In any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from depression.

1. Major depression is the leading cause of disability. The indirect and direct costs of mood disorder illnesses totals over 43 billion dollars a year. Depression and related mood disorders rank behind high blood pressure as the most common reason people visit their doctors.

Most individuals who consult their medical doctor for mood disorders are placed on prescription medications.

And in fact as many as 10% of the U.S. population has taken one of these medications. Prescription antidepressants sales reached a total of 37 billion in sales in 2003, which came out to $9 million more than was spent on treatments for the heart, arteries and blood pressure.

2. The largest growth spurt in antidepressant use has been among preschoolers, ages 2-4.

3. In 2003 over one million American children were taking an antidepressant medication.

4. However, several studies show that between 19-70% of those taking antidepressant medications do just as well by taking a placebo or sugar pill.

5. These studies help explain why most individuals may initially benefit from taking an antidepressant drug only to find that the positive affects soon wear off. Some may switch from one antidepressant drug to another. And while patients are attempting to correct their mood disorders with prescription dugs that may or may not be more effective than a sugar pill, all of these drugs have potential, sometimes serious, side effects.

Prozac has been associated with over 1,734 suicide deaths and over 28,000 adverse reactions.6

Prescription antidepressants can cause depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal tendencies, tremors or involuntary muscle spasms, and senility. Yes, prescription antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can and do cause depression and anxiety.

7. Those suffering from anxiety are commonly prescribed one of the benzodiazepine (tranquilizer) medications, Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin or others.

National surveys show that 5.6 million adults over the age of 65 are now taking tranquilizers.

8. These medications are associated with numerous unwanted side effects including poor sleep, seizures, mania, depression, suicide, ringing in the ears, amnesia, dizziness, anxiety, disorientation, low blood pressure, nausea, fluid retention, tremors, sexual dysfunction (decreased desire and performance), weakness, somnolence (prolonged drowsiness or a trance-like condition that may continue for a number of days), and headaches.

9. Over 73,000 older adults experience drug-induced tardive dyskinesia (tremors or uncontrollable shakes). For many, these tremors are permanent.

10. Orthomolecular Medicine

Fortunately for those looking for a safer, often times more effective way to beat mood disorders, a group of progressive minded physicians helped pioneer a new way of treating mental disorders, known as orthomolecular medicine.

In 1968, two time Nobel Prize-winner Linus Pauling, Ph.D., originated the term “orthomolecular” to describe an approach to medicine that uses naturally occurring substances normally present in the body. “Ortho” means correct or normal, and orthomolecular physicians recognize that in many cases of physiological and psychological disorders health can be reestablished by properly correcting, or normalizing, the balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other similar substances within the body. And unlike drug therapy, which attempts to cover-up the symptoms associated with a mood disorder, orthomolecular medicine seeks to find and correct the cause of the illness.

Where do the neurotransmitters come from?

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that help relay electrical messages from one nerve cell to another. Neurotransmitters are produced from the amino acids in the foods we eat. Amino acids join together in different patterns to form a protein. Eating a protein rich food allows us to replenish our ongoing demand for the essential amino acids. Half of the amino acids are essential. This means our bodies can’t manufacture them and we must get them from the foods we eat (protein). Certain amino acids along with certain B vitamins and minerals produce the neurotransmitters. The amino acid tryptophan turns into serotonin. The amino acid phenylalanine turns into epinephrine. Amino acids are the raw nutrients needed to manufacture the neurotransmitters, which regulate our moods.

What do neurotransmitters do?

Neurotransmitters help regulate pain, reduce anxiety, promote happiness, initiate deep sleep, boost energy, and mental clarity.

The neurotransmitters that cause excitatory reactions are known as catecholamines. Catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline) are derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.

Inhibitory or relaxing neurotransmitters include serotonin and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). The neurotransmitter serotonin is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. GABA is produced from the amino aid glutamine.

Amino Acid Replacement Therapy

The most popular antidepressant drugs are known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). SSRI’s including the drugs Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft are supposed to help the brain re-uptake the serotonin it produces. It is analogous to using a gasoline additive to help your car get more mileage out of the gasoline in your tank.

Unfortunately, many of the individuals who suffer from mood disorders, don’t have any serotonin in their brains to re-uptake. A gasoline additive poured into an empty gasoline tank doesn’t help much, if at all.

No one is born with a Prozac deficiency. However, people can develop a serotonin deficiency. Orthomolecular medicine uses amino acid replacement therapy to correct serotonin and other neurotransmitter deficiencies. I’ve found this approach to be just as effective (if not more so) than prescription antidepressant medications.

I’ve found very few problems with mixing amino acids with prescription anti-depressants. In fact, ninety percent of my patient’s are initially on prescription antidepressants when I first start them on amino acid replacement therapy.

Over the years I’ve used various questionnaires or tests to determine which amino acids needed to be recommended. I’ve been using the questionnaire below and have found it provides a quick and accurate assessment tool to diagnose a person’s brain chemistry.

Brain Function Questionnaire

The “S” Group

If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “S” group:

o It’s hard for you to go to sleep.

o You can’t stay asleep.

o You often find yourself irritable.

o Your emotions often lack rationality.

o You occasionally experience unexplained tears.

o Noise bothers you more than it used to; it seems louder than normal.

o You flare up at others more easily than you used to; you experience unprovoked anger.

o You feel depressed much of the time.

o You find you are more susceptible to pain.

o You prefer to be left alone.

Serotonin is a hypothalamus neurotransmitter necessary for sleep. A lack of serotonin causes difficulty in getting to sleep as well as staying asleep. It is often this lack of sleep that causes the symptoms mentioned above.

Serotonin levels can easily be raised by supplementing with the essential amino acid L-tryptophan, but dietary supplements of L-tryptophan are banned in the United States.

However, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), a form of tryptophan, is available over-the-counter and works extremely well for most patients. Patients should start with 50mg. of 5HTP, 30 minutes before bed. They should take on an empty stomach along with 4 oz. of grape juice. They may need to increase this dose, up to 300 mg. per night. Individuals who don’t have trouble sleeping at night but do have other symptoms of the “S” group might want to take 100 mg. of 5HTP three times daily, with food. 5HTP doesn’t usually cause drowsiness when taken with food.

The “G” Group

If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “G” group:

o You often feel anxious for no reason.

o You sometimes feel “free-floating” anxiety.

o You frequently feel “edgy,” and it’s difficult to relax.

o You often feel a “knot” in your stomach.

o Falling asleep is sometimes difficult.

o It’s hard to turn your mind off when you want to relax.

o You occasionally experience feelings of panic for no reason.

o You often use alcohol or other sedatives to calm down.

The “G” group symptoms are from the absence of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an important neurotransmitter involved in

regulating mood and mental clarity. Tranquilizers (benzodiazepines) used to treat anxiety and panic disorders work by increasing GABA.

GABA is made from the amino acid glutamine. Glutamine passes across the blood-brain barrier and helps provide the fuel needed for proper brain function.

A deficiency in L-glutamine can result in foggy thinking, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Usually only a small dose of GABA is needed, 500-1,000 mg. twice daily. Some individuals may need to take it three-four times a day. Like most amino acids, GABA needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

The “D” Group

If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “D” group:

o You lack pleasure in life.

o You feel there are no real rewards in life.

o You have unexplained lack of concern for others, even loved ones.

o You experience decreased parental feelings.

o Life seems less “colorful” or “flavorful.”

o Things that used to be fun aren’t any longer enjoyable.

o You have become a less spiritual or socially concerned person.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the enjoyment of life: food, arts, nature, your family, friends, hobbies, and other pleasures. Cocaine’s (and chocolate’s) popularity stems from the fact that it causes very high levels of dopamine to be released in a sudden rush.

A dopamine deficiency can lead to a condition known as anhedonia. Anhedonia is the lack of ability to feel any pleasure or remorse in life. Brain fatigue, confusion, and lethargy are all by-products of low dopamine.

The brain cells that manufacture dopamine use the amino acid L-phenylalanine as a raw material. Like most cells in the hypothalamus, they have the ability to produce four-five times their usual output if larger quantities of the raw materials are made available through nutritional supplementation.

Start your patients with 1,000 mg. of L-phenylalanine one-two times daily on an empty stomach. If they don’t seem to notice any benefits, keep increasing the dose, up to 4,000 mg. twice a day. If they experience a rapid heart beat, agitation, or hyperactivity, have them reduce or stop taking L-phenylalanine.

The “N” Group

If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “N” group:

o You suffer from a lack of energy.

o You often find it difficult to “get going.”

o You suffer from decreased drive.

o You often start projects and then don’t finish them.

o You frequently feel a need to sleep or “hibernate.”

o You feel depressed a good deal of the time.

o You occasionally feel paranoid.

o Your survival seems threatened.

o You are bored a great deal of the time.

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine, when released in the brain, causes feelings of arousal, energy, and drive. On the other hand, a short supply of it will cause feelings of a lack of ambition, drive, and/or energy. A deficiency can even cause depression, paranoia, and feelings of apathy.

Norepinephrine is also used to initiate the flow of adrenaline when you are under psychological stress. The production of norepinephrine in the hypothalamus is a 2-step process. The amino acid L-phenylalanine is first converted into tyrosine. Tyrosine is then converted into norepinephrine. Tyrosine, then, can be supplemented to increase norepinephrine (and dopamine). But too much tyrosine can cause headaches, so I usually recommend L-phenylalanine replacement first.

1. Robins LN, Regier DA (Eds). Psychiatric Disorders in America, The Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study, 1990; New York: The Free Press.

2. Beth Hawkins, A Pill is not Enough, City Pages.com

Vol 25 issue 1225 Minneapolis MN.

3. JAMA February 23, 2000;283:1025-1030,1059-1060

4. Drug report barred by FDA

Scientist links antidepressants to suicide in kids

Rob Waters, Special to The Chronicle

Sunday, February 1, 2004

5. Joan-Ramone Laporte and Albert Figueras, “Placebo Effects in Psychiatry,” Lancet 334 (1993):1206-8.

6. Death and near death attributed to Prozac, Citizens Commission on Human Rights.

7. Whittle TJ, Wiland Richard, The story behind Prozac the killer drug, Freedom Magazine, 6331 Hollywood BLVD., suite 1200 Los Angeles, CA 90028. 7. Monthly Prescribing Reference Haymarket Media Publication Nov 2005, New York NY.

8. Sidney Wolfe, Larry Sasich, and Rose-Ellen Hope, Worst Pills Best Pills.

Pocket Books New York, NY 1999 pg179.

9. Sidney Wolfe, Larry Sasich, and Rose-Ellen Hope, Worst Pills Best Pills.

Pocket Books New York, NY 1999 pg11.

10. Sidney Wolfe, Larry Sasich, and Rose-Ellen Hope, Worst Pills Best Pills.

Pocket Books New York, NY 1999.

About Dr. Murphree Dr. Murphree is a board certified nutritional specialist and chiropractic physician who has been in private practice since 1990. He is the founder and past clinic director for a large integrated medical practice located on the campus of Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham Alabama. The clinic was staffed with medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, and massage therapists. The clinic combined prescription and natural medicines for acute and chronic illnesses. He is the author of 5 books for patients and doctors, including Treating and Beating Anxiety and Depression with Orthomolecular Medicine” and “Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” His website is at http://www.treatingandbeating.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rodger_Murphree

More info about Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire:

Clinical utility of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire …

Clinical utility of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ) in a sample of young help-seekers

Anxiety Disorder Self-Assessment Questionnaire – HealthyPlace

Brief anxiety disorder assessment questionnaire. Define your anxiety symptoms and get immediate anxiety self … Privacy Policy; Terms of Use; Tools. Mood Journal; Mediminder

Choose from the Recommended Antidepression Medication – PRLog (free press release)

Elavil – Elavil is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression … disorder, anxiety attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. The SSRIs act on a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate mood, but it also plays a role in …

IngentaConnect Factor structure of the Mood and Anxiety …

Factor structure of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire does not generalize to an anxious/depressed sample. Authors: Boschen, Mark J.; Oei, Tian P.S. …

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a school based cognitive … – 7thSpace Interactive (press release)

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a school based cognitive … 7thSpace Interactive (press release) The primary outcome measure is change on the Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures will assess changes in negative …

Neurotic people are not just unhappy, they’re expensive – msnbc.com

They assessed neurotic traits using a 14-item scale crafted from a personality inventory questionnaire used widely in the … those for associated mental health problems, for example mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and somatic …

Psychometric Properties of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom …

O RIGINAL A RTICLE Psychometric Properties of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire in Patients With Chronic Pain MichaelE. Geisser, PhD,*Annmarie Cano, PhD,â? and Heather …

Cognitive therapy v. usual treatment for borderline personality disorder … – British Journal of Psychiatry

Cognitive therapy v. usual treatment for borderline personality disorder … British Journal of Psychiatry To determine the extent of current psychiatric symptoms, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), 16 Spielberger Stateâ??Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 17 and … and more »

An Examination of Nolen-Hoeksema’s Other Responses to Depression:

Questionnaire (RSQ) and measures of depression and anxiety symptoms. Using hierarchical … symptoms gradually escalate and lead to a major depressive …

Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression – Wikipedia, the free …

The questionnaire rates the severity of symptoms observed in depression such as low mood, insomnia, agitation, anxiety and weight loss. …

Substantial Rates of Mental Illness Found in U.S. Adolescents – Psychiatric News

Anxiety disorders seem to … were asked whether they had ever experienced symptoms of various DSM-IV anxiety, mood, behavior, substance use, or eating disorders. Parents of the subjects also filled out questionnaires to provide additional information …

Clinical utility of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire …

Clinical utility of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ) in a sample of young help-seekers.(Research article)(Report) … find BMC Psychiatry articles. div id= be …

This post was mainly about Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire, you are welcomed to comment here about Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire.

Related Blogs

• Related Blogs on Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire

Two of the most horrifying little goodies that so often accompany panic attacks and severe anxiety are derealization and depersonalization. Both can be absolutely crippling and take you right to the turnstiles of your perception of insanity. This article will discuss what these spooky phenomena are and what may cause them.

Coming from personal experience, derealization is a deep and disturbing sensation of unreality and detachment from one’s immediate world, rather an altered state of consciousness. It’s been described as feeling as though one is looking at the world through thick glass. I mean, you can see clearly, are fully oriented, and can function; however it’s like you’re operating in a very exclusive dimension. It is an absolutely terrifying experience and generally leads to the belief that insanity is at hand – especially if one hasn’t the knowledge as to what’s really going on. As derealization presents, one becomes extremely concerned about what to do and how to find help. See, it’s all about the fear of being, and appearing, crazy – or at the very least, extremely strange.

Now, just as derealization is an environmental perceptual issue, depersonalization is an equally disturbing self-perception phenomenon. During my junior year in college I walked into the house I shared with some buddies and caught a glimpse of a photograph hanging on the wall of the six of us. Though it was only a glimpse, something just didn’t seem right – that quickly. So I stopped, walked back to the photo and saw this person right in the middle of the picture. I knew who he was, yet I didn’t. But it was me! I can’t tell you how frightening that sensation was. Depersonalizaton holds the potential to snatch away your last morsels of identity and security, having any sort of concept of self relegated to the dumpster.

So, what actually causes these sensations? Recent research has suggested that extraordinary and frightening sensations, such as near-death and out-of-body experiences – which I believe are in the same ballpark as derealization and depersonalization – may occur because of stress-induced malfunctioning brain chemistry. For example, a structure in the temporal lobe (lower side) of the brain known as the angular gyrus, specifically the right angular gyrus, is believed to process sensory input in an effort to aid in the perception of our physical selves. Featured in one particular study was a seizure disorder patient participating in a course of electrical stimulation treatment. During a procedure the electrodes were applied to the right side of the patient’s head (right angular gyrus?), and guess what? When the juice was turned on the patient reported an out-of-body experience. Now, this research doesn’t specifically address the cause of derealization and depersonalization; however it begins to point some fingers. At least I think so.

The strange sensation of floating outside of the body during times of perceptual disorientation may be generated by any number of things, including panic, intense anxiety, major life stress, emotional and physical trauma, and brain disease or injury. As it applies to mental and emotional distress, perhaps as life circumstances begin to overwhelm us we become victims of transitioning consciousness as our minds react by generating custom-tailored out-of-body experiences known as derealization and depersonalization. V.S. Ramachandran, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for the Brain and Cognition at the University of California, San Diego, underscores the power of perceptual alteration by proposing there’s a shift in the very boundaries of self-perception when incoming sensual input doesn’t comply with what one perceives and requires as the norm. By the way, do whatever you can to read any of Ramachandran’s writings because it’s absolutely amazing stuff. This guy is the real deal.

As a past sufferer of this hocus-pocus, I view derealization and depersonalization, intense perceptual alterations, as the mind’s self-protective reaction to the ultimate perceived state of overload. It just seems to me that when the mind believes it’s mega-overwhelmed it flips the switch on a perceptual filter, believing even the slightest additional bit of stimuli may lead to various degrees of psychic meltdown. Yes – it’s the mind in a powerful state of defense. Within this theoretical framework, the mind is trying to give itself a fighting chance to sort and process that with which it’s already wrestling, so it chooses to inhibit the sensory messages streaming in from one’s immediate internal and external experience.

Now, unfortunately, the mind’s fear circuitry is chugging along very independently and just as efficiently as its perceptual filter. So off go the alarms because the sensations experienced as a result of the mind’s work to defend itself, which may include derealization and depersonalization, are causing the alarm circuitry to freak. As a result, one flips into all-out panic mode, desperately trying to reestablish a sense of perceptual orientation and comfort. And that only makes things worse because it totally interrupts the mind’s immediate mission of managing thousands of cars at rush-hour. And so one is left with this ever-building traffic jam caused by two vehicles: an overloaded mind on the verge of meltdown and a very agitated and loudly rebellious fear circuitry. Needless to say, no one’s going anywhere.

I might also suggest that derealization and depersonalization may also present as a result of the mind being so consumed by its present overload, it simply can’t deliver perceptual accuracy in response to what the senses are bringing to the table. Don’t ever forget – this is all about how we receive self and the world. And there’s only so much of the mind to go around. Yes – it does have its limits.

Dr. V.S. Ramachandran, from his book, A Brief Tour of Human Consciousness: From Imposter Poodles to Purple Numbers (Pi Press, 2004), sets the table for his thoughts on derealization and depersonalization by mentioning two fascinating neurological disorders. The first, Capgras Delusion, is characterized by the patient being convinced a close family member or friend is an imposter. The patient has no problem grasping familiarity of appearance and behavior; however the relational significance just isn’t there, and the patient is fully aware of the disconnect. Ramachandran then mentions Cotard’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by the patient believing she has lost everything, even parts of her body, and believes she may, indeed, be dead and is walking about as a corpse.

Ramachandran suggests derealization and depersonalization may well be caused by the same altered brain circuitry that brings on Capgras and Cotard’s, even to the point of referring to derealization and depersonalization as rather a “mini-Cotard’s.” In the face of a life-threatening emergency a piece of anatomy in the frontal lobe of the brain, the anterior cingulate (also involved in the processing of physical pain), becomes active. Its ensuing action pulls in the reins on the brain’s fear circuitry. As a result, disabling phenomena such as fear and anxiety fall by the wayside. But it doesn’t stop there, as the anterior cingulate then ramps-up alertness just in case we need to defend ourselves. Well, the bottom-line is we’re left in this emotionally void and hypervigilant state, and Dr. Ramachandran proposes we have but two alternatives to account for what’s happened: “The world just isn’t real,” presenting in the form of derealization, and “I’m not real,” presenting in the form of depersonalization. Go back several paragraphs to my description of my personal experience with depersonalization. One of my statements was, “I knew who he was, yet I didn’t.” Kaboom – what a fit.

I find all of this really very fascinating, especially when you consider that something that feels so horribly frightening, and that holds the potential to cause such major dysfunction, may actually be the mind’s naturally intended way of protecting itself. Indeed, the mind may be saying, “I’ve got a bit more than I can handle here – could someone please help me out?” To me, assigning a personality, if you will, to the mind gives its generated distressing phenomena a bit of softness and gentleness; making them seem so much less abysmal. I mean, it’s like the mind is this living, feeling being to which we can show compassion as it’s hurt, confused, worn-out, and desperately in need of rest and care. I really believe in this relationship with mind, and it’s my opinion the only thing that keeps us from realizing its fullest two-way potential is overcoming our misinterpretations and overreactions to the mind’s naturally occurring protective mechanisms. Yes – as soon as we sense the beginnings of sensations such as derealization or depersonalization, and the alarms sound, we think our way to exaggerated and inappropriate reactions. And it’s this dynamic that causes all the hubbub, not the perceptual alterations themselves.

Well, hey – that’s it for this writing. Hopefully you know a bit more than you knew coming in. And if derealization and/or depersonalization are tearing your life apart, here’s hoping for some insight and relief. Don’t ever forget – you are not going crazy! Keep an eye out for my article, Panic Attacks and Anxiety: Adios! to Derealization and Depersonalization. It’s a great bit of follow-up.

Bill has worked hard to develop creative and effective relief strategies for depression, anxiety, bipolarity, and stress. And they’re based in his history and recovery; as well as his clinical training and experience in counseling. Bill invites you to visit his blog at http://chipur.com. It’s a haven for sharing, learning, and relief. Come on, stop on by and participate, won’t you? Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Chandler

More info about Ramachandran vs anxiety:

Mark | Modern Jedi NLP Mind Mastery

Register for this monthâ??s CRUSH Anxiety Call Wednesday, March 11 at Noon Eastern Time … VS Ramachandran: The neurons that shaped civilization ; Taylor Mali: What teachers make

This post was mainly about Ramachandran vs anxiety, you are welcomed to comment here about Ramachandran vs anxiety.

Related Blogs

• Related Blogs on Ramachandran vs anxiety
• Chronic Fatigue Symptoms Could Indicate Functional Weakness | All …
• uggs uk Panic Attacks and Anxiety Derealization &

Children with ADD/ADHD (hereafter referred to as ADHD) are creative, energetic, imaginative, and resourceful people. They have a wonderful spirit and you wouldn’t trade your child’s personality for the world. But sometimes, there’s school work to be done. Sometimes, you really need your child to sit still. Sometimes you really just want a few minutes of peace. Or is that just true at my house?

Learning doesn’t have to be a chore for the ADHD student. It seems to me to be such a waste to bore these wonderful minds when it just takes a little bit of creativity on our part to keep them going. In my thirteen years of being a parent to an ADHD child, I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. I’ve taught public school classrooms with students all over the ADHD spectrum. Some have been medicated. Some have not. Regardless of the severity of their condition or the presence of medication or other therapies, I have found some strategies that really helped my ADHD kids to become better learners.

If you’re reading this article, you are probably already aware of the characteristics and symptoms of a child with Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder. You may notice impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity, disorganization, hyper-focus, or forgetfulness. You may have noticed these symptoms even before your child was of school age. Then, when he or she starts school, either homeschool or public/private schooling, you begin to have your concerns verified when you notice failure to complete assignments in a timely manner, disorganized work habits, or producing messy or careless work. However, school does not have to be a struggle for the ADHD child or the parent/teacher.

Some of the strategies I have found to be successful are:

Allow for breaks in the lesson or homework. Let the child get up and move around.

Ask yourself, is it really necessary for my child to be sitting to do his work? Will he get the same result if I allow him to stand to do his work?

Provide as many hands-on activities as possible.

Teach to your child’s strengths and talents.

Keep things in perspective. Remember that your child is not doing any of these things to misbehave.

Minimize distractions. I found that something at simple as asking my son write with a regular pencil as opposed to a mechanical pencil made a huge difference. He liked to distract himself by playing with the lead.

Develop a regular routine.

Give your student something to hold in her hands while you give instructions. Give her a piece of modeling clay or let her color while you read aloud. She will actually absorb more of what you say when she has something to do.

Use a written plan or contract with your child. This gives your child a concrete goal.

Place something for them to touch in their work area. A piece of Velcro works well. It provides the student something to focus on and keeps the impulse to wander around at bay.

Keep the work area free of mess. A messy area will tend to overwhelm the child. He’ll get the feeling that he doesn’t really know where to start.

Use binders for subjects to help your child keep her work organized. Organization is one of the toughest things that ADHD people come up against.

Most importantly, be flexible. One of these tips may work one day and not the next. You’ll need to mix things up to keep your ADHD child from becoming bored.

Homeschooling parents can find activities that are specially geared for the ADHD student at LessonPathways.com.They have many, many lessons that stretch across the curriculum and are tagged for ADHD learners.

Crystal Pratt is a writer and content contributor for http://www.LessonPathways.com, an innovative new product that maps online educational resources into ready to teach units. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Pratt

This post was mainly about Adhd.my innovatives, you are welcomed to comment here about Adhd.my innovatives.

Related Blogs

• Related Blogs on Adhd.my innovatives