Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a controversial diagnosed disease of adolescents that is characterized by lack of ability to focus on the task at hand, and often with a lack of ability to sit still. One cause is a lack of discipline. However, diet, lack of exercise, environmental factors, and genetic factors can be causal factors for attention problems and/or hyperactivity.[1]

## Contents

* 1 Diagnosis
* 1.1 Surveys to diagnose ADHD
* 1.2 Test of variables of Attention - T.O.V.A. computer performance test
* 2 Treatment
* 2.1 Overuse of drug treatments
* 3 External links
* 4 References

## Diagnosis[edit]

There are three common methods of diagnosing ADHD: parental observations and consultation with a healthcare provider, surveys and computer performance tests. In addition, Quantitative EEG analysis can be helpful in diagnosing ADHD.[2]

### Surveys to diagnose ADHD[edit]

Surveys do not rely on an individual's willingness to take a computer performance test, but survey questions have an element of subjectivity.

### Test of variables of Attention - T.O.V.A. computer performance test[edit]

The T.O.V.A. "is an objective, neurophysiological measure of attention, not a subjective rating of behavior. It is a 21.6 minute long, very simple "computer game" that measures your responses to either visual or auditory stimuli. These measurements are then compared to the measurements of a group of people without attention disorders who took the T.O.V.A."[3] The TOVA test measures errors of omission commonly associated with inattention and errors of commission (misidentifying a closely resembling decoy stimuli) commonly associated with hyperactivity/impulsiveness.[4]

There are a number of websites on the internet which offer free TOVA tests.[5]

## Treatment[edit]

There are a number of non-drug cures to ADHD used by a number of health professionals and schools which have been shown to be effective and can be used in conjunction with each other. For example, the treatments of: audio-visual entrainment, nutrition, exercise, cognitive development software, neurofeedback, psychosocial training and remediation of environmental contaminants and/or removing the patient from unhealthful environmental conditions.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] In addition, Dr. Margolis, a pediatrician for 36 years who conducted an informal trial of Nikken magnetic products with a number of his patients with attention and behavior issues, reported positive results through the use of these specially engineered magnets.[13][14]

### Overuse of drug treatments[edit]

Sadly, the "treatment" that child psychiatrists, and school districts, often prescribe (or demand) involves giving the patient a large number of expensive - and possibly dangerous - drugs.

## External links[edit]

Symptoms:

* Symptoms of ADHD in children \- National Institute of Health

Neurofeedback:

* Beneficial outcome from EEG-neurofeedback on creative music performance, attention and well-being in school children \- PubMed journal article

ADHD Diets:

* ADHD Diets

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Healing the hyperactive brain by Michael Lyons, M.D.
2. ↑ ADHD diagnosis and Quantitative EEG Analysis and audio-visual entrainment
3. ↑ TOVA test website
4. ↑ About the TOVA test
5. ↑ Free TOVA tests
6. ↑ Audio-visual entrainment study and ADHD
7. ↑ ADHD and audio-visual entrainment
8. ↑ ADHD and nutrition
9. ↑ Butnik, Steven M. "Neurofeedback in adolescents and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." Journal of Clinical Psychology, May 2005. Vol. 61 Issue 5, p621-625
10. ↑ ADHD and cognitive development software
11. ↑ Exercise, cognitive training, psychosocial training and ADHD
12. ↑ Healing the hyperactive brain by Michael Lyons, M.D.
13. ↑ The ADD Answer: How to Help Your Child Now By Dr. Frank Lawlis
14. ↑ TEST FOR ADD ISSUES AND THE USE OF MAGNETIC PRODUCTS