Attention Deficit Disorder?
486579
Check the CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).  The site has info for adults and employment problems, advocacy, health insurance, professional directory, and a resource center.
479822
ADHD is a medical condition. Medication controls the SYMPTOMS of this disorder but it doesn't cure it. Some kids, like the one in my class with ADHD right now, actually do worse on the meds and have to be taken off. Then there are side effects. For other kids, medication has helped tremendously and worked well. The kind, dosage, and timing of the medication must be experimented and adjusted.\n\nWhatever you decide to do, medication SHOULD NOT be the only, or indeed the primary, means of intervention. You say he is not focused or organized. It is imperative that you find someone to help you teach your son skills and stratgies to help him cope with these challenges. You have the right as a parent to request special services for your son. That is, to ask under special education law or the American with Disabilities Act to have accomadations made for your son in the classroom.\n\nWhat kind of doctor diagnosed and prescribed medication? Hopefully you have the resources to take your son to a doctor who specializes in ADHD and related conditions. Other conditions mimic ADHD but do not respond to medication because they aren't the same medical disorder.\n\nYou may also desire to have your son tested for food allergens or sensitvities and monitor him for sleep disturbances. Also, increase the amount of physcial activity that he gets each day and limit the amount of computer games, video games, and television programs to less than 30 minutes a day. None of these things actually causes ADHD but in my opinion they may worsen the effects. \n\n\nTo sum up: it is not always necessary nor desirable to treat ADHD with medication though sometimes it is very useful. But medication should ALWAYS be paired with other interventions and therapy to work with the child.\n\nGood luck!
288831
The syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.  However, in the United States, ADD/ADHD is the most diagnosed childhood psychological disorder. Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.  Symptoms of this syndrome may include: Poor impulse control and internal self-monitoring, attention inconsistencies, chronic procrastination, the need for instant gratification, poor organizational skills, hyperactivity and hypoactivity, poor peer relationships, poor concept of time, and the need for highly stimulating activities.\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can coexist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.  ADD/ADHD places people at risk of everything from school failure to drug abuse. \n\nEven though the syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition, people should not be left to flounder with their difficulties when there are treatments available that will help.  Failure to treat ADHD carries significant risks whose lifelong consequences are well known.
1169150
I have Adhd, and "emotional" problems...I am called "disabled" and I know I have problems, but to me things are"normal" Lol, really since no one is perfect, what is a disability?
176099
The syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.\n\nThere are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nThere are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.  Followers of the news know that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates are different from one community to the next.  \n\nUnfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nRitalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.\n\n College students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nA thorough evaluation of the person’s abilities, including appropriate screening for learning disabilities, should be made.  A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may then be determined by assessing the difficulties the person has with their ability to stay on task, control impulsivity, and maintain attention and organization.  A person with ADD/ADHD, left undiagnosed and untreated, is at a greater risk of underachievement in the classroom and on the job, substance abuse, poor relationships, lack of self esteem, and problems with the law.  While Ritalin is effective in reducing these risks among ADD/ADHD sufferers, it should be used in conjunction with other methods.
975819
Dyslexic students have extra learning perception, listening and observation, They get a slow start reading and catch up with peers later, unless it is diagnosed early.\n\nAttention deficit disorder is becoming more common due to diet and electronic gadgets. All except for real ADD patients, which are rare, children respond well to diet, active exercise, meditation, and less electronic exposure.\n\nThey should avoid all TV, Trash music and video gaming until their nervous system is balanced.\n\nMedia and gaming have the potential to help, but it's the design of the programming which sets them into a neurotic whirlwind.\n\nCalming music, and environment is best. Some children also react nervously in high emotional settings, such as conflicting siblings and stressed out parents.\n\nDiet isssues start with the parents habits. They serve as models in every activitiy around the home. \n\nA child may be behaving badly to get attention. The child's behavoir is supported by the reactions of the parents. The nervous behavoir may be a method the child uses to control or effect the parent.\n\nSo, please seek professional services to identify the source of the problem. Stop feeding your kids cola. Stop yelling. Learn to be calm assertive with the children.\n\nTo be the best parent please seek professional advice.
215533
ADD/ADHD is VERY real. It is an imbalance in function between different parts of the brain. Stimulants (caffiene, medications, etc.) bring the "slower" areas into closer functioning with the "faster" areas, allowing the brain sections to communicate better and reducing distractibility, fidgeting, confusion, etc. \n\nThere are many good educational programs for children to learn to deal with their symptoms. "How Does Your Engine Run" is a good one (check with Occupational Therapists). \n\nMedication is a decision to make with your physician. Because it is not always clear how each medicine affects different areas of the brain, and because each and every person with ADHD has different combinations of active/inactive areas of the brain, often several medications must be tried, at different doses, before symptoms are relieved. Some people do not benefit from currently available medications. Do NOT stay with a medicine if it is not relieving symptoms, or if the side effects are not acceptable. Medication is a tool, not a requirement. \n\nShop for a good school in your area, with good teachers who understand and know how to work with people living with ADHD. Insist that the school OT evaluate your child for Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and that your child be placed on either a 504 plan or recieve an IEP (your child qualifies for this help under "other health impaired" through the Individuals with Disabilities Act/IDEA) to ensure teachers are giving the classroom and instructional modifications that will best help your child learn.\n\nGood luck.
256587
Please do not listen to martinamagrace.   ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.\n\nyes there are side effects to medication.  the effects on people are different as no one is the same. \n\n\nThe syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.  Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.  Symptoms of this syndrome may include: Poor impulse control and internal self-monitoring, attention inconsistencies, chronic procrastination, the need for instant gratification, poor organizational skills, hyperactivity and hypoactivity, poor peer relationships, poor concept of time, and the need for highly stimulating activities.\n\nEven though the syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition, children should not be left to flounder with their difficulties when there are treatments available that will help.  Failure to treat ADHD carries significant risks whose lifelong consequences are well known: Failure to get an education, poor self esteem, substance abuse, and antisocial behaviors that become habitual and can contribute to failure at life. \n\n ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.  There are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.\n\n People are understandably squeamish about ADD/ADHD and medicating children who are otherwise healthy.  When the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  Unfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nPeople seem to be worried that children will abuse the medication or that the drug will make them lethargic which is a major misconception about Ritalin.  Ritalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.  \n\nCollege students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nAnyone who watches the news knows that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates vary widely from one community to the next.  Many people come to the conclusion that doctors are simply drugging healthy children into submission.  Skepticism is justified.  Consumers can be led to think they’re sick when they are not.  Ads may encourage them to blame poor discipline or lack of accomplishment on a disease, perhaps even consider getting disability compensation.\n\nThough most research supports the belief that ADD/ADHD is a brain-based disorder, more specific and detailed criteria needs to be established to diagnose someone with this dis
430806
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavioural problem/difficulty mainly affecting young persons, Bi-polar disorder is a severe mental health problem affecting adults which can lead the sufferer to suicidal ideation.
841065
Good Luck! I have a 15 yo with the same problem. He is ADHD with severe impulsivity and it has been a continuous battle to do any kind of school work. He would come up with all kinds of excuses about not doing his school work. I also didn't know what to do. So I started NOT letting him do anything. No TV, no video games (on TV or portable), no friends over, no going anywhere, nothing. He finally got the message. He told me he was going to give me "The Mean Mom" award because I wouldn't let him do anything or go anywhere. The thing was he knew most of the work, just had a hard time putting it on paper. He is in high school now and being homeschooled (which really works out much better). But the 'doing nothing' still stands if he doesn't do the work. He still has a problem with taking it out of his head and putting it on paper (he can tell you anything you want to know about his subjects, orally). But he has to put it on paper. But now he will sit down and do the work. I told him I was not having this foolishness anymore, I know he can do the work and if he wants any free time he'd better get it done.
950726
my daughter just growing out of adhd.  she had Ritalin for a while and it totally took over her personality.  i took her off all meds after that and worked out different forms of concentration techniques, it took time and patience but she's getting there. good luck
239394
You may need to get checked for depression or adhd...I go through that a lot too.  One idea is to break down big projects into smaller ones that you can complete a little bit at a time.
408578
this is probably something you dont want to hear but maybe you need to get him tested.  sounds like he may need medicine help to keep him focused so that he can concentrate better in school. good luck...
650663
My son has ADHD, in the worst way. It is very very hard. Especially when he has a schedule to follow. Most tasks are very hard for him to complete because he is so easily distracted. He is 7 and is on medication, and even that isn't 100% effective. You take a deep breath, and tell yourself they are not doing IT to irritate YOU, they just can't help it. \n\nGood luck, let me know how it goes.
679215
Sounds like you need to seek professional advice of an counselor. Other than posting the question on here. \n\nJoin some support groups for parents that have kids suffering from similar conditions. I'm sure by participating in the groups will show you that you are not alone, and you'll probably learn what other parents do to deal with their situation. Or just being able to talk to someone that is going through the exact situation.\n\nYou have access to the web, search to see what your city offers, or school counselor, community, church can refer you to. \n\nAlso, know with ADHD, can be control be avoiding certain foods with dyes which triggers the behavior. Again, do your homework  research, research and research....Changing the diet, will allow you to see some relief with your children with the ADHD\n\n I'm truly sorry to hear of your ordeal...
550054
Inattention\n\nOften does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities. \n\nOften has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities. \n\nOften does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. \n\nOften does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). \n\nOften has trouble organizing activities. \n\nOften avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework). \n\nOften loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). \n\nIs often easily distracted. \n\nIs often forgetful in daily activities. \n\nSix or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level: \n\nHyperactivity\n\nOften fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat. \n\nOften gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected. \n\nOften runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless). \n\nOften has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly. \n\nIs often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor". \n\nOften talks excessively. \n\nImpulsivity\n\nOften blurts out answers before questions have been finished. \n\nOften has trouble waiting one's turn. \n\nOften interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games). \n\nSome symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years. \n\nSome impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home). \n\nThere must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning. \n\nThe symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
419971
Yes, first get diagnosed by a physicist, if you have ADD or ADHD for sure get treatment. You will feel so much better.