ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Approximately 11% of US children between the ages of 4 and 17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. The biggest issue with ADHD is that there is no test or objective method to determine which children have it. A child is deemed to have ADHD if he/she shows 6 or more symptoms, for at least 6 months, to a degree that negatively impacts social, academic or occupational activities.
Children diagnosed with ADHD are often prescribed drugs. These drugs, together with antidepressants, are the most common psychotropic drugs used by children. Yet they have serious risks and questionable benefits.
ADHD Diagnoses
Diagnosis is made if a child shows 6 or more symptoms, for at least 6 months, to a degree that negatively impacts on social, academic or occupational activities, Below are the symptoms:
- Often fails to give close attention to detail or makes mistakes
- Often has difficult sustaining attention in tasks or activities
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or workplace duties
- Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
- Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
- Often fidgets or squirms
- Often leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected
- Often runs and climbs in situations where it is inappropriate
- Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
- Often "on the go", acting as if "driven by a motor"
- Often talks excessively
- Often blurts out answers before a question has been completed
- Often has difficulty waiting their turn
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others
ADHD Drugs vs Behavioural Therapy
ADHD drugs are often advertised as helping children improve their schoolwork. A recent study of 75 children aged 5-12 showed that the drug treatment leads to no significant improvements in homework completion or accuracy. Drugs also have significant side effects, including sleep problems and appetite loss.
Behavioral therapy resulted in a 13% increase in homework completion and a 8% increased accuracy.
Research shows that children who practice regular physical exercise maintain better focus and have better working memory and cognitive flexibility.
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