry about attention deficit disorder.   If you would like to learn more about Attention Deficit Disorder, please visit our page.

I am a third grade teacher and mother and I have a child and students that suffer from attention deficit disorder. I did not have much knowledge on this problem only the brief information the doctors that diagnosed my son with it 

gave me. I felt like I needed to get educated more so I can know as a parent and teacher how to better deal with this problem. I did some research online and found that there’s an attention deficit consulting course that I can take to further my knowledge and teach me how to deal better with the problem. I learned about the different methods of treatment and the sign and symptoms of someone with ADD. The course has helped me tremendously with dealing with my child and my students I don’t feel so helpless are in the about ADD anymore. I’ve even been able to help some of my students parents better understand the problem.

Attention Deficit Disorder is a behavioral pattern characterized by hyperactivity or hyperkinesias of brain activity resulting in inattentive and impulsive behavior. Officially, Attention Deficit Disorder is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), but commonly people use the term A.D.D. to refer to the disorder.
Typically A.D.D. is a psychiatric disorder diagnosed and treated in children. This is important because it is a developmental disorder that can have unhealthy effects into adulthood. Many people that have been diagnosed in childhood with A.D.D. tend to lead chaotic lifestyles and become much disorganized at times. Most of these symptoms go untreated which can lead to unhealthy choices such as reliance on non-prescription drugs and impulsive behavior, especially under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It remains unclear how many adults are diagnosed with A.D.D. because many people were not diagnosed as children. It is known however that boys have A.D.D. three times as much as girls according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It’s also known that A.D.D. crosses all ethnicities and countries in about the same numbers.
The causes of A.D.D. are still relatively unknown, but the Professional Group for Attention and Related Disorders have noted that scientific studies show that the disorder is genetically transmitted and result in a chemical imbalance and deficiency in neurotransmitters. A study completed by the National Institute for Mental Health concluded that the rate that the brain uses glucose, its primary source of energy, is lower in children with A.D.D. Although it is not officially known the direct cause, a number of detailed studies have shown A.D.D. is not environment based, and therefore not caused by parents or teachers.
What are the symptoms of A.D.D.?
The three main signs of Attention Deficit Disorder are inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While usually focused on a child’s behavior, these signs can apply to adults as well.
Inattentiveness
– Does not pay attention to detail and make careless mistakes in schoolwork or menial tasks.
– Does not listen when directly spoken to.
– Does not follow through with instruction and fails to finish schoolwork or assignments.
– Has difficulty organizing tasks
– Easily distracted by small stimuli
– Forgetting tasks in a daily routine
Hyperactivity
– Fidgets with hands and feet
– Talks excessively
– Always “on the move” to do something new
– Restlessness in adults and excessively running and movement in children
Impulsiveness
– Often intrudes and interrupts
– Acting before thinking
– Difficulty waiting one’s turn
– engaging in risky behavior
It is important to note that most people experience these symptoms from time to time. Some people many exhibit this behavior consistently. It does not mean these people have A.D.D. People including parents and teachers, should not be making any diagnosis themselves. Those concerned with the potential of the disorder should seek a medical professional.
How is A.D.D. treated?
Standard treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder are medication and counseling.
Medications
Medications are only prescribed when diagnosed by a doctor. If needed, a doctor will prescribe either a stimulant, non-stimulant, or anti-depressant based on the person’s condition and medical history. As with any medication there can be side effects but with A.D.D. medications they are rare if taken properly.
Counseling and Social Training
There are various types of counseling available to treat A.D.D. sufferers and their family members. These include family therapy, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, parenting skill training and social skills training. All of these treatments tend to be successful as it involves all members of the family working with mental health professionals.
Support Groups
These can be a great source of comfort for parents or adults with A.D.D. to bond and sort out issues affected by the disorder. Fears, concerns and other problems can be addressed in a compassionate environment where everything can be voiced and no one feels alone.
Attention Deficit Disorder is a real concern for parents with children that excessively display the signs of the disorder. At a crucial developmental stage, this disorder can have lasting effects. It’s important to seek a mental health professional if the behavior is unmanageable.