The difference between ADHD and ADD is something that might seem confusing. Why are some kids diagnosed with ADHD, while others are categorized as ADD? In this article, you'll learn more about the two terms and different ways to alleviate the symptoms.
Most people believe that the the difference between ADD and ADHD is that kids with ADD do not display hyperactivity, fidgeting and the like. After all, the first term does not contain the word "hyperactivity," so this is a reasonable assumption. Interestingly enough, the truth is that the terms mean the same thing, even where doctors are concerned. The only difference is that ADD was used more often in the past, while ADHD is used with more frequency today.
This means whether your child is diagnosed with ADHD or ADD (maybe by an old school doctor), the treatment is the same. There are basically three types of treatments available today: behavioral techniques, prescription medicines and natural alternatives. Let's start with behavioral techniques.
Behavioral techniques are designed to teach coping strategies for the symptoms that characterize Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since there is no difference between ADHD and ADD, kids are taught how to focus when faced with distractions, how to continue to concentrate and stay on task and how to recognize and choose not to act out impulses, aggression and the like. Since all of us have difficulty focusing or choosing not to act on unhealthy impulses from time to time, these are skills that will serve kids throughout their lives. Although these skills can be quite helpful, they are even more effective when the child is taking natural or prescription medicine.
The second type of treatment is prescription drugs. Although this is the treatment method chosen by most parents, it's important to know that while drugs can work quite well for some kids, other kids simply cannot tolerate the side effects. Again, since there is no difference between ADD and ADHD, the drugs available for treatment are the same. No doubt you've heard of Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and many others. The key to whether the drug will work is if it curbs your child's symptoms without causing other problems like inability to sleep, loss of appetite, increased hyperactivity, aggression, etc.
The third type of treatment is a natural remedy. Although many parents think of this as an alternative to drugs, natural medicines have actually been around much longer than any prescription drug. What is comforting to most parents is these natural medicines have no side effects and are made of formulations containing quality ingredients like Hyoscyamus, Verta Alb and Arsen Iod.
Before choosing a remedy make sure to do your research and find one that is FDA-approved and contains clinically proven ingredients such as those listed above. Natural remedies have no drug interactions and can be safely used to wean kids off of prescription drugs. Obviously, there are no concerns about drug addiction with natural medicine.
So there you have it: the difference between ADHD and ADD—there is none. The treatment options described above can be used separately or together to help your child overcome the symptoms, get back on track at school and enjoy the happy, healthy childhood that he or she deserves. ___________________________________
Author Resource:-
Laura Ramirez is a researcher of using natural medicines for treating adhd without side effects. To learn more about her research, go to www.treating-adhd-naturally.com.
Ms. Ramirez is also the author of the award-winning parenting book, Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting which teaches parents how to raise kids to act from strength and integrity.
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