You look over at the kid sitting next to you. He keeps fidgeting with his desk and paper. There’s only a few more minutes left for him to finish this test, but he hasn’t even started. How will he possibley pass? The answwer is that he simply won’t pass the exam. He will fail, and so will many children like him. Everyone has sat across from someone just like this and wondered similar questions. While we are in elementary school the consequences might not be as severe, but as we get older, inhigh school for example, the inhability to concentrate can be a serious thing. Those who cannot seem to control their energy will likely not succeedd in business or other pursuits. Such individuals suffer from a neurobiological disorder known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). For thos who have just learned that they have the disorder, the news should come as both good and bad news. They have a disorder, but at least they know it’s a brain disorder and not just some problem with their personality. All the abuse they may have received at an earlier time now appears unjustified. Its not their fault that they have ADD, but they can do something about it. If you are one of the many thousands of people who suffers from ADD or a similar disorder, there are treatment methods that you can use to help fight your way to a better life. Don’t give up! There are lots of options and trained professionals that can help you do better.
One of the most common forms of treatment for ADD is medication. Many of us don’t like the idea of taking a drug for a behavioral problem. We think we are weak or that we have failed if we need the support of medication. This is not the case however, for individuals with ADD, who have a genetic brain disorder that they simply cannot help. There are several forms of medication that effect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby changing brain chemistry and helping to restory a more natural balance. These forms of treatment have been shown to be highly effective when dosage is monitored carefully. Like all medications there can be some side effects, and a doctor should always be consulted before a person begins to use ADD drugs or changes their dosage.
For those who don’t like the medication appraoch, there is counseling that can help individuals learn to cope with the problem. Although not shown to be as successful in fighting ADD as medication, counseling can certainly help. There are many trained professionals who deal with ADD and other related disorders who can help.
Another great way to treat ADD is to exercise regularly. Although maybe not everyones favorite thing to do, exercise not only improves health, but alters the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. These changes in brain chemistry can help calm a person and help them to focus better. Exercise also gets rid of so much of that energy that makes a person unable to sit still or concentrate.
A combination of any of these methods will probably result in a higher standard of life for the person who suffers from ADD. Its not an easy road to walk, but those who suffer from ADD can receive treatment that can greatly improve the quality of their lives. Don’t give up hope. You or your child can lead a normal life with ADD if you apply yourself and use the methods that have been shown to help.