What is ADD? ADD or Attention deficit Disorder is not a fixed syndrome, but an evolving concept, therefore causes for this disorder and treatments are constantly changing. Many believe that genes play an important part and there is some under-activity in the frontal lobes of the brain, which is the command center for self-control.

There are a variety of factors to look at before diagnosing ADD, including behavioral differences and early allergies to certain foods or ingredients. ADD is normally diagnosed from age 7 years when children attend formal educational centers, but symptoms may be observed even earlier.

You may notice:

- Difficulty following instructions, fitting in with a group or coping in new situations.

- Extreme temper tantrums

- Changing activities constantly, very restless

- Disorganized and aimless activity

- Pointless, forbidden or painful activity repeated

- Difficulty gaining self-control

- Obvious differences in the child compared to siblings or peer group

- Hyperactive and clumsiness

- Slow to talk in some children

Diagnosis

Unfortunately to the inexperienced person typical features of ADD are common and normal in most children. A paediatrician and psychologist will look at obvious signs and case history before diagnosing ADD.

Seven symptoms of ADD

The following seven symptoms must last for more than 6 months and be inappropriate for the child's age, displaying obvious signs of a lack of concentration.

- Carelessness and failing to pay attention to detail

- Losing concentration frequently during play or work

- Not appearing to listen to what is being said

- Not following instructions or completing tasks

- Not being very good at self-organization or organizing activities

- A dislike of tasks involving mental effort

- Easily distracted and frequently forgetful, to the point of losing things needed for work or games

The doctor will also look for signs of over activity, impulsiveness, frequent fidgeting when sitting, getting up off the chair when expected to sit still, inappropriately noisy, not listening to the whole question before blurting out an answer, running or climbing about and difficulty waiting in turn.

Treatment

Some children do respond after a change in their diet, that is why some children diagnosed with ADD are thought to suffer from food allergies, while others cannot metabolize certain substances found in certain foods or drugs such as artificial colorants, preservatives and salicylates. Drugs used for severely affected children include stimulants such as Ritalin which does appear to increase concentration spans. However this is not a cure. Ritalin is thought to be effective in helping the child to concentrate, learn and behave sociably and responds to other cognitive therapies. Adverse effects do occur in some children including headaches, appetite and weight loss and poor sleep.

Other approaches to treatment include psychological treatments, such as behavioral and cognitive therapy. Reward schemes and positive encouragement are included in behavioral therapy, while cognitive therapy teaches a child to manage their reward schemes, control their impulses and solve problems in an orderly manner.

What can a parent do Encourage self-control, plan structured days and establish clear house rules. Be positive and reward good behavior, including small achievements such as sitting at the table. Teach new skills during the day when your child is most responsive and attentive. Ask for outside help if necessary when activity levels become too much to bear. Above all, children who cope best are often children of coping parents.