National ADD/ADHD Awareness Month

October is National ADD/ADHD Awareness Month  and the theme this year is The Many Faces of ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults of every age, gender, IQ, religious and socio-economic background. It is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, making it difficult to pay attention and stay focused.

 

Other symptoms include forgetting things easily, having a hard time staying motivated to do tasks, and difficulty knowing how to organize daily life. Some people have symptoms that are mild and easily managed, while others are more severely impacted.

In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the percentage of children (aged 3-17)  in the United States who have been diagnosed with ADHD is 9.5%. If your child has ADHD, s/he is not bad, but has difficulty making the connection between his/her behaviors and the resulting consequences.

You can learn strategies to change your child’s behaviors and improve his/her relationship with others.  Children with ADHD need to know exactly what is expected of them; they do not do well when things are unclear and directions aren’t specific. It is important to them that you explain choices and consequences in advance.

Most people don’t “outgrown” ADHD and must develop coping skills as adults. Approximately 4% of the U.S. adult population has ADHD, the majority of whom are men.

ADHD can cause problems at work, at home, and in everyday activities.  Household chores don't get done; bills go unpaid; and relationships suffer because the person with ADHD loses track of dates and times, neglects to fulfill promises or is easily irritated.

People who have ADHD often have strong feelings of frustration, guilt or low self-esteem; they feel worried and stressed because they have trouble with goals and responsibilities.

ADHD tends to run in families and can cause serious effects if untreated, including problems in school, lost productivity and reduced earning power at work, driving citations and accidents, overeating and obesity and confrontations with police.

Treatment usually consists of psychotherapy and drug therapy. You can learn more about ADHD at  CHADD.

 

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
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