ADD
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Read about ADD, how it affects learning and ways to get help.
What is it?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a condition where sufferers become extremely distracted and restless. They can also be really impulsive, meaning that they do and say exactly what they want at the time. Sometimes sufferers are quite forgetful too so they might not even realise what they’ve just done.
People with ADD can also be hyperactive. This is known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
However, a person who only feels this way once in a while doesn’t necessarily have ADD or ADHD.
When does it happen?
The symptoms normally start or become noticeable at a young age, usually from five years old.
However, it doesn’t just affect young children. One in five people who have had ADD when they were young will also suffer from it throughout their teens and 20s.
What are the causes?
ADD tends to run in families, so it’s quite hard to avoid. If you’ve got ADD then your parents and siblings are four to five times more likely to have it too.
Some studies have also shown that common food allergies such as milk, wheat and nuts can trigger it as well. Find out more about food intolerance.
Trigger myths
In the past, people thought the condition was triggered by eating food with too many E numbers in them, by watching too much television or playing too many computer games. However, none of these links have been proven.
ADD and learning
ADD usually becomes more noticeable during changes in circumstances, like when a person starts school. This is because ADD sufferers find it difficult to concentrate and stick to tasks that they find boring or time consuming.
This doesn’t mean that all sufferers are destined to fail. A person with ADD isn’t any less brainy than their mates - many actually go on to become high achievers because their condition means they stay determined and take risks.
Most people with ADD tell their teacher or tutor. Staff will be able to make learning easier for them by helping arrange their timetable and how they work.
Treatment
There are quite a few options for people with ADD.
Medication
Medication can reduce ADD sufferers' symptoms and make the condition much easier to cope with. However, common side effects include dizziness, trouble sleeping, stomach aches and mood swings. Also, the positive effects are not permanent and some medication can lose all effect after time.
Therapy
Another option is psychological and behavioural therapy. People can speak to trained counsellors, psychologists or social workers about how they’re feeling and they’ll also get help coping with discipline and anxiety.
Food
Even though food hasn’t been proven to directly cause ADD, it can trigger hyperactive behaviour. Because of this, many people choose to cut out caffeine based products like coffee and fizzy drinks. Some people also eat more foods with omega 3 which can help control ADD.
ADDISS
If you’ve got ADD and need help, The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service (ADDISS) provides useful information and ways to get support. You can contact ADDISS on 020 8952 2800.
