ADHD

AND THE EFFECT IT HAS ON

THE BRAIN

By: Cyrus Shirazi

 OVERVIEW
1.) What is ADD/ADHD?
2.) What causes ADD/ADHD?
3.) What are the signs of ADD/ADHD?
4.) Medication
ADHD is a disorder
that throws off a
chemical balance
in the brain.
A – Attention
D – Deficit
H – Hyperactivity
D – Disorder

ADHD is subjected into three categories

according to the main features related
with the disorder: Predominantly Combined
Type, Predominantly Inattentive Type, Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type.
 Inattention
A child with ADHD is usually described as having a
short attention span and as being distractible, but
distractibility and inattentiveness are not the same.
What distractibility means is a short attention span and
the ease with which some children can be thrown off-
task.

Symptoms of inattention
1.) Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
2.) Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
3.) Is forgetful in daily activities.
 Hyperactivity
Excessive activity is the most seen sign of ADHD. The
children with this type of ADHD are usually the on the go
type.

Symptoms of hyperactivity
1.) Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2.) Often talks a lot.
3.) Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations
in which remaining seated is expected.
 Impulsivity
Children with impulsivity usually act before thinking,
because they have difficulties waiting (instant
gratification). The impulsivity lead children to talk out of
turn, interrupt others, and engage in risk-taking
behavior.

Symptoms of impulsivity
1.) Often blurts out answers before questions have been
completed.
2.) Often has difficulty waiting his/hers turn.
3.) Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
 CAUSE OF ADHD
• Doctors believe that ADHD is a neurobiologically-
based developmental disability.

• ADHD is genetically transmitted from a chemical imbalance

or deficiency in certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

• The school age population that has ADHD is

between three to five percent.
Medicated Non-
Medicated
Doctors believe that a healthy nutrition can improve
ADHD.

Doctors recommend a high

protein, low carbohydrate diet.

Supplements also have a

good effect on the brain,
especially dopamine,
because they help with
focusing and energy by
increasing the blood flow.
 Signs of ADHD
Primary features that accompany ADHD are
1.) Inattention
2.) Hyperactivity
3.) Impulsivity
 Medication
• Ritalin (the name brand usually associated
with ADHD) Stimulants increase nervous
system alertness by stimulating
neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Concerta is a Methylphenidate which is
most commonly prescribed medication for
people with ADHD.
• Strattera is a non-stimulant drug that has
just recently been released for medicating
children and adults who have ADHD.
 Bibliography
1.) Author unknown. “Attention-Deficit Disorder”
http://www.drgreene.com/21_1021.html ( 16 April.
2004)
2.)
http://www.add-adhd.org/ADHD_attention-deficit.html
3.)