 What is ADHD?
The condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, can be summarized in a variety of ways, but essentially, the condition is simply one that is denoted by characteristic hyperactivity, short attention span, and high impulsivity. It is also a medical condition for which the diagnosis is occurring far more frequently. And, though this may not be surprising to some, the disorder is one that predominantly affects one particular gender.
How prevalent is ADHD? It may affect between from five to ten percent of younger children with the condition being diagnosed far more frequently in males versus females (up to 10 times more often).
Very often, an ADHD patient will show symptoms of other conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Those with ADHD also tend to have a certain degree of emotional instability and a reduced level of maturity comparable to their peers. Again, this is no surprise to parents and teachers. Unfortunately, as well, learning disorders are also fairly common among those with attention deficit problems.
Distracted by unimportant sights and sounds, your mind drives you from one thought or activity to the next. Perhaps you are so wrapped up in a collage of thoughts and images that you don't notice when someone speaks to you.
For many people, this is what it's like to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. They may be unable to sit still, plan ahead, finish tasks, or be fully aware of what's going on around them.
In order to better understand how to deal with your or your child's ADHD, we have compiled a number of resources for your convenience. These include articles, web site links, FAQ's and online counseling sessions with our clinical psychologist, Michele Carelse (an expert in dealing with ADHD) as well as downloadable eBooklets on ADHD.
ADHD, once called hyper kinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, perhaps as many as 2 million American children.
Two to three times more boys than girls are affected. On the average, at least one child in every classroom in the United States needs help for the disorder. ADHD often continues into adolescence and adulthood, and can cause a lifetime of frustrated dreams and emotional pain.
Rather than prescribing strong and sometimes addictive psychiatric drugs, (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall) naturopathic approaches to the treatment of ADHD and ADD take a more holistic look at the individual and take into account diet, lifestyle, personality type, surroundings and emotional factors.
Natural remedies are used to gently and effectively treat the symptoms, while at the same time helping the person to heal and to reach a state of balance and health.
The natural approach is less harmful and more thorough and has a greater chance of curing the problem altogether, instead of keeping the individual on psychiatric drugs for many years.
This is very important, especially in the case of children, because of the frequent side effects of prescription drugs and the risk of addiction.
While an immediate calming effect is usually noted, it takes a little longer for improvements in concentration, distractibility and memory to be noted
Best results are achieved when Focus is used consistently and the recommendations regarding diet and consistent discipline are followed.
Focus may be also be combined with BrightSpark homeopathic ADD/ADHD remedy, MindSoothe or MindSoothe Jr (ages 3-15).
Adults: Take 20 drops in a little water every morning and evening after meals.
Children up to the age of 15: Take one drop per age year of the child or adolescent in a little water or juice every morning and evening after meals.
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