When you hear the terms ADD and ADHD, you tend to interchange the usage of the two acronyms but are they different behavior disorders?

Before these terms came about, there were several other names which preceded them. Among the few are “Defect of Moral Control,” “Post-Encephalitic Behavior Disorder,” “Minimal Brain Dysfunction,” and “Hyperkinesia” or “Hyperkinetic Disorder of Childhood.”

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

It was in 1980 when the term Attention Deficit Disorder was used to diagnose impulsiveness and lack of attention and focus without being hyperactive. It was also said that ADD and ADHD were two different conditions because of the distinction of the absence of hyperactivity in diagnosed patients. These findings were documented by the American Psychiatric Association.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Come 1987, ADD was changed to ADHD. Doctors say this is not a psychological condition, but a medical condition. They are however not ruling out the likelihood that this may cause behavioral issues. This has also been seen in kids who have experienced big and traumatic emotional problems like the divorce of their parents, or moving to another place or death of a loved one.

These two terms have been interchangeable or used with a slash (ADD/ADHD) but the more recently evolved ADHD supersedes ADD. Now that we have explained ADD and ADHD, let’s just retain using ADHD since this is its most recent name, shall we?

So what then is ADHD?

ADHD is a behavioral disorder which is oftentimes related to hyperactivity, loss of focus and impulsiveness. These symptoms may appear normal in some cases, but anything that is excessive is considered to fall under ADHD. Some say ADHD is caused by our genetic construction, brain dysfunction, poor parenting, bad eating habits or emotional trauma. If remained unrecognized and without proper treatment, it could continue on until the child becomes an adult.

And speaking of treatment, there are lots of ways on how we can treat ADD or ADHD. TLC tops the list. Patients need the love, care and support from their family and friends.

Food intake needs to be regulated as well. Avoid giving food with too much sugar or preservatives because doctors say , apart from the fact that it’s not healthy, it actually makes the patient more hyper and uncontrollable.

A frequent visit to your doctor is also a vital part of the treatment process. And if your child will be given medication, make sure you follow it to the tee. Medications for ADHD are called stimulants. These stimulants help patients reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness and lack of attention. However, as with all medicines, these may come with or without side effects. Some side effects include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, growth retardation and stomach aches.

Because of these effects, a number of parents are slowly considering alternative solutions in treating ADHD. While it is truly important that your pediatrician should work with you in treating ADHD, natural supplements can help you in the fight.

When considering these supplements, make sure that the product is well-studied and developed by experts, safe, 100% homeopathic and effective.

Look for the natural treatment that contains these “soothing” herbs and plant extracts: Hyoscyamus, Tuberculinum, Arsen iod and Verta alb. When these ingredients are present in a product, it is sure to work in the treatment of ADHD and will make you want to jump for joy.