The information provided below was taken from a wide source of documents, articles, and definitions, but is incomplete and for basic informational purposes only.  While will do our best to remain current, new research is constantly changing what we know about these and other similar disorders and therefore we can not be responsible for what may prove in the future to be less than accurate information concerning the following definitions and terms. 

• What is ADD, ADHD, and their Symptoms?
• Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks:  What's the difference?
• What is Clinical Depression?

 

• What is ADD and ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with hyperactivity, is the newest name given to a group of disorders of certain mechanisms in the central nervous system.  These disorders cause a variety of learning and behavioral problems for the affected individual and their entire family.  Often someone who suffers from ADD/ADHD is labeled as having a learning disability, but the individual is usually of average or above average intelligence and highly creative.  It is estimated that between 3% to 5% of children in the United States have ADD/ADHD.  Boys are diagnosed 3 times more than girls, and although once thought to be primarily a childhood disorder, it can be found in adults, as well.  A more complex disorder after puberty, experts believe that 80% of the estimated 8 million adult sufferers don’t even know it.  Adult ADD/ADHD manifests itself not so much as attention issues or impulse control, but a problem of self-regulation.  Without this self control, an adult’s ability to do tasks is impaired, because not only must the tasks be done, but they have to be scheduled, organized, and placed in proper perspective.  This condition can lead to substance abuse, financial problems, and marital conflicts including infidelity.  An adult sufferer become easily bored with not only their daily activities, but the people around them, as well.

Although no exact conclusive evidence exists as to the cause, several factors have been linked to the development of ADD/ADHD.  Heredity, anxiety, allergies, hyperinsulinemia, oxygen deprivation at birth, environmental stress or pollutants, artificial food, additives, infections, and lead poisoning, among others, have all been considered factors that may contribute to the onset of these disorders.  Although there is no single test to determine a diagnosis, a specialist makes the diagnosis by comparing a person’s behavior pattern against a set of criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association.  Either  six inattention symptoms or six hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms must exist for a clinical diagnosis. 

Inattention symptoms include:

0. Does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
0. Has trouble keeping attention on activities.
0. Does not seem to listen when spoken to.
0. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks.
0. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
0. Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
0. Loses things necessary to do tasks or activities.
0. Is easily distracted.
0. Is forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness symptoms include:

0. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in his or her seat.
0. Leaves his or her seat at times when remaining seated is necessary.
0. Feels restless or, as a child, inappropriately runs about or climbs excessively.
0. Has difficulty taking part in leisure activities or quiet play.
0. Is 'on the go' or acts as if driven.
0. Talks excessively.
0. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
0. Has difficulty awaiting his or her turn.
0. Interrupts conversations or intrudes on other’s activities.  TOP

 

• Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks:  What's the difference?

Anxiety Disorders can affect people of all ages and are categorized as either acute or chronic.  An acute anxiety disorder is known as a panic attack.  Panic attacks are when the bodies 'fight or flight' reaction occurs at the wrong time.  This involuntary response is the body's way of preparing to deal with an emergency situation.  Stress causes the body to produce more adrenal hormones, such as adrenaline.  This increased production of adrenaline causes the body to step up metabolism which causes muscles to tense, and heartbeat and breathing to become more rapid.  In an accident or disaster this type of reaction is normal, but at other times this surge of adrenaline can be distressing and frightening.  A person having a panic attack is often over-whelmed by a sense of impending disaster or death.  Panic attacks are usually abrupt and intense and can happen anytime.  Some symptoms include: shortness of breath, smothering effect, claustrophobic sensation, heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, hot flashes, chills, trembling, numbness or tingling sensations, sweating, nausea, distorted perception, muscular twitching,  and inability to relax.  Chronic anxiety is a milder form of this disorder.  Sufferers feel a constant state of anxiety much of the time, but it does not reach the intensity of an actual panic attack.  Headaches and chronic fatigue are common among people with this form of disorder, as is body aches and pains, muscle stiffness, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and decreased libido.  TOP

 

• What is Clinical Depression?

Depression is a whole-body illness affecting the nervous system, moods, thoughts and behavior.  Even the way you eat and sleep.  Sufferers usually withdraw and hide from society.  Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, inadequacy, feeling of worthlessness, loss of interest in hobbies, quickness to anger, restlessness, feeling sad, and much more.  The causes are not fully understood but some contributing factors are thought to be tension, stress, traumatic life event, hyper-stimulated immune system, chemical imbalances in the brain, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, sugar, lack of exercises, endometriosis, serious physical disorders, and allergies.  Whatever the factors that trigger Clinical Depression,  it begins with a disturbance in the part of the brain that governs moods.  TOP

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or think you or a loved one may be suffering from one of these disorders, please seek medical advice immediately and discuss with your doctor whether any of our products may be right for you.