Vitamin Information Center

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
Synonyms
Hyperkinetic disorder
Definition
Accordingly to ICD-10, ADHD is characterized by an
early onset (usually in the first five years of life), lack of
persistence in activities that require cognitive involvement,
and a tendency to move from one activity to
another without completing any one, together with disorganized,
ill-regulated, and excessive activity. Children
with ADHD have difficulty paying attention to
details and are easily distracted by other events that
are occurring at the same time; they find it difficult
and unpleasant to finish their schoolwork; they put off
anything that requires a sustained mental effort; they
are prone to make careless mistakes, and are disorganized,
losing their school books and assignments; they
appear not to listen when spoken to and often fail to
follow through on tasks. The symptoms of hyperactivity
may be apparent in very young preschoolers and
are nearly always present before the age of 7. Such
symptoms include fidgeting, squirming around when
seated, and having to get up frequently to walk or run
around. Several other abnormalities may be associated.
Children with ADHD are often reckless and impulsive,
prone to accidents, and find themselves in disciplinary
trouble because of unthinking breaches of rules
rather than deliberate defiance. Their relationships with
adults are often socially disinhibited, with a lack of normal
caution and reserve. They are unpopular with other
children and may become isolated. Impairment of
cognitive functions is common, and specific delays in
motor and language development are disproportionately
frequent. Secondary complications include dissocial
behavior and low self-esteem.

Alcoholism
Synonyms
Alcohol abuse; Alcohol dependency
Definition
Alcohol abuse and dependency are commonly called
alcoholism. Alcohol intoxication can cause irritability,
violent behavior, feelings of depression, and in rare
instances hallucinations and delusions. Longer-term,
escalating levels of alcohol consumption can produce
tolerance as well as such intense adaptation of the body
that cessation of use can precipitate a withdrawal syndrome
usually marked by insomnia, evidence of hyperactivity
of the autonomic nervous system, and feelings
of anxiety.

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ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is difficult to treat because it encompasses so many symptoms, some of which are contrary to each other. Those with ADD can demonstrate symptoms both passively and aggressively, though the one symptom that seems to be common in all those with ADD is difficulty in sitting still and concentrating. However, diagnosis and treatment of ADD cannot be based on that one characteristic alone. So then, how do professionals go about the diagnosis and treatment of ADD? According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are 14 symptoms of ADD, eight of which should be present for a diagnosis to be made.

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