Showing posts with label herbal remedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbal remedies. Show all posts

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Trauma Troubles Can Lead to ADD/ADHD Misdiagnosis

Signs and symptoms to catch & compare

While it is quite common for children to be misdiagnosed with ADD/ADHD, parents are often shocked at the number of conditions that display almost identical symptoms. Take for instance one of the latest discoveries... that hypervigilance caused by traumatic experiences can strongly resemble ADD/ADHD. For many this comes as a surprise, since most people may not even realize that their child has been exposed to a traumatic event.

However, studies show that by age 16, nearly 70% of children have been exposed to at least one disturbing, traumatic experience such as a car accident, natural disaster, death of an immediate family member, or child abuse.

Traumatic events greatly affect different parts of the brain, leading to a number of abnormal behaviors.

While children may not suffer from full-blown post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of a traumatic experience, they may have attributable symptoms that may cause a "fight or flight" response of fear in association with movements, noises, or other stimuli. Such responses may appear to resemble ADD/ADHD symptoms such as distractibility, inattention, aggression, increased activity, or dissociated behavior.

A study of preschoolers who had suffered multiple traumatic events concluded they had 16 times the chance of displaying attention problems-- in addition to an increased disposition to other emotional conditions such as depression and anxiety-- compared to children who had not experienced traumatic events.

A thorough medical examination and evaluation of a child's history by a trained professional should be able to distinguish between the disorders. On the other hand, it is possible in some instances that a child is suffering from both conditions, as ADD/ADHD has been associated with an increased risk for PTSD.

Regardless of the condition diagnosed, there are many natural remedies available to address the symptoms associated with both disorders to help promote a healthy, balanced mood and manage behavior in children. In combination with a healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise, and counseling if necessary, a holistic approach to wellness can significantly improve a child's quality of life and help them live up to their full potential as adults.

Related Product from The Herbal Remedies Store

MindSoothe Jr.™ is a 100% safe, non-addictive natural remedy that supports the brain's natural ability to regulate mental and emotional health in children. Learn more about MindSoothe Jr.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Summer days drifting away…

Tips for syncing into the new season

Vacations are here, which inevitably leads to shifts in daily routines and time management habits. On the flip side, this usually means less stress and time spent worrying, and more time to dedicate to family and friends.

To help maintain healthy lifestyles during this shift in season, the following few simple tips can help everyone transition smoothly.

Nutrition: Meal times typically must be re-scheduled, but this shouldn’t pose a problem. Natural remedies can be used to encourage picky eaters. Try lighter recipes that can be quickly thrown together with the abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables available during summer. Seasonal produce has a vibrant, fresh flavor that needs little dressings. Try adding fruits to your salads as well. The tart ones work best such as green apples, strawberries, and tangy citrus. Natural remedies can also encourage picky eaters to try new vegetables!

Daily chores: Being part of a family is like being part of a team. Everyone should put some effort into it daily. Even when children are on vacation, they should be responsible for a chore that will occupy some of their time on a daily basis. This gives them perspective, teaches them responsibility and keeps them from watching too much TV.

Leisure: Since summer nights are so pleasant, this can mean extra time for a soothing walk outdoors or simply sitting outside counting stars with your child. These precious moments have the ability to create memories that are often treasured for a life time.

Sleep: Even though children should have a set bed time, 8 o’clock does not look the same in winter then in it does in summer. How would you like to go “night-night” in broad daylight? It can be confusing to say the least. Try gradually adjusting your child’s bedtime to a later time. If your child has difficulty adjusting to time change natural remedies that maintain healthy sleep patterns can be used to restore balance.

Related Products

Kiddie Florish™ is a remedy to supports growing appetites in fussy eaters and maintain immune system health.

Serenite Jr.™ is a 100% homeopathic remedy to promotes healthy sleep patterns in children and babies.