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Author:
Angie Dixon

There are a lot of theories about ADHD, and a few of them are actually based in fact. I recently ran across some information from the National Institutes of Mental Health that I found really interesting.

First off, brain imaging using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) actually shows differences between the brains of kids with ADHD and kids without ADHD.

There also does seem to be a sugar link in ADHD, but not what many people suspect. In adults with ADHD, the areas of the brain that control attention use less glucose and appear less active than the brains of people without ADHD.

Research also shows a genetic link in ADHD, though it's still not clear exactly what causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

What is clear is that children who have ADHD usually have at least one close relative with ADHD. At least one-third of fathers with ADHD have an ADHD child.

What's even more convincing is that it seems to run in twin pairs--if one identical twin has ADHD, the other usually does, too. In fact, I know a pair of identical twins with ADHD. Their mother has her hands full, I can tell you!

The final interesting point I found in the ADHD research from NIMH was that studies of young children (ages 7 to 9) show that ADHD medication is more effective than behavioral therapies alone in controlling the "core symptoms" of ADHD-- inattention, hyperactivity/impulsiveness, and agression. When it came to ADHD-related anxiety, school performance and social skills, the combination of ADHD medications and behavioral therapy was more effective than either alone.

It should be noted that behavioral therapy for ADHD was successful, just that it was more successful when combined with medication, according to these studies.

You can read the ADHD research summary I'm referring to on the National Institutes of Mental Health web site.

Angie Dixon is a writer and ADHD mom of an ADHD son, Jack. For a free report on helping your ADHD son, see Angie's site "That's My Son!" at http://www.Raising-the-ADHD-boy.com

| Article Keywords: ADHD

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to ADHD... Symptoms and Treatments of ADD Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition that affects both children and adults, though it is more commonly diagnosed in children. Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as "ADD" is diagnosed in individuals who have difficulty paying attention or staying focused for long periods of time. Children with ADD often have trouble concentrating in class. Some display symptoms such as high energy, restlessness, waiting until the last minute to do assignments, having trouble concentrating on and completing assignments, and disruptive behavior. Other children are calm and seem distant. Some doodle or stare out the window while class is being taught, rather than pay attention. Children with ADD often act out socially, as well. Adults with ADD often go undiagnosed, as ADD is mainly viewed as a childhood illness. This makes it twice as difficult for adults with ADD. Most adults suffering from ADD don't realize they have the symptoms until their child is diagnosed. This diagnosis reflects their own actions and behaviors. However, there are several other adult disorders that mimic the symptoms of ADD, such as depression, anxiety disorder, manic depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important to seek the help of a physician or a psychotherapist and be analyzed to ensure the proper diagnosis is made. An adult with ADD may display the same behaviors and symptoms as a child with ADD. The difference between a child with ADD and an adult with ADD is that adults are better able to cope than children. An adult suffering from ADD may experience restlessness, inability to concentrate on work or other tasks, difficulty staying organized, difficulty maintaining relationships, and compulsive behavior. An adult diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may be...