ADD which stands for Attention Deficit Disorder is a distressing psychological condition which results in all kinds of behavioral symptoms including a lack of concentration, bed-wetting, aggression and compulsive behavior. It affects both adults and children.
ADD is almost always described as a three-pronged illness that contains three components – irritability, compulsivity and distractibility. Another form of the disease is ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder), which adds hyperactivity to the mix. Minimizing the provocation of these four mental states can greatly help to minimize the extent to which a person's daily life can be affected by this disease.
Here are twenty tips to helping your child or adolescent deal with the uncomfortable behavioral and emotional symptoms of this disease.
First of all never let the child get too Hungry, Angry, Tired or Lonely. Avoiding any one of these emotional states can help prevent the compulsions, irritability and wandering thoughts that are symptoms of ADD. Low blood sugar is definitely something to avoid so make sure you eat meals on time.
Make sure that all medications as prescribed and exactly on time! Many of the medications used to treat ADD and ADHD have a short half-life. If they are not taken exactly as prescribed, the sufferer can suffer from a rapid shift in mood that results in aggression or an emotional 'crash.'
Be aware that ADD sufferers are addictive personalities. As a symptom of ADD is compulsivity it is best to stay away from any type of activity that might result in an addiction. This includes playing video games or eating sugar when it comes to kids. Avoid stimulating entertainment. Movies or video games that are too stimulating can provoke violent episodes and mood swings in both adults and children with ADD.
Avoid fluorescent lights. Studies have also shown that ADD sufferers find it more difficult to concentrate if they are sitting under fluorescent lights. Low incandescent lighting of a yellowish quality helps them to focus.
8Realize your ADD child needs more exercise than most people. As most ADD sufferers are hyperactive they need an outlet to burn off excess nervous energy. You should take care to indulge in at least an hour of aerobic activity such as walking, running or playing an athletic game a day.
Stick to a daily routine. Many symptoms disappear if an ADD sufferer learns how to stick to a daily routine that is consistent over a number of months. This includes eating and exercises at the same times every day and not working too hard. Keeping things simple and the same every day works very well to relieve children of their ADD symptoms. It can greatly improve their concentration in school as well.