Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Symptoms of

ADHD
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The symptoms of ADHD include inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These
are traits that most children display at some point or another. But to establish a dianosis
of ADHD! sometimes referred to as ADD! the symptoms should be inappropriate for the
child"s ae.
Adults also can have ADHD# in fact! up to half of adults dianosed $ith the disorder had
it as children. %hen ADHD persists into adulthood! symptoms may vary. For instance!
an adult may e&perience restlessness instead of hyperactivity. 'n addition! adults $ith
ADHD often have problems $ith interpersonal relationships and employment.
Recommended Related to ADD-ADHD
ADHD in the %or(place
)eepin a *ob in today"s competitive environment can be particularly difficult for people
$ith attention deficit hyperactivity disorder +ADHD,. 'n addition to havin talent and
drive! people are re-uired to sho$ e&cellent focus! attention to detail! speed! and
oranization. These crucial $or(place s(ills may be challenin for the estimated ./0
million American adults $ith ADHD. 1ob prospects can suffer as a result of the
restlessness and inability to focus that are hallmar(s of ADHD. 2ne national...
3ead the ADHD in the %or(place article 4 4

Types of ADHD
There are three different subtypes of ADHD! includin:
5ombined ADHD +the most common subtype,! $hich involves symptoms of of
both inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity
'nattentive ADHD +previously (no$n as ADD,! $hich is mar(ed by impaired
attention and concentration
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD! $hich is mar(ed by hyperactivity $ithout
inattentiveness
For a dianosis of ADHD! some symptoms that cause impairment must be present before
ae seven. Also! some impairment from the symptoms must be present in more than one
settin. For instance! the person may be impaired at home and school or home and $or(.
Also! there must be clear evidence the symptoms interfere $ith the person"s ability to
function at home! in social environments! or at $or(.

Symptoms of ADHD
There are three different cateories of ADHD symptoms: inattention! hyperactivity!
impulsivity.
Inattention may not become apparent until a child enters the challenin environment of
school. 'n adults! symptoms of inattention may manifest in $or( or in social situations.
A person $ith ADHD may have some or all of the follo$in symptoms:
Difficulty payin attention to details and tendency to ma(e careless mista(es in
school or other activities# producin $or( that is often messy and careless
6asily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and fre-uently interruptin onoin tas(s to
attend to trivial noises or events that are usually inored by others
'nability to sustain attention on tas(s or activities
Difficulty finishin school$or( or paper$or( or performin tas(s that re-uire
concentration
Fre-uent shifts from one uncompleted activity to another
7rocrastination
Disoranized $or( habits
Foretfulness in daily activities +for e&ample! missin appointments! forettin to
brin lunch,
Failure to complete tas(s such as home$or( or chores
Fre-uent shifts in conversation! not listenin to others! not (eepin one"s mind on
conversations! and not follo$in details or rules of activities in social situations
Hyperactivity symptoms may be apparent in very youn preschoolers and are nearly
al$ays present before the ae of seven. Symptoms include:
Fidetin! s-uirmin $hen seated
8ettin up fre-uently to $al( or run around
3unnin or climbin e&cessively $hen it"s inappropriate +in teens this may appear
as restlessness,
Havin difficulty playin -uietly or enain in -uiet leisure activities
Al$ays bein "on the o"
2ften tal(in e&cessively
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -
Cause
The e&act cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder +ADHD, isn"t (no$n. But it
may run in families. 2noin research is focused on findin the enes that cause a person
to be li(ely to et ADHD.
A mother"s use of ciarettes! alcohol! or other drus durin prenancy may increase the
ris( for ADHD. Also! e&posure to lead may cause symptoms lin(ed $ith ADHD.
9
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -
Eams and Tests
A doctor relies on a combination of e&ams! tests! and other information to dianose
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder +ADHD,. The doctor $ill loo( at uidelines
created by the American 7sychiatric Association +A7A,. The dianosis $ill be based on:
An intervie$ $ith the child.
:edical history . The doctor $ill as( about the child"s social! emotional!
educational! and behavioral history.
A p!ysical eam" #!ysical Eam for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)
Durin the physical e&am for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder +ADHD,! the doctor
$ill:
:easure and $eih the child and compare these fiures $ith normal ranes for
his or her ae.
5hec( the child"s blood pressure.
Test hearin and vision.
'nspect the child"s face! arms! and les for any birth defects.
5hec( the child"s nervous system for any movements that the child does not have
control over# coordination problems# or abnormal! -uic( automatic responses
+refle&es,.
The doctor may do a complete physical e&am to evaluate the child"s eneral health.

$e!avior ratin% scales or c!ec&lists for ADHD" T!ese

are used 'y parents and teac!ers to evaluate t!e
c!ild(s symptoms" $e!avior Ratin% Scales for
ADHD - Topic )vervie*
%ritten tests called ratin scales are used to chec( for symptoms of attention deficit
hyperactivity disorders +ADHD,. These tests can help measure and compare a child"s
behavior $ith that of other children the same ae.
't is best to complete one of these ratin scales to help dianose ADHD. The most
common of these tests are completed by the child"s parents and usually include:
Recommended Related to ADD-ADHD - #ediatric
ADHD Summer Survival Tips
%hen her son Anthony $as dianosed $ith attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
+ADHD, at ae ;! :ary 3obertson -uic(ly became an amateur travel aent durin his
summer vacations. She didn"t have much of a choice. <2ne day Anthony came home
hidin a handsa$ behind his bac( because he had sa$ed do$n a neihbor"s tree to see
ho$ old it $as!< recalls the oncoloy/nurse/turned/ADHD/patient/advocate. <' realized
pretty -uic(ly that to stay at home and not have somethin planned $as not onna $or(...
3ead the ADHD Summer Survival Tips article 4 4
5onners" 7arent 3atin Scales! $hich as(s about the child"s symptoms.
5hild Behavior 5hec(list! $hich evaluates a $ide rane of symptoms.
Teachers also are often as(ed to complete ratin scales! such as:
5onners" Teacher 3atin Scales! used to evaluate the child"s symptoms in the
classroom.
5hild Behavior 5hec(list/Teacher 3eport Form! $hich also evaluates classroom
behavior.
5hild Attention 7roblems! $hich monitors behavioral chanes $hen the child is
ta(in medicine to treat ADHD.
2ther people $ho (no$ the child! such as day care $or(ers or relatives! can complete
some of these ratin scales also. 6valuations of a child in different environments can help
determine if the child has a behavior problem related to ADHD.
'f a child is suspected of havin ADHD after a doctor revie$s the responses on these
tests! the DS:/'= S>A7 chec(list is often used ne&t. This test contains subscales that
evaluate hyperactivity! inattention! and impulsivity to determine the specific type of
ADHD that a child may have. This test usually is completed by the parent or teacher!
althouh a doctor can also do the evaluation.

Before meetin $ith your doctor! thin( about at $hat ae your child"s symptoms bean.
?ou and other careivers should record $hen the behavior occurs and ho$ lon it lasts.
An important part of evaluation for ADHD is thin(in about the (inds of problems
caused by the behaviors. Ho$ much do they affect schoolin and social behavior@
Treatment + Care
Findin the riht ADHD treatment! includin medications and behavioral therapies! is
crucial to manain ADHD. Aearn more about the latest treatments to see $hich one may
$or( best for you.
Treatment
:edications
Findin the most effective ADHD medication is crucial to manain symptoms. Aearn
about the different types of ADHD medication.
Stimulant ,edications Stimulant Dru%s for ADHD
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Stimulant drus are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD.
Stimulants are an effective $ay of manain ADHD symptoms! such as short attention
span! impulsive behavior! and hyperactivity. They may be used alone or in combination
$ith behavior therapy.
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Adult ADHD and ?our 3elationships
Does your husband complain that you never listen@ Does your $ife say she feels li(e
youBre *ust one more child in the house@ Have your friends lost patience $ith your
chronic lateness@ Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could be to blame.
Althouh ADHD is thouht of as a childhood problem! e&perts believe it can liner into
adulthood in the ma*ority of cases dianosed in children. And if you donBt (no$ you have
the condition! it could be $rea(in havoc on your relationships. ?ou miht...
3ead the Adult ADHD and ?our 3elationships article 4 4
These drus improve ADHD symptoms in about CDE of adults and CDE to .DE of
children. They tend to reduce interruptive behavior! fidetin! and other hyperactive
symptoms! as $ell as help a person finish tas(s and improve his or her relationships.
'mprovements in behavior and attention span usually continue as lon as the medication
is ta(en! althouh benefits in social ad*ustment and school performance have not yet been
sho$n to endure over the lon term.
Stimulants are not considered to be habit/formin in the doses used to treat ADHD in
children and adolescents! and there is no evidence that their use leads to dru abuse.
>onetheless! there is a potential for abuse and addiction $ith any stimulant medication!
especially if a person has a history of substance abuse and addiction.
Common Stimulants for ADHD
There are many stimulants available to treat ADHD: short actin +immediate/release,!
intermediate/actin! and lon/actin forms. 5ommon stimulants include:
Adderall +intermediate/actin,
Adderall F3 +lon/actin,
5oncerta +lon/actin,
De&edrine +short/actin,
De&edrine spansule +intermediate/actin,
Daytrana +a patch that delivers the dru on a lon/ or shorter/actin basis,
:etadate 5D +lon/actin,
:etadate 63 +intermediate/actin,
:ethylin 63 +intermediate/actin,
3italin +short/actin,
3italin AA +lon/actin,
3italin S3 +intermediate/actin,
=yvanse
Guillivant F3 +lon/actin,
The short/actin forms of the dru are usually ta(en t$o or three times a day and the
lon/actin ones *ust once a day.
>e$er forms of some stimulant drus may reduce side effects and relieve symptoms for a
loner period of time. They include 5oncerta +9D/9H hour duration,! Daytrana patch +C/
9D hours! dependin on ho$ lon it is $orn,! 3italin AA +;/. hours,! :etadate 5D +;/.
hours,! and Adderall F3 +9D/9H hours,.
Ho* Do Stimulants -or& for ADHD.
For someone $ith ADHD! stimulants reulate impulsive behavior and improve attention
span and focus by increasin the levels of certain chemicals in the brain! such as
dopamine and norepinephrine! $hich help transmit sinals bet$een nerves.
-!o S!ould /ot Ta&e a Stimulant Dru%.
7eople $ith any of the follo$in conditions should not ta(e stimulants:
8laucoma +a condition that causes increased pressure in the eyes and can lead to
blindness,
Severe an&iety! tension! aitation! or nervousness
Treatment $ith a type of medication called monoamine o&idase inhibitors! such as
>ardil or 7arnate! $ithin 9I days of startin stimulant therapy
7eople $ith motor tics or a personal or family history of Tourette"s Syndrome
7eople $ho are psychotic or have a history of psychosis

-!at Are t!e Side Effects of Stimulants.
5ommon side effects of stimulants include:
Headache
Jpset stomach
'ncreased blood pressure
These typically resolve after a fe$ $ee(s of treatment as the body ad*usts to the
medication.
Find out the latest on stimulant drus for ADHD! includin ho$ these medications $or(
and common side effects.
/onstimulant ,edications and )t!er ADHD Dru%s
onstimulant T!erapy and )t!er ADHD Dru%s
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%hile stimulants are usually the first choice of medications for ADHD! theyBre not for
everyone. 'n some people! they cause intolerable side effects# in others! they *ust donBt
$or( very $ell. The ood ne$s is that other effective options for ADHD treatment are
available.
Ho* -ell Are 0ou ,ana%in% 0our ADHD.
/onstimulant T!erapy for ADHD
Three lon/actin nonstimulants have been approved by the FDA for treatin ADHD:
Strattera $as the first nonstimulant dru approved for ADHD. 'tBs no$ used in
both children and adults.
Intuniv is approved for ADHD in children aes ; to 9C.
)apvay is approved for ADHD in children aes ; to 9C.


Ho* Do /onstimulants for ADHD -or&.
Strattera seems to increase the amount of norepinephrine! an important brain chemical.
This increase appears to help ADHD by increasin attention span and reducin impulsive
behavior and hyperactivity.
'ntuniv and )apvay have an effect on receptors in the brain. Studies sho$ that they
reduce distractibility and improve attention! $or(in memory! and impulse control.
'ntuniv is an e&tended release medicine that contains the same active inredient as Tene&!
a dru that lo$ers blood pressure that has been used as an off/label ADHD treatment for
years. )apvay contains clonidine! the same active inredients used in 5atapres! a
medication used to lo$er hih blood pressure.
>onstimulants have some advantaes over many stimulants used for ADHD. For
instance! nonstimulants:
DonBt cause aitation or sleeplessness
Are not controlled substances and donBt pose the same ris( of abuse or addiction
Have a loner/lastin and smoother effect than many stimulants! $hich can ta(e
effect and $ear off abruptly

-!at Are t!e Side Effects of /onstimulants.
2f course! nonstimulants do have some potential side effects of their o$n.
Strattera Side Effects" The most common side effects of Strattera are:
Jpset stomach
Decreased appetite! $hich may cause $eiht loss
>ausea
Dizziness
Fatiue
:ood s$ins
2ther! less common ris(s from Strattera include:
1aundice and liver problems. 'f you develop yello$in of the s(in or $hites of the
eyes! contact your doctor riht a$ay.
Suicidal thin(in. ThereBs a possibility that Strattera / li(e many
antidepressant drus / may slihtly increase the ris( of suicidal thin(in in
teenaers.
Slo$ed ro$th in children. ?our doctor $ill probably (eep a close eye on your
childBs heiht and $eiht.
7riapism ! or erections that last more than four hours.
Serious alleric reactions. %hile rare! some people develop rashes! hives! or
s$ellin.
Intuniv Side Effects include:
Headache
Fatiue
Abdominal pain
Sleepiness and sedation
Since 'ntuniv can cause dro$siness! ma(e sure you (no$ ho$ it affects you before you
try drivin or operatin heavy machinery.
3arer and more serious side effects include:
Ao$ blood pressure
Heart rhythm chanes
)apvay contains the same active inredients seen in some types of blood pressure
medications (no$n as clonidine.
)apvay"s common side effects include sleepiness! tiredness! trouble sleepin +insomnia,!
and nihtmares. Side effects may also include symptoms of upper respiratory infection!
such as:
5ouh
3unny nose
Sneezin
'rritability
Sore throat
Discover ho$ nonstimulant medications control ADHD symptoms and possible side
effects to $atch out for.
5linical Trials
Aearn ho$ an ADHD clinical trial may provide roundbrea(in treatment and find out
ho$ to become a participant.
Adult ADHD and Eercise Adult ADHD and Eercise
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ADHD doesn"t only affect children. Adults can have this condition! too.
ADHD can ma(e it hard for adults to pay attention! control their emotions! and finish
tas(s.
1ust li(e (ids! adults $ith ADHD are often iven stimulant drus or other medications to
control symptoms. They may also have therapy sessions to help et oranized and stay
focused.
2ne ADHD treatment that doesn"t re-uire a prescription or a visit to a therapist"s office is
e&ercise. 3esearch is findin that ettin reular fitness can improve thin(in ability! and
it may improve the symptoms of adult ADHD.
ADHD in Adults
Eercise and t!e $rain
6&ercise isn"t *ust ood for sheddin fat and tonin muscles. 't can help (eep the brain in
better shape! too.
%hen you e&ercise! your brain releases chemicals called neurotransmitters! includin
dopamine! $hich helps $ith attention and clear thin(in. 7eople $ith ADHD often have
less dopamine than usual in their brain.
The stimulant medicines that are often used to treat adult ADHD $or( by increasin the
amount of dopamine in the brain. So it ma(es sense that a $or(out can have many of the
same effects as stimulant drus. Because of these effects! some people $ith ADHD are
able to lo$er their medication dose // or even stop ta(in medicines altoether.
Fitness can have the follo$in benefits for adults $ith ADHD:
6ase stress and an&iety.
'mprove impulse control and reduce compulsive behavior.
6nhance $or(in memory.
'mprove e&ecutive function. That"s the set of s(ills needed to plan! oranize! and
remember details.
'ncrease levels of brain/derived neurotrophic factor. That"s a protein involved in
learnin and memory. 't"s in short supply in people $ith ADHD.
,ore Reasons to Eercise
Beyond helpin $ith ADHD symptoms! e&ercise has several other benefits. 8ettin
reular $or(outs can help you:
Stay at a healthy $eiht. That"s important because evidence suests that people
$ith ADHD are more li(ely to become obese.
3educe your ris( of heart disease! diabetes! and certain types of cancer.
)eep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a normal rane.
Strenthen your bones.
'mprove your mood and self/esteem.
Ho* )ften S!ould 0ou Eercise.
Health e&perts recommend that you et at least 9KD minutes of moderate intensity
e&ercise a $ee(. That $or(s out to about LD minutes of fitness a day! five days a $ee(.
'f you"re doin more intense aerobic $or(outs // such as runnin or ta(in spin classes //
you can et a$ay $ith about CK minutes of e&ercise a $ee(.
't doesn"t matter $hat type of e&ercise you do. For e&ample! you can try runnin! bi(in!
ta(in an aerobics class! or $eiht trainin. Do $hatever (ind of $or(out you love.
Try to vary your e&ercise routine. That $ay you $on"t lose interest or focus half$ay
throuh your $or(outs. ?ou can even chane e&ercises mid/routine! for e&ample by
doin interval trainin. 3un or cycle for LD seconds! alternated $ith LD seconds to a
minute of $eiht liftin.
As lon as you"re s$eatin and your heart is pumpin! you"re li(ely to see real! positive
effects from e&ercise on your ADHD symptoms.
'f you"re havin trouble stayin motivated! et a $or(out buddy. A friend can help (eep
you on trac(! ma(in sure that you e&ercise on most days of the $ee(. ?our e&ercise
buddy $ill hold you accountable! so you can"t bail out on your $or(outs.
2ne ADHD treatment that doesn"t re-uire a prescription or a visit to a therapist"s office is
e&ercise.
ADHD in Teens
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:ost children $ho are dianosed $ith ADHD still have it as teens. Symptoms of ADHD
in teens are similar to those of ADHD in children. They include:
Distractibility
'rritability
7oor concentration
Hyperactivity
'mpulsivity
Durin teen years! especially as the hormonal chanes of adolescence are oin on!
ADHD symptoms may et $orse.
Recommended Related to ADD-ADHD - #ediatric
6&ercise for 5hildren %ith ADHD
2ne of the hallmar(s of ADHD is fidety! restless behavior. That"s $hy many (ids $ith
ADHD $ile and s-uirm $henever they"re as(ed to sit still for any lenth of time. To
release that restless enery! (ids $ith ADHD need to et plenty of e&ercise. 3esearch is
findin that stayin active not only lets (ids $ith ADHD burn off steam! but it also can
help $ith issues such as: lac( of focus impulsivity poor social s(ills %hen used alon
$ith traditional ADHD treatments such as stimulant...
3ead the 6&ercise for 5hildren %ith ADHD article 4 4
Ho* does ADHD affect a teen(s life.
Because of problems $ith distractibility and poor concentration! many teens $ith ADHD
have problems in school. 8rades may fall! especially if the teen is not ettin ADHD
treatment.
't"s not uncommon for teens $ith ADHD to foret assinments! lose te&tboo(s! and
become bored $ith their daily class $or(. Teens may become inattentive! or e&cessively
attentive // not $aitin for their turn before blurtin out ans$ers. They may interrupt
their teacher and classmates! and they may rush throuh assinments. Teens $ith ADHD
may also be fidety and find it touh to sit still in class.
2ften! teens $ith ADHD are so busy focusin on other thins they foret about the tas(
at hand. This can be seen especially $ith home$or( and athletic s(ills and in
relationships $ith peers. This lac( of attention to $hat they"re doin often leads to bad
rades on tests and bein passed over for sports teams! after/school activities! and peer
roups.
Does ADHD raise t!e ris& of car accidents and pro'lem drin&in%.
?es. Drivin poses special ris(s for teens $ith ADHD. Teens $ith ADHD are t$o to four
times more li(ely to have a car accident than teens $ithout ADHD.
Teens $ith ADHD may be impulsive! ris(/ta(in! immature in *udment! and thrill
see(in. All of these traits ma(e accidents and serious in*ury more li(ely.
Still! studies sho$ that teen drivers $ith ADHD $ho ta(e their medication are less li(ely
to have accidents.
Teens $ith ADHD are more li(ely to be heavy drin(ers than teens $ithout ADHD. They
are also more li(ely to have problems from drin(in.
'n studies! teens $ith ADHD $ere t$ice as li(ely as other teens to have abused alcohol
$ithin the past ; months and three times as li(ely to abuse drus other than mari*uana .
8ettin the riht treatment for ADHD may cut the ris( of later alcohol and dru abuse.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD in
Adults
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-!at is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder +ADHD, is one of the most $ell/reconized
childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention!
hyperactivity and impulsiveness. 't is no$ (no$n that these symptoms continue into
adulthood for about ;DE of children $ith ADHD. That translates into IE of the J.S.
adult population! or . million adults. Ho$ever! fe$ adults are identified or treated for
adult ADHD.

Recommended Related to ADD-ADHD
%hat 's 6&ecutive Function@
6&ecutive function refers to a set of mental s(ills that are coordinated in the brain"s
frontal lobe. 6&ecutive functions $or( toether to help a person achieve oals. 6&ecutive
function includes the ability to: manae time and attention s$itch focus plan and oranize
remember details curb inappropriate speech or behavior interate past e&perience $ith
present action %hen e&ecutive function brea(s do$n! behavior becomes poorly
controlled. This can affect a person"s abilit...
3ead the %hat 's 6&ecutive Function@ article 4 4
ADHD in Adults
Adults $ith ADHD may have difficulty follo$in directions! rememberin information!
concentratin! oranizin tas(s! or completin $or( $ithin time limits. 'f these
difficulties are not manaed appropriately! they can cause associated behavioral!
emotional! social! vocational! and academic problems.
Adult ADHD Statistics
ADHD afflicts appro&imately LE to 9DE of school/aed children and an
estimated ;DE of those $ill continue to have symptoms that affect their
functionin as adults.
7revalence rates for ADHD in adults are not as $ell determined as rates for
children! but fall in the IE to KE rane.
ADHD affects males at hiher rate than females in childhood! but this ratio seems
to even out by adulthood.

Common $e!aviors and #ro'lems of Adult ADHD
The follo$in behaviors and problems may stem directly from ADHD or may be the
result of related ad*ustment difficulties:
An&iety
5hronic boredom
5hronic lateness and foretfulness
Depression
Difficulty concentratin $hen readin
Difficulty controllin aner
6mployment problems
'mpulsiveness
Ao$ frustration tolerance
Ao$ self/esteem
:ood s$ins
7oor oranization s(ills
7rocrastination
3elationship problems
Substance abuse or addiction
These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary $ith the situation or be present all of
the time. Some adults $ith ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or
e&cited about $hat they are doin. 2thers may have difficulty focusin under any
circumstances. Some adults loo( for stimulation! but others avoid it. 'n addition! adults
$ith ADHD can be $ithdra$n and antisocial! or they can be overly social! oin from
one relationship to the ne&t.
Sc!ool-Related Impairments 1in&ed to Adult ADHD
Adults $ith ADHD may have:
Had a history of poorer educational performance and been underachievers
Had more fre-uent school disciplinary actions
Had to repeat a rade
Dropped out of school more often
-or&-Related Impairments 1in&ed to Adult ADHD
Adults $ith ADHD are more li(ely to:
5hane employers fre-uently and perform poorly
Have less *ob satisfaction and fe$er occupational achievements! independent of
psychiatric status
Social-Related Impairments 1in&ed to Adult ADHD
Adults $ith ADHD are more li(ely to:
Have a lo$er socioeconomic status
Have drivin violations such as bein cited for speedin! havin their license
suspended! and bein involved in more crashes
3ate themselves and others as usin poorer drivin habits
Jse illeal substances more fre-uently
Smo(e ciarettes
Self/report psycholoical malad*ustment more often
ADHD Diets
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%hat are ADHD diets@ 5an they help you or your child@ Are there foods you should eat!
and foods to avoid@ This article ans$ers -uestions about ADHD diets! includin
elimination diets! supplements! and foods that may help improve ADHD symptoms.
Foods That Help ?ou 5oncentrate
-!at Is an ADHD diet.
'deally! an ADHD diet $ould help the brain $or( better and lessen symptoms of the
disorder! such as restlessness or lac( of focus. A diet may include the foods you eat and
any nutritional supplements you may ta(e. ?ou may hear ADHD diets described in the
follo$in $ays:
)verall nutrition for ADHD: This includes the food you eat daily. Ho$ can your
overall nutrition help or hurt ADHD@ The assumption is that some foods you eat may
ma(e ADHD symptoms better or $orse. ?ou may also be lac(in some foods that could
help ma(e symptoms better.
Supplementation diets for ADHD: This includes addin vitamins! minerals! or other
nutrients to ma(e up for deficiencies in your diet that may contribute to ADHD
symptoms. The assumption is that nutritional component that your body needs is lac(in
from your diet.
Elimination diets for ADHD: This involves removin foods or inredients that are
suspected of contributin to ADHD symptoms. The assumption is that you are eatin
somethin unhealthy that triers certain behaviors or ma(es them $orse.
)verall /utrition and ADHD
Scientific research on ADHD diets is limited and results are mi&ed. :any health e&perts!
ho$ever! do believe that diet may play a role in relievin ADHD symptoms. ADHD
e&pert 3ichard Son! :D! points out that $hatever is ood for the brain is li(ely to be
ood for ADHD.
Eat a !i%!-protein diet2 includin beans! cheese! es! meat! and nuts. Add
protein foods in the mornin and for after/school snac(s! to improve
concentration and possibly increase the time ADHD medications $or(.
Eat fe*er simple car'o!ydrates2 such as candy! corn syrup! honey! suar!
products made from $hite flour! $hite rice! and potatoes $ithout the s(ins.
Eat more comple car'o!ydrates2 such as veetables and some fruits +includin
oranes! tanerines! pears! rapefruit! apples! and (i$i,. 6atin comple& carbs at
niht may aid sleep.
Eat more ome%a-3 fatty acids2 such as those found in tuna! salmon! other cold/
$ater $hite fish! $alnuts! Brazil nuts! and olive and canola oil. 2mea/L fatty
acids are also available in supplement form.

/utritional Supplements and ADHD
Amen and Son suest that all people $ith ADHD should ta(e a 9DDE vitamin and
mineral supplement each day. :any children! teens! and adults don"t eat balanced diets!
especially $hen rushin around tryin to ma(e it throuh the day"s activities.
ADHD symptoms! and their causes! vary from person to person. %or( $ith your doctor
closely before considerin any additional supplements.
Elimination Diets and ADHD
'n elimination diets! you identify a particular food or inredient you thin( miht be
contributin to or $orsenin ADHD symptoms. Then you stop eatin anythin
containin that substance. 'f the symptoms lessen or subside! then you continue avoidin
the substance.
ADHD and Sleep Disorders
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Does your child $ith ADHD sleep $ell! or do they toss and turn all niht lon@
>ot every child $ith ADHD has sleep problems! but it can happen. 'n one study! about
half the parents said their child $ith ADHD had difficulty sleepin. 7arents reported that
their child felt tired $hen they $o(e up! had nihtmares! or had other sleep problems
such as sleep apnea or restless les syndrome . Another study involvin children $ith
ADHD found the children had less refreshin sleep! difficulty ettin up! and more
daytime sleepiness.
Recommended Related to ADD-ADHD - #ediatric
Are 5hildren %ith ADHD 8ifted@
)ids $ith ADHD have <ifts< // and by helpin them develop these ifts! parents ive
their children more control of problem behaviors! a child psycholoist arues in her
popular boo(. 'n The 8ift of ADHD! child psycholoist Aara Honos/%ebb! 7hD! tells
parents not to focus on the disturbin $ords <deficit< and <disorder< in their children"s
ADHD dianosis. <' tell parents it is a brain difference! not a brain disorder!< Honos/
%ebb says. <5hildren"s sense of identity is not yet formed at the time...
3ead the Are 5hildren %ith ADHD 8ifted@ article 4 4
Is snorin% related to ADHD.
Aare tonsils and adenoids can partially bloc( the air$ay at niht. This can cause snorin
and poor sleep.
That! in turn! may lead to attention problems the ne&t day. 'n one study of K/ to C/year/
olds! snorin $as more common amon children $ith mild ADHD than in the other
children. 'n another study! (ids $ho snored $ere almost t$ice as li(ely as their peers to
have ADHD. Ho$ever! that doesn"t prove that snorin caused ADHD.
5hildren $ho snore tend to score $orse on tests of attention! lanuae abilities! and
overall intellience. Some studies have sho$n that ta(in out the tonsils and adenoids
may result in better sleep and improved behavior $ithout the need for medications.
Sleep Apnea
7eople $ith sleep apnea have brief episodes $hen they stop breathin! thouh they don"t
(no$ it. These episodes can happen fre-uently throuhout the niht.
6nlared tonsils and adenoids are the most common causes of sleep apnea in children.
But obesity and chronic alleries can also be a cause.
As $ith adults! children $ith sleep apnea $ill be tired durin the day. They may have
problems concentratin and miht have other symptoms related to lac( of sleep. For
instance! they may be irritable.
Sleep apnea in children is treatable. ?our pediatrician or an ear! nose! and throat
specialist can determine $hether your child"s tonsils are enlared enouh to possibly
bloc( the air$ay and cause sleep apnea.
To confirm the dianosis! the child may et a sleep study that"s done in a special
laboratory. >ot every child $ith enlared tonsils or $ith loud snorin has sleep apnea.
Surery is the treatment of choice for (ids $ith enlared tonsils and adenoids. 2ther
treatments are available for those $ith restricted nihttime breathin due to alleries or
other causes.
Is restless le%s syndrome related to ADHD.
Studies sho$ some lin( bet$een sleep disruption and ADHD and restless les syndrome
+3AS, and ADHD. %ith restless les syndrome! there is a creepin! cra$lin sensation in
the les and sometimes in the arms. This sensation creates an irresistible ure to move.
3estless les syndrome causes sleep disruption and daytime sleepiness.
7eople $ith restless les syndrome and related sleep disruption may feel inattentive!
moody! and/or hyperactive // $hich can all be symptoms of ADHD. Some researchers
believe that people $ith restless les syndrome and some people $ith ADHD may have a
common problem related to the brain chemical dopamine. Ho$ever! not everyone $ith
ADHD has restless les syndrome.
Types of ADHD: ,a&in% t!e Dia%nosis
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'n some people! the sins of ADHD seem obvious // fidetin constantly! difficulty
payin attention in school or at $or(! and leavin tas(s unfinished. For others!
particularly those $ithout behaviors problems! ADHD may be more difficult to
dianose.
The symptoms of ADHD may mimic those of other conditions! and sometimes the sins
are subtler and harder to distinuish. 2ne psychiatrist! Daniel Amen! :D! believes that to
et a truly accurate dianosis of ADHD! it is necessary to loo( inside the brain to see ho$
$ell various areas are functionin. He has developed his o$n set of ADHD subtypes
based on brain scans of children $ith ADHD! $hich he says can better taret treatment
and determine $hich areas are not $or(in as they should.
Ho* Is ADHD 4sually Dia%nosed.
:ost psycholoists! psychiatrists! and pediatricians dianose ADHD based on a set of
inattention and hyperactivity symptoms alon $ith other criteria outlined in the
Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders- Fifth Edition +DS:/=,. For
someone to be dianosed $ith ADHD! the behaviors must have lasted for at least si&
months! and symptoms must be present in school and in other aspects of the individual"s
life.
'nattention symptoms of ADHD include:
>ot payin attention to detail
:a(in careless mista(es
Failin to pay attention and (eep on tas(
>ot listenin
Bein unable to follo$ or understand instructions
Avoidin tas(s that involve effort
Bein distracted or foretful
Aosin thins that are needed to complete tas(s
Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms of ADHD include:
Fidetin
S-uirmin
8ettin up often $hen seated
3unnin or climbin at inappropriate times
Havin trouble playin -uietly
Tal(in e&cessively or out of turn
'nterruptin
Based on the above symptoms listed in its Dianostic and Statistical :anual! the
American 7sychiatric Association has identified three subtypes of ADHD:
9. ADHD, Com'ined Type: Both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms
H.ADHD2 #redominantly Inattentive Type: 'nattention! but not enouh +at least ; out
of 0 for children less than 9. years old, hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms
L. ADHD2 #redominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Hyperactivity/impulsivity! but
not enouh +at least ; out of 0, inattention symptoms
ADHD Dia%nosis $ased on $rain Scans -- An Alternative Approac!
Amen! a child! adolescent! and adult psychiatrist $ho serves as medical director of the
Amen 5linics in 5alifornia! %ashinton! and =irinia! has used a combination of
symptoms and brain scans to come up $ith his o$n types of ADHD.
Amen considers these to be the hallmar( symptoms of ADHD:
Short attention span
Distractibility
Disoranization
7rocrastination
7oor *udment and ability to plan ahead
Difficulty $ith impulse control
Based on these symptoms! and the use of brain scans to measure blood flo$ +S765T,! to
hihliht activity in the parts of the brain related to attention! short/term memory! and
forethouht! Amen described these si& types of ADHD:
Type 5 -- Classic ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD! plus hyperactivity and
impulsivity# responds $ell to stimulant medications
Type 6 -- Inattentive ADHD. Features of ADHD! but instead of hyperactivity!
there is lo$ enery# responds $ell to stimulant medications
Type 3 -- )verfocused ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD and neative thouhts and
behaviors! such as opposition and aruin# tends to respond better to an
antidepressant +such as 7rozac, combined $ith a stimulant
Type 7 -- Temporal 1o'e ADHD. The hallmar( features of ADHD! plus
irritability! aressiveness! and memory and learnin problems# responds better to
antiseizure medications +li(e >eurontin, than to stimulants
Type 8 -- 1im'ic ADHD. 5ombines ADHD $ith depression and lo$ enery and
decreased motivation# responds better to stimulatin antidepressants than to
stimulants
Type 9 -- T!e Rin% of :ire. 5ross bet$een ADHD and bipolar disorder#
characterized by moodiness! aressiveness! and aner# Anticonvulsants or ne$er
antipsychotic medications tend to $or( better than stimulants
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -
Home Treatment
There are many thins you can do at home to help your child $ho has attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder +ADHD,Mand to help yourself.
Tips for self-care
Ta(e care of yourself . 5arin for your o$n physical and mental health is an
important part of helpin your child. And it $ill help you have the enery you
need to ta(e care of your child.
6ducate yourself about ADHD . ?ou $ill be better able to help your child if you
understand the condition.
An important part of behavior manaement is teachin your child that actions
have conse-uences.
Tips for your c!ild
Help your child build self/esteem. 6ncourae a sense of belonin!
confidence in learnin! and an a$areness of his or her o$n contributions.
Help your child et the most out of school. 7romotin school success
$ill help your child academically! socially! and developmentally.
Help your child et thins done. ?our patience! persistence! and
creative thin(in can help your child learn s(ills and accomplish tas(s at home
and at school.
Help at sc!ool
'n the classroom! more demands are placed on children to sit still! pay attention! listen!
and follo$ class rules. So elementary school teachers are often the first to reconize
ADHD symptoms. :any times teachers advise parents to have their child tested or to see
a doctor.
:ost children $ith ADHD -ualify for educational services $ithin the public schools. 'f
your child -ualifies! you $ill meet $ith school personnel to identify oals and plan an
individualized education proram +'67,. This usually means that your school $ill try to
accommodate your child"s e&tra needs. This may be as minor as placin your child at the
front of the class. 2r it may be as involved as providin classroom staff to help your
child.
?our doctor $ill tal( $ith you about settin realistic and measurable oals for your
child"s behavior at school and at home. ?our child"s specific problems and needs $ill be
ta(en into account.
Helpin% your teen
3eular communication amon parents! teachers! and doctors benefits a teen $ho has
ADHD.
?ou"ll need to stay closely involved $ith your teen. The teen years present many
challenes! such as increased school$or( and the need to be more attentive and
oranized. :a(in ood decisions becomes especially important durin these years $hen
peer pressure! emerin se&uality! and other issues surface.
Jse conse-uences that are meaninful to your teenaer. These may include losin
privilees or havin increased chore assinments. 7arents and teens can $or( toether to
establish reasonable! obtainable oals. And they can neotiate re$ards $hen those oals
are met.
/onstimulant T!erapy and )t!er ADHD Dru%s
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%hile stimulants are usually the first choice of medications for ADHD! theyBre not for
everyone. 'n some people! they cause intolerable side effects# in others! they *ust donBt
$or( very $ell. The ood ne$s is that other effective options for ADHD treatment are
available.
Ho* -ell Are 0ou ,ana%in% 0our ADHD.
/onstimulant T!erapy for ADHD
Three lon/actin nonstimulants have been approved by the FDA for treatin ADHD:
Strattera $as the first nonstimulant dru approved for ADHD. 'tBs no$ used in
both children and adults.
Intuniv is approved for ADHD in children aes ; to 9C.
)apvay is approved for ADHD in children aes ; to 9C.


Ho* Do /onstimulants for ADHD -or&.
Strattera seems to increase the amount of norepinephrine! an important brain chemical.
This increase appears to help ADHD by increasin attention span and reducin impulsive
behavior and hyperactivity.
'ntuniv and )apvay have an effect on receptors in the brain. Studies sho$ that they
reduce distractibility and improve attention! $or(in memory! and impulse control.
'ntuniv is an e&tended release medicine that contains the same active inredient as Tene&!
a dru that lo$ers blood pressure that has been used as an off/label ADHD treatment for
years. )apvay contains clonidine! the same active inredients used in 5atapres! a
medication used to lo$er hih blood pressure.
>onstimulants have some advantaes over many stimulants used for ADHD. For
instance! nonstimulants:
DonBt cause aitation or sleeplessness
Are not controlled substances and donBt pose the same ris( of abuse or addiction
Have a loner/lastin and smoother effect than many stimulants! $hich can ta(e
effect and $ear off abruptly

-!at Are t!e Side Effects of /onstimulants.
2f course! nonstimulants do have some potential side effects of their o$n.
Strattera Side Effects" The most common side effects of Strattera are:
Jpset stomach
Decreased appetite! $hich may cause $eiht loss
>ausea
Dizziness
Fatiue
:ood s$ins
2ther! less common ris(s from Strattera include:
1aundice and liver problems. 'f you develop yello$in of the s(in or $hites of the
eyes! contact your doctor riht a$ay.
Suicidal thin(in. ThereBs a possibility that Strattera / li(e many
antidepressant drus / may slihtly increase the ris( of suicidal thin(in in
teenaers.
Slo$ed ro$th in children. ?our doctor $ill probably (eep a close eye on your
childBs heiht and $eiht.
7riapism ! or erections that last more than four hours.
Serious alleric reactions. %hile rare! some people develop rashes! hives! or
s$ellin.
Intuniv Side Effects include:
Headache
Fatiue
Abdominal pain
Sleepiness and sedation
Since 'ntuniv can cause dro$siness! ma(e sure you (no$ ho$ it affects you before you
try drivin or operatin heavy machinery.
3arer and more serious side effects include:
Ao$ blood pressure
Heart rhythm chanes
)apvay contains the same active inredients seen in some types of blood pressure
medications (no$n as clonidine.
)apvay"s common side effects include sleepiness! tiredness! trouble sleepin +insomnia,!
and nihtmares. Side effects may also include symptoms of upper respiratory infection!
such as:
5ouh
3unny nose
Sneezin
'rritability
Sore throat