8 Steps for Coping with and Healing Attention Deficit Disorder
(ADD)
Attention deficit disorder is a serious disorder and it is not
going away. It causes depression, inattentiveness, relationship
and behavorial problems, deviant behavior (crime), can lead to
drug abuse, alcoholism and even suicide. To better understand
this disorder and correct it there are 8 steps we must follow:
1. Education. ADD can manifest itself in several different ways
all depending upon the areas of the brain affected. Basically,
ADD is caused by abnormalities in the cortex region of the
brain. These abnormalities are mostly genetic, but can also
result from head trauma. The afflicted area is underdeveloped
slightly - not enough to cause autism or retardation. This
underdeveloped area in the cortex directly affects attention
span, energy (lethargy), even quality of life. This is an actual
confirmable medical condition.
2. Get medical help. Do not wait. ADD can rob the sufferer of
quality of life. Go to a doctor that specializes in conditiond
like ADD. Upon confirming the diagnosis for ADD they will among
other things refer you to support groups. This is important as
ADD can be very trying on a family. They will also determine if
medication like Ridalin and Adderall are necessary.
3. Nutrition. Eat a well balanced diet. Take multi-vitamins and
drink plenty of water. Multi-vitamins are a necessity as many of
our foods are lacking in nutritional value. Recent research has
shown that omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in salmon) not
only promote a healthy heart, but also increase brain
functioning and health. Many people in Okinawa on a diet
compromising mostly rice and fish lived to be 100+ years old and
maintained full mental acuity. They were found to have much
lower incidences of mental diseases and conditions including
ADD. Take a multivitamin, eat well balanced meals, and take
omega-3 supplements.
4. Hydration. The brain is 85% water and when the water intake
is insufficient the brain will become dehydrated and sluggish.
During dehydration the neurons and synapses in the brain cannot
transfer important chemicals and impulses for memory, thought
and cognition. Proper hydration is even more important in ADD
sufferers as they have underdeveloped lobes of the cortex that
are more sensatized to the effects of dehydration. It is
generally accepted that 8-10 glasses of water per day is
warranted for proper mental functioning and will help with ADD
sufferers as the symptoms of ADD will worsen due to dehydration.
5. Plan. Plan your day. ADD sufferers tend to be the biggest
procrastinators. They can't focus as well and tend to put things
off. Use a day planner and make lists, checking off tasks as
they are completed. This will help alleviate some of the stress
and anxiety that surrounds ADD.
6. Realize. Realize that ADD is not retardation. ADD does not
mean someone is slow or unlearned. On the contrary, some of the
smartest geniuses in history have had ADD. ADD makes it 10 times
harder to stay focused on mental tasks than normal people, but
when treated properly and taught how to cope with their
condition ADD sufferers in numerous tests have been proven to be
able to compete equally with non-sufferers and, in some cases,
greatly out perform. There was a documented case of one
individual whom, due to his undiagnosed ADD, never paid
attention in elementary, middle, or high school. This individual
ended up dropping out of highschool and was seen as a deviant.
This individual then through proper diagnosis learned they had
ADD, learned how to deal with it. Then took it upon themselves
to learn what they didn't in the public school system. In two
weeks they were able to obtain a real diploma, not a GED, and go
to college. Whats even more amazing is that this dropout
eventually ended up attending an Ivy league University! Just
like underdeveloped muscles, the brain through much effort can
be taught to overcompensate for underdeveloped areas.
7. Learn. Learn the art of memorization and studying. For ADD
sufferers studying and mental tasks are 10 times harder to focus
on. By learning memory techniques like associations, linking,
lists, etc... and learning to become adept with them will make
ADD easier. A great book to read is Harry Lorayne's Memory Book.
It should be required learning for everyone in highschool. If
the learning process can be made into a a game understanding,
comprehension, and attention will all increase.
8. Meditation, controlled discipline and prayer. Stress and
anxiety have been shown to play a large role with ADD sufferers.
Both meditation and prayer have been shown to be very benefitial
as they increase the attention span and have a dramatic
soothing, calming effecton the sufferer. Discipline is very
important with the ADD sufferer. Hidy Ochai, an internationally
reknowned karate master states in his books that proper
discipline in kids with ADD is essential to proper adult
development. Karate is a very effective tool for the ADD
sufferer. As it provides exercise, discipline, goal development
and accomplisment, focus and self respect. ADD sufferers will do
well to learn what meditation, controlled discipline, and prayer
can offer them.
These eight steps are essential for the attainment of the proper
quality of life for ADD sufferers. ADD can be treated and dealt
with.