November 4, 2016

ADHD Exercise and Diet

Exercise and diet may not cure ADHD, but it may help in treating symptoms in a small group of people. An ADHD diet includes nutritional supplements and the food a person eats. Remember that a brain works better when a person eats better. It will also help lessen the symptoms and increase one’s attention span. Suggested foods help stimulate the brain and improve symptoms. Nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals are also advised to improve sleep and symptoms at the same time. A person should check with their doctor to determine the best foods and supplements for their situation and body.

November 3, 2016

ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

If people happen to be diagnosed with ADHD, a medication known as a “Stimulant” is prescribed. Although treatment is usually made with medication, adding a life coach or therapy can make the treatment more effective since it helps the patient improve their organizational skills and other practical things. Therefore, some doctors recommend a cognitive behavioral therapy, a mentor and a pocket planner for the patient to track his or her daily schedule and activities.


Medications typically prescribed for Childhood ADHD include Adderall, Focalin, Vyvanse, Quillivant, Concerta and Ritain. A non-stimulant approved medication for adult ADHD called Strattera is also widely prescribed. Choosing the correct medication for patients with ADHD is a must to avoid worsening of other health problems.


These stimulants and non-stimulants are safe medications, but patients should still be check their pulse and blood pressure monitored. The usual side effects include: changes in blood pressure and pulse, nausea, agitation and insomnia.


Children and young adults with ADHD should take their medication throughout schoolyear, because it helps them to be effective in school and learn better. For adults, it is strongly advised to weigh their current situation and determine if they should stay with medication or not.

November 2, 2016

The Effect of Environment and Attitude on ADHD

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe given a person’s environment and attitude. People with ADHD focus more easily on things they like to do but be more inattentive or impulsive when completing other tasks. As a result, in some cases, they become completely unable to do what is required of them at school or on the job. Symptoms may be worse in unorganized settings compared to organized situations with rewards. Thankfully, symptoms often go away as a person matures. An accurate diagnosis is important. Be sure to discuss everything you’ve noticed about the patient’s behavior with their doctor.

November 1, 2016

Diagnosing Childhood ADHD

It’s normal for a child to be easily distracted, impulsive and hyperactive, and symptoms are sometimes overlooked by parents. Because these symptoms are a part of being a child, there is a certain criterion to determine if a child has ADHD. Children ages 1 to 16 years old must have 6 or more symptoms while persons ages 17 years old and up only need 5 for diagnosis. In addition, these symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months and must be unsuitable for a child’s developmental stage.


Symptom 1: Inattention

A child who is inattentive quite simply has problems paying attention. There are many types of inattention.

  • having trouble focusing
  • easily distracted
  • very forgetful even in regular activities
  • usually careless/doesn’t give attention to details in activities and school work
  • has trouble focusing on activities/tasks
  • easily ignores a speaker
  • doesn’t follow instructions and tends to fail in finishing school works or chores
  • unorganized
  • doesn’t like to get involved with mental tasks that requires long period of mental effort
  • easily loses things needed for activities/tasks.

Symptom 2: Hyperactivity and Impulsivity 


  A hyperactive child is one who is constantly active. In addition, they could be impulsive and do things suddenly and without thought. If a child has either or both of these conditions, the child may:

  • the child is unable to play quietly
  • talks excessively
  • has difficulty in waiting for their turn
  • usually gets up from their seats when everyone is seated expectedly
  • runs/climbs in random situation
  • often interrupts others
  • fidgets/squirm in seat/taps their hands or feet
  • answers before questions are being asked completely
  • can’t quietly play
  • appears to be always active.

Additional Symptoms


Along with the three symptoms mentioned above, four more parameters for a child or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms should:

  • Manifest before the child reach 12 years old.
  • Be present at school, at home, at other places with friends and during activities
  • Inhibit with their productivity at school or their aptness to socialize with others.
  • Not be declared by another condition such as anxiety, mood or psychological disorders.

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Our Hope

Van Hook, Inc. has been serving adults with developmental disabilities for three generations, since 1926. Our hope is that you will find this growing body of ADHD information helps you locate the information that you want. You are always welcome to check out our blog where you will find our complete library of articles on various topics. Go to: http://blog.vanhookinc.com or visit our site at http://vanhookinc.com.