By Karla Sullivan
Approximately 11% of children between the ages of 4-17 were diagnosed with ADHD in 2011. And though it can’t be cured, it can be managed with the right treatment options, which include medications, behavioral intervention methods and counseling. In fact, according to the National Resource Center on ADHD, a combination of interventions generally works the best.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition affecting children and adults that have a problem with impulsive behavior, over activity and attention to detail. National Institutes of Health defines that 6 symptoms or more of inattention exist as well as 6 or more of impulsive issues.
Scientists do not know what causes the condition but many studies have suggested that there is a genetic link. However, others believe that smoking cigarettes, alcohol use during pregnancy, and other environmental factors could be related.
Many of us may have some behaviors associated with ADHD but usually the severity of the symptoms creates a positive diagnosis. The following indicate ADD behaviors:
- Constant distraction
- Not able to follow directions
- Trouble listening
- Daydreaming
- Difficulty in organizing tasks or plans
- Becoming bored after a task
- Information may be very slow to process
- Not being able to sit
- Talking nonstop
- Walking, wandering, running around without purpose
- Extremely impatient
- Not being able to wait
In July of last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed marketing of the first medical device based on brain function to help assess children between the ages of 6-17 which is based on EEG technology that records different kinds of electrical impulses in the brain. The NEBA system along with other clinical information may help for a more effective diagnosis.
ADHD can continue into adult years and many are not aware of the disorder. They can’t stick to an assignment or remember to keep appointments. Even getting up in the morning and ready for work can be difficult and many suffer from constant fatigue because of the challenges.
Whether on medication, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests the following for productive management of the disorder.
- Try to maintain the same schedule everyday
- Keep everyday items in the same place
- Use organizers that will help
- Ask others for organization tips that may help
- Have a mentor to discuss when something is out of sorts.
- Set time alerts on a project to monitor how long it is taking
- Try deep breathing or simple exercises to manage restlessness
If behavior modifications do not work, you should see a doctor about how medication may improve your symptoms. Attention deficit is still difficult, however, to diagnose.
Although investigation of ADHD has been quite extensive over the past 30 years, the scientific process has been significantly slowed by the lack of a single, consistent, and standard research protocol for case identification. Variable and disparate findings have been noted throughout the literature even on basic issues such as prevalence. As a consequence, speculation regarding possible increases in ADHD prevalence cannot currently be evaluated according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Questions have been raised that if purchasing a life insurance policy, rates can be affected by a positive diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. Generally, it can affect rates but if the last year has been manageable and has not lead to other medical issues, your rates should be reasonable. However, criminal records or severe addictions can disqualify any life insurance candidate.
