Did you know that Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder, also referred to as ADHD, affects nearly 5.4 million children and 8 million adults nationally? While these numbers offer a clear picture of how common this condition is, more and more people are being diagnosed as we learn more about the condition.

ADHD is often defined in three categories; irregular hyper activity, impulsive behavior, and inattentiveness. The root cause of ADHD is still very much a mystery. However, we do know one thing: ADHD is real.

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder commonly found in childhood and may remain throughout adolescence and adulthood. Difficulty in remaining concentrated on a task, difficulty in controlling behavior, and hyperactivity are common behaviors exhibited by those with ADHD. The effects of ADHD are detrimental as they can adversely influence the success of an education. Approximately three to five percent of the world's children are diagnosed with ADHD. Of those affected, the likelihood of reaching adulthood with the disorder is 30 to 50 percent; Based on these statistics, ADHD can and should be considered a chronic disorder. Regardless of its commonality, ADHD is still outlined and categorized as a behavioral disorder and should not be mistaken as a neurological disease. The diagnosis of ADHD is regularly overlooked, however, due to the similarities of symptoms in other disorders.

WHAT CAUSES ADHD?

Having such an expansive affect on the worlds population, one key question still lingers on: what is the primary cause of ADHD? Even as we've progressed our perception of ADHD, doctors and scientists are still unsure as to what exactly is the cause of the condition. There are, nonetheless, many theories suggesting possible causes of the disorder. In fact, there could be multiple factors that contribute to these behavioral changes. Research on human genes, environmental factors, brain damage, and certain foods and vitamin deficiencies are among the most popular culprits.

If members of former generations were diagnosed with ADHD, then heredity could potentially be a source, as it could be passed down through genes. Genes are often referred to as "blueprints," as they are the genetic makeup of each individual. They define our physical characteristics, and sometimes inherit or pass down illnesses like ADHD. Researchers have found through different studies on twins that ADHD is, in fact, passed down genetically.

Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and other environmental factors are other feasible causes. Moreover, these studies have shown that children being exposed to high concentration levels of lead frequently increase the chances of developing ADHD.

SYMPTOMS OF ADHD

The following lists provide common ADHD symptoms, separated in three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Signs and symptoms of inattention may include:

• Fails to give attention to details or makes careless mistakes

• Displays difficulty in remaining attentive during tasks or play

• Does not remain focused when being spoke to

• Fails to follow through instructions, complete homework, or other duties

• Displays difficulty in organizing tasks or activities

• Loses personal objects used in tasks or activities frequently, such as pencils, erasers, books, or tools

• Displays difficulty in processing information as quickly and accurately as others

• Easily distracted

• Easily mixed-up

• Easily forgetful

Signs and symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive behavior may include:

• Talks non-stop

• Fidgets while in seat / Has difficulty remaining in seat

• Displays a tendency to touch or play with any objects that come into sight

• Displays difficulty in accomplishing quiet tasks or activities

• Shouts out answers before questions is fully asked

• Displays trouble in waiting for turn

• Shows emotions without restraint

• Interrupts others' conversations or activities frequently

• Displays restlessness

Certainly having several of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has ADHD. The more one exhibits these actions and behaviors, the more likely the sign that they do, in fact, have ADHD.

Children with the other two key attributes of ADHD, hyperactivity and impulsivity, are ordinarily paired with emotional or disciplinary issues as well. From these provided examples, it is clear that identifying a child with ADHD is no easy task, although a large range of symptoms is readily available for verification.

COMMON SOLUTIONS

After diagnosis, traditional treatments normally include medications proscribed by medical experts. However, proscribed medications used to treat
ADD and ADHD have been extremely controversial since their origination. Many believe that the dangerous side effects connected with proscribed ADHD medications, like Adderall and Ritalin, outweigh the drug's benefits.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a medication made up of mixed salt amphetamines. Medical protocols in the US and Canada most commonly order Adderall for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Until 1930s, it was marketed as a weight loss pill under the name "Obetral." After which, it was found to have suppressing effects on ADHD symptoms and slowly began being prescribed for treating individuals with ADHD.

Similar to Dexedrine, proscribed dosages for Adderall tablets range between 2.5-4.5mg daily. Each Adderall tablet consists of equal amounts of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine salts – in both regular and stronger dosage pills. It gained popularity as the effect of amphetamine based medications is subtler and is effective for up to 9 hours – therefore scores better in terms of symptom relief than other stimulant based medications used for treatment of ADHD.

Adderall is widely acknowledged as the most powerful drug in ADHD treatment in North America and Canada. Shockingly, it wasn't originally intended for ADHD, as it came to the market as a weight loss supplement!

Common Side Effects

Studies based on long-term use of Adderall and Methylphenidate based drugs in children have shown temporary slowing in growth rate. Also, loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss are common. Some cases with blurred vision have been reported also.

Among others, constipation or diarrhea, loss of sleep, headaches, irritability, impatience, heightened anxiousness, upset stomaches, muscle tension, and a decreased sex drive in adults have all been notable side effects.

Long-term use shows signs of its addictive nature in studies. It acts as a stimulant and the after-use effects have been compared with large dosages of caffeine or even worse – speed, which increases the risk of substance abuse among Adderall users.

RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS

While there is no definite cure for ADHD yet, there are a multitude of ways you can manage and treat the condition. We have compiled a list of possible solutions that we believe are the smartest and safest ways to combat ADHD.

All Natural Alternatives - There are many options "beyond the pharmacy" in treating ADHD that exist. Daily exercise, a balanced nutritional diet, and meditation are just a few common examples.

Over the Counter (OTC) Solutions - Here we go through a variety of OTC options that are often substituted by those who choose to avoid prescription medicines.

Further Reading – We provide a list of reading material that we believe will help you better understand ADHD.

OUR FEATURED SUPPLEMENT TREATMENT

ADDTabz™ is a new OTC supplement for those suffering from symptoms of ADHD. Using cognitive enhancing variants passed by the FDA, ADDTabz™ is the best alternative supplement to prescribed medications often used in treating ADHD. ADDTabz™ may also provide benefits beyond those suffering the effects of ADHD. ADDTabz™ is the perfect supplement treatment for both students and professionals looking for a cognitive acuity, improved energy, and a decrease in anxiety.

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS – SAFE AND EFFECTIVE

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the majority of medications bought by U.S. consumers, representing six of every ten medications sold, are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. OTC drugs are often met with skepticism with regards to safety and efficacy, despite representing a large segment of the drugs purchased on the market, especially when compared to the overwhelmingly positive attitudes towards prescription medications. However, this skepticism is unfounded, and can likely be attributed to the general public's lack of knowledge regarding the approval process and federal oversight of OTC medications.

Over-the-counter drugs are defined as "drugs that are safe and effective for use by the general public without seeking treatment by a health professional." Despite the widespread belief that these products are somehow less safe or less effective than prescription drugs, due to the level of federal oversight involved, consumers and industry should be made aware that OTC drugs are subjected to their fair share of regulatory scrutiny. In fact, many popular medications that are currently approved for over-the-counter use started off as prescription drugs. Among these medications are widely popular antihistamines, like Claritin and Zyrtec, acid reducers, like Prevacid and Prilosec, as well as the more controversial emergency contraceptive, Plan B. For these drugs, making the switch was a trying process that ultimately resulted in demonstrating that practitioner oversight is unnecessary to ensure that consumers are safe. Additionally, other OTC drugs entered the market by conforming to an existing FDA monograph, an alternative pathway whereby the Agency considers whether particular formulations are safe and effective. Regardless of the differing ay of entering the OTC market, the FDA's supreme concern is in determining whether consumers will benefit from these OTC medications.

With the added safety measures that post-marketing surveillance provides, consumers should feel confident knowing that the over-the-counter products being sold are continually being monitored by the FDA. Rather than being a one-time determination, the safety of OTC drugs is an ongoing concern and is necessary for remaining in the marketplace. Given the extensive regulation of these products, both before and after entering the market, it becomes apparent OTC drugs are well deserving of the consumer confidence afforded to other highly regulated products.