Correlation between stress and ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder, which initially appears in childhood. Its symptoms can be forgetfulness, poor impulse control, distractibility, and hyperactivity. ADD is a form of ADHD where only inattentiveness and distractibility are an issue. ADHD is considered to be a chronic and persistent syndrome and there currently is no medical cure for it. It is believed that ADHD affects between 3 – 5 % of the United States population, children and adults alike. Although it is most commonly diagnosed in children, ADHD has been increasingly diagnosed in adults over the past 10 years. More than 50 % of children diagnosed with ADHD retain the disorder as adults.

There is a disagreement within society if the disorder exists or not. In the United States and other countries, ADHD is regarded as a non – curable neurological disorder for which effective treatments are available. Studies have shown that stimulant medication is very effective in treating the disorder. Most methods of treatment include psychotherapy as well as medication and other techniques. Some patients are even able to learn to control their symptoms in time, without using medication.

Regardless of their view on ADHD, clinicians agree that attachments and relationships with family have profound effects on self – regulatory and attention capacities. After a study of foster children found that many of them had symptoms resembling ADHD, clinicians decided that medical diagnosis and medication is not enough. Most children in the context of abuse and violence and other such experiences of emotional trauma show the conduct that is labeled as ADHD.

There is no conclusive evidence that parenting methods are the ones that lead to ADHD in normal children; however, many clinicians believe this is the case. Another perspective is that of parents of ADHD children who experience more stress and give more commands as a result of that. Research has suggested that such parenting methods are in fact a reaction to the child’s ADHD.
 
In studies regarding the correlation between stress and ADHD it has been shown that like ADHD, stress is an arguable issue. Although everyone admits its existence, it is hard to give a strict definition of it, because of its numerous symptoms. It is well known that stress can take many forms. It is also known that stress often aggravates existing conditions, and this is the case with ADHD. Recognizing the symptoms of stress in both children and parents is extremely important; it can really help by paving the way for relief and management in order to minimize the problems.

Studies have shown that only ten minutes a day of stress management can help children relax, keep calm, and settle down, which is very important for those with ADHD – like behavior. Stress management classes reduce feelings of anxiety and improve the ability to relax. Some of the best stress management techniques for ADHD are relaxation and meditation, which can be learned in a class, but also on your own. Time management skills are also critical for stress control.

Learning to prioritize tasks and avoiding over – commitment always help. Being well – organized means not being faced with the stress of misplaced objects and being late. But the most important thing in dealing ADHD – related stress is a support system. People with strong social support systems experience fewer emotional and physical problems. Cultivating strong social relationships is healthy for both body and mind.