This disorder causes a variety of learning and behavioral problems, often making it difficult not only for the affected individual, but the entire family.  Although the ADD/ADHD child is often labeled as having a learning disability, the child usually is of average or above—average intelligence and is also highly creative.

Although primarily thought of as a childhood disorder, ADD/ADHD can be found in adults as well.  Experts estimate that as many as 8 million adults may be affected, but 80 percent of them do not realize it, and medical experts continue to debate whether children can expect to outgrow the symptoms.  According to Russell Barkley, Ph.D, a professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina, ADHD is a more complex disorder in adults.  It manifests itself not so much as problems with the ability to pay attention or impulse control, but a problem of self—regulation. Without this self—control, an adult’s ability to do tasks is impaired, because not only must the takes be done, but they have to be scheduled, organized, and placed in proper perspective.  The condition can lead to marital conflicts, substance abuse, and financial problems.  Infidelity is common because ADHD adults easily become bored with things –including spouses.

Factors that have been linked to the development of ADD/ADHD include heredity, anxiety, allergies, smoking at birth, environmental stress or pollutants, artificial food additives, injury, infection, lead poisoning, and prenatal trauma. Recent research suggests that watching too much television, with its fast—paced visual images, may permanently rewire the developing brain and cause ADHD—like symptoms,.  This is especially true in the first two or three years of life.

In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on the role of diet in ADD/ADHD.  Many people with these conditions react to certain preservatives, dyes, and salicylates in foods.  These items can throw off the balance in the chemistry of the brain, often producing undesirable changes in behavior.  A low—protein diet may be a contributing factor.  Though the topic has been hotly debated for decades, studies have definitively shown that food additives do play a major role in hyperactivity.

There is no single test to determine if a person has ADHD.  A specialist makes the diagnosis by comparing a person’s behavior pattern against a set of criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association.  These criteria are as follows: 

1. The person has either six inattention symptoms or six hyperactivity and impulsive symptoms.

n  Symptoms of inattention include:

• Does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
• Has trouble keeping attention activities.
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to.
• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks.
• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
• Loses things necessary to do take or activities.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is forgetful in daily activities.

n  Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in his or her seat.
• Leaves his or her seat at times when remaining seated is necessary.
• Feels restless or as a child, inappropriately runs about or climbs excessively.
• Has difficulty taking part in leisure activities or quiet play.
• Is “on the go” or acts as if driven.
• Talks excessively.
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
• Has difficulty awaiting his or her turn.
• Interrupts conversations or intrudes on other’s activities.

2. Symptoms continue for at least six months and are more frequent and severe than normal.

3. Symptoms cause significant damage to social, academic, or work function.

4. Some damage to function occurs in at least two settings,, such as home, work, or school.

5. Some damaging symptoms occur before age seven.

6. The symptoms are not due to another disorder.

The ADD child may be harder to diagnose than the ADHD child because the hyperactivity is more obvious than the inattentiveness.  However, the procrastination, difficulty in concentrating, and inability to start or finish projects that is characteristic of the disorder can have damaging effects that can last through adulthood.  ADHD produces hyperactive, restless, impatient, and impulsive behavior.

Despite this, children with ADHD can have the ability to pay attention and complete assignments, often spending hours doing things that interest them.  Adults with ADHD seem to constantly be going and getting things done, but they often grow impatient easily and have a tendency to lose their tempers quickly. The combined form of ADD /ADHD can be the most debilitating.  Children with this type of the disorder often have low self—esteem,, are impatient, do not follow rules or act responsibly, are often clumsy, think that they are always right, do not want to accept change, and do not adapt well.

What may merely be creativity or a high energy level can be misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD.  A diagnosis of ADD / ADHD should be made by a team of specialists who are experts in the disorder, and it is wise to get a second opinion if your child is diagnosed as having ADD or ADHD.  Be careful about jump in to medications.  While medication are certainly helpful, a study released in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) discussed safety concerns and the rising number of two- to four-year-olds children who are now on medications.

A better approach would be to consider nutritional, dietary measures and herbal remedies. Due to the many potentially harmful side effects of medication available for ADD / ADHD sufferers, a grown number of patients and health professional are turning to all or a combination fo the following as a way to reduce, and even possibly eliminate the symptoms of ADD / ADHD:  Alteration of diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation, herbal remedies, counseling, counseling, and the love and support of family, teachers and friends.  Many believe that medicating the problem is merely masking the symptoms without getting to the root of the problem.  Also the medication are dangers, have tremendous side effects.

Parents of children with ADD or ADHD often have a very difficult time dealing with the behavioral problems of their children.  These parents deserve a lot of credit.  It is important to remember, though, that the children deserve a lot of credit, too.  When things seen as though they ar getting out of control, it can be helpful to remember that a child with ADD / ADHD is dealing with a physiological disability.  Although they desire to please and want to be good, their minds can go in and out of overload without their control.  Because of this, they often feel confused and ashamed, and they can eventually develop low self—esteem. When problems arise, it is important to explain to them what they did wrong, and why it was wrong, in a calm, one-on-one fashion whenever possible.  These children need a great deal of love, support, and encouragement from everyone around them – but most of all, from their parents.

Ø   Traditional used Herbs and method of use for ADD/ADHD.

Peppermint, Ginkgo biloba, Mullein oil, Catnip, Chamomile, Gotu kola, Hops, Kava kava, Lemon balm, Licorice, Lobelia, Oats, Passionflower, Skullcap, St. John’s wort, Valerian root extract, Thyme, and Wood betony.

§      Peppermint:

§      Ginkgo biloba:

§      Mullein oil:

§      Catnip:

§      Chamomile:

Caution: Do not use chamomile an ongoing basis.  Avoid chamomile completely if you are allergic to ragweed.

§      Gotu Kola:

§      Kava kava:

§      Lemon balm:

§      Licorice:

§      Lobelia:

Caution: Do not use Lobelia an ongoing basis.

§      Oats:

§      Passionflower:

§      Skullcap:

§      St. John’s wort:

§      Valerian root extract:

§      Thyme:

§      Wood betony:

∞       

  ---References--- “The Ultimate Healing System – The Illustrated Guide to Muscle Testing & Nutrition” by – Donald Lepore, N.D.

Copyright 1985, ISBN: 0-94717-11560-7, Pages

  ---References---  “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” Fourth Edition by – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC  Copyright 2006, ISBN: 1-58333-236-7, Pages 229 – 232

  ---References--- “The Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing” by – Gary Null, Ph.D  Copyright 1998, ISBN: 0-7582-1316-6, Pages 340 – 350

Ø  Procedure:

∞      Length of time –

∞      Dose –