ADD & ADHD
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ADD & ADHD

​​ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are disorders which result in a lack of ability to maintain attention to a subject for a prolonged period of time. This can last from seconds to minutes. People who suffer from ADD/ADHD experience a sense of being disconnected from their current surroundings.  They have a hard time sitting still, focusing, or follow directions.

Although commonly linked, ADD and ADHD manifest themselves behaviorally in very different ways. People with ADD tend to be somewhat passive, and more withdrawn than their ADHD counterparts. People with ADD are more easily overwhelmed, while people with ADHD tend to be brasher and have a harder time connecting with the people around them. Both conditions can be very disruptive and extremely painful for the individual socially and psychologically.


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ADD/ADHD Signs & Symptoms

ADD/ADHD often looks quite different in adults than it does in children, and its symptoms are unique for each individual.

Typical Symptoms of ADD/ADHD in Adults:

Problems Focussing/Concentrating
Daydreaming, easily distracted, difficulty staying on task, poor listening skills
Hyperfocus
Being so absorbed in a book, TV, project etc., that you are oblivious of your surroundings
Disorganization
Procrastination, messy home/office, chronic lateness, trouble starting/finishing tasks, losing items
Impulsivity
Speaks/acts without thinking, interrupts, addictive tendancies, reckless or inappropriate behaviour, impatience
Emotional Difficulties
Frustration, flustered, stressed, mood swings, hypersensitive to criticism, explosive temper, low self esteem
Hyperactivity
Restlessness, irritability, aggitation, fidgeting, excessive talking, severe multi tasking

Typical Symptoms of ADD/ADHD in Children:

Inattentive
Problems focusing/listening/remebering, careless mistakes, disorganization, easily bored, loses items
Impulsive
Speaks/acts without thinking, talks out in class, doesn't wait for their turn, interrupts, intrudes, angry outbursts or temper tantrums, guesses answers rather than tries to solve problems
Hyperactive
Hyperactivity, fidgeting, squirming, constant leg shaking/finger tapping, always on the go, excessive talking, short temper


Causes of ADD/ADHD

The exact causes of ADD/ADHD are not known, but experts do know that there is a strong genetic component. In addition, they think that genes that control the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters seem to be different in those with ADD/ADHD. In some cases, though, there is no genetic link, but other common behaviors, such as smoking or drinking during pregnancy, as well as other complications have been linked to ADHD in children. Babies with low birth weight may have an increased risk of ADHD. The same is true for children who have had head injuries, particularly an injury to the frontal lobe. Young children who are exposed to lead or other environmental toxins such as PCBs or pesticides early in life may also have a higher risk of ADHD.

ADD/ADHD always begins in childhood. For some people, though, it is not diagnosed until adulthood. That means adults who are newly diagnosed have actually had ADHD for years, and have had to endure symptoms as they've matured. In addition, research shows that between 30% and 70% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms of the disorder when they become adults.


Effects of ADD/ADHD
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Physical & Mental Health Problems
Substance abuse, overeating, anxiety, stress, low self esteem, ignoring/neglecting health issues
School
Students miss crucial info when they aren't focussed on teacher's lesson, remembering projects/deadlines
Work & Financial Difficulties
Problems meeting deadlines, following rules, keeping jobs, managing finances, impulsive spending
Relationship Problems
Difficulty dealing with pressures from others over ADD/ADHD issues


ADD/ADHD Medications

Medications prescribed for controlling ADD & ADHD can be habit forming and cause unwanted side effects. There are several medications available, such as Ritalin, Adderal, Concerta, and Clonidine, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Most commonly used ADD and ADHD medications can cause adverse side effects and many patients find it difficult to stay on them. That is one reason that sufferers of ADD and ADHD and their families have more and more commonly been turning to other treatments.

Research your options. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision about whether medication is the right approach for you.
Laser Therapy Can Help Reduce and Control ADD & ADHD​​

​​To address ADD/ADHD, at laserhealthservices.ca a certified laser technician will apply Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), otherwise known as a soft or cold laser, to release endorphins in your body naturally, using your own body chemistry. Endorphins are released in our bodies during exercise, excitement, pain and sexual activity. They are our body's natural pain killers. They help to reduce the sensation of pain and also help us to feel better emotionally. Stimulating specific points can initiate or alter reactions inside the body and help to reduce and control ADD/ADHD symptoms.

All targeted points are auricular (on the ears). By stimulating the amygdala, hippocampus and many other points, we can help regulate energy and calm the impulses that otherwise make it difficult for the client to focus and remain still. This may also help with sleep and boosting of the immune system.

This non-medical, non-invasive laser procedure is safe and extremely effective. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been successfully applied to help clients relieve pain and control addictions, health disorders and conditions in Canada and the UK for more than 30 years.

​​As an added bonus, in addition to improvement in the condition they are seeking therapy for, due to the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killers), many clients experience pain relief where they normally may have issues in areas such as headaches, neck, back, shoulders or knees.
Learn more about Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on our ABOUT page
laserhealthservices.ca
located in
Gallery Dental & Health Centre
1200 Brock Street South
Whitby ON
L1N 4L9​​​​
(steps from hwy 401 & GO)​
Call to inquire or book your appointment today

905-665-5700


Gallery Dental & Health Centre
Serving Durham Region, Toronto & the GTA:
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