Information you may not know about ADD and ADHD

What causes ADHD? There is not conclusive evidence as to the cause of ADHD. Most research suggests that genetics, combined with other factors may be responsible for the condition. Scientists have concluded that ADHD is not something that is learned or passed on socially. In identical twins the chances of both having ADHD is about 70%-80%. In non-identical twins the risk of both having it is less than 45%. Children of those having ADHD are about 5 times more likely to have it than children with parents not displaying the symptoms. There is controversy surrounding the diagnosis of ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and Adhd treatment options. Sometime conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder could be mistaken for ADHD. There are those that say there is no such thing as attention deficit disorder and that children just need to be forced to stay on task.

Could ADD and ADHD be a fraud?

With all of the controversy how can I know if my child has ADD? In an article written by Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD some interesting points are made to quote from him speaking of ADD and ADHD, "They made a list of the most common symptoms of emotional discomfiture of children; those which bother teachers and parents most, and in a stroke that could not be more devoid of science or Hippocratic motive--termed them a 'disease.' Twenty five years of research, not deserving of the term 'research,' has failed to validate ADD/ADHD as a disease. Tragically--the "epidemic" having grown from 500 thousand in 1985 to between 5 and 7 million today--this remains the state of the 'science' of ADHD." It is pretty staggering to consider the ramifications if what he is saying are true. He goes on to say, "The entire country, including all 5-7 million with the ADHD diagnosis today, have been deceived and victimized; deprived of their informed consent rights and drugged--for profit! It must be stopped. Now! We are not saying that we agree or disagree with Dr. Baughman but what we are saying is that every child and adult is different, and that to make blanket statements about any types of diagnosis including, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Conduct Disorder, or even Oppositional Defiant Disorder can be dangerous. We do believe that there are way too many children being medicated in today's society. For some the best ADHD Treatment could be just forcing the child to stay focused. Many parents call up saying that their child has been diagnosed with ADD, but they are able to play complex games on the computer requiring intense focus. It would seem then that the child can focus but does not have the self discipline to do so.