Tuesday, July 11, 2006

ADD or ADHD?

A bit out of it?
Can't remember?
Some genetic neurological problem?
ADD or ADHD?
Either? or none of the above?

A few years ago when doing my teacher's license, I researched the problem. My question was:

If the Neurologists say that only 3-5% of the population has ADD or ADHD, why do the teachers report 30-60% of late?

It didn't take me long to discover that insufficient sleep causes the same problems!

So instead of prescribing Ritalin or other drugs, it's best to recommend more sleep. The problem is that modern society prefers pills!

8 comments:

Sarah Likes Green said...

also preservatives, sugar and colourings in food can make kids (and probably adults as well) hyperactive etc

so maybe more sleep and healthier foods wil make for tamer, well behaved kids and adults!

Anonymous said...

from experience - this is true for those who are NOT ADHD, but have ADHD-like behavour, caused by not enough sleep (or too much sugar or whatever). Those who are REALLY ADHD (or ADD) will still be ADHD no matter what.

Batya said...

Sarah and Sara g,

yes, for sure

You're both right!

Daled Amos said...

I recall back in college a friend told me that when a person goes for a long period of time without sleep, the bodies manufactures a chemical similar to LSD.
I never knew if he was serious he was.
But I do recall being curious if he knew about this from personal experience.

Batya said...

I'm no expert in LSD, Baruch Hashem, but severe sleep deprivation is a brainwashing technique. And many of us know how faulty our logic becomes after not getting enough sleep.

Anonymous said...

but - for some people with ADHD, being sleep deprived helps them to be MORE focused.

Batya said...

Never heard that one, unless they're too tired to move, and that's an improvement?

Batya said...

Isn't it a chicken or egg, which first question?