What Causes ADD in Children?

When correctly diagnosed, there is little evidence that ADD can arise purely from social factors or child-rearing methods. Most substantiated causes appear to fall in the realm of neurobiology and genetics.

Environmental factors may influence the severity of the disorder, and especially the degree of suffering the child may experience. However, these factors do not seem to give rise to the condition by themselves.

Experts in the field are finding more and more evidence that legitimate ADD does not stem from the home environment, but from biological causes. Knowing this can remove a huge burden of guilt from parents who might blame themselves for their child's behavior.

The exact cause of ADD in children is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including:

• Heredity and genetics: The fact that ADD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a genetic tendency to develop an attention-deficit disorder from their parents. Studies indicate that 25 percent of the close relatives in the families of ADD children also have ADD, whereas the rate is about 5 percent in the general population.
  
  Many studies of twins now show that a strong genetic influence exists in the disorder. The relatives of ADD children (both boys and girls) have much higher rates of ADD, anti-social, mood, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders than the families of non-ADD children.
• Chemical imbalance: Children who have ADD may not make enough chemicals in key areas of the brain that are responsible for organizing thought.
  
  Experts believe an imbalance of the chemicals that helps nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other, called neurotransmitters, may be a factor in the development of ADD symptoms. Without enough of these chemicals, the organizing centers of the brain don't work well.

• Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADD than in children without the disorder.

While there is a place for prescription medication in certain cases of ADD, careful consideration should be taken regarding possible side effects and cautions.

There are also alternative treatment options available for children with attention deficit disorder. Making simple changes in diet, sleep, exercise and routine can also help. Even trying more involved approaches like incorporating relaxation therapies such as guided imagery, meditation techniques, or yoga can be beneficial.

There are also many herbal and homeopathic remedies which can help maintain harmony, health and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system, without side effects or sedation. These products are known for their supportive function in maintaining brain, nervous system, circulatory health, and well-being

No comprehensive discussion of ADD is possible without considering the benefits and disadvantages of prescription drugs – a subject fraught with controversy.

The Controversy

Oftentimes, parents feel that by researching alternatives to prescribed drugs, they are in some way neglecting their child and endangering their health. Ironically, side effects of these prescription drugs can also seriously endanger a child’s health.

Therefore, investigating the possible side effects and long term impact of prescription drugs is almost certainly an example of good parenting! Educating yourself on each of the prescription drugs used to treat ADD as well as exploring alternatives is a necessity if you want to provide the safest treatment for your child.

Do not allow teachers, social workers, or doctors to bully you into giving prescription drugs to your child without doing your own research. While prescription drugs for ADD may sometimes be the only way to help your child, many children will respond to alternative and less harmful alternatives, and it is important that other options are attempted before considering drug therapy.

Remember that ADD represents a growing market for pharmaceutical companies. Although psycho-stimulants may be helpful for many families, no one should underestimate the influence of the economic issues involved.

Furthermore, the long-term effects of prescription drugs for the treatment of ADD has not yet been determined, especially in the case of children (the main target market for these drugs)!

For this reason, treatment of ADD with prescription drugs or stimulant drugs should be regarded a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted.

Available Medications & Known Side Effects

While there is a place for prescription medication in certain cases of ADD, careful consideration should be taken regarding possible side effects and cautions.

The following information on the most commonly-prescribed drugs has been compiled using a database of pharmacy-based literature, outlining their precautions and warnings.

It is recommended that parents considering drug therapy for their children should thoroughly investigate both the risks and the benefits involved.

Although there are some Web sites that may sensationalize the dangers of prescription drugs, you will find information on side effects and possible risks on the manufacturer’s Web sites as well as on reputable web sites associated with professional bodies/individuals or universities.

Before deciding to administer stimulant drugs to your child, please heed the following cautions: 

• Exceeding the recommended dose or taking these stimulants for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming.
  
  
• Laboratory and/or medical tests, including heart function, blood pressure, complete blood counts and platelet counts should be regularly performed both before and during prescription drug use in order to monitor your child’s progress and to check for side effects. This is particularly important with stimulant drugs.
  
  
• Before your child has any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that your child is using these medicines.
  
  
• Serious side effects including heart attack, stroke, and sudden death have occurred with the use of stimulant medicines in patients with heart defects or other serious heart problems.
  
  Recently there have been similar side effects associated with the use of some of these stimulant drugs in children without pre-existing heart problems – some of which have resulted in death. This has lead to at least one drug, Adderall, being taken off the market in Canada.
  
  
• These stimulants may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  
  
• These stimulants may affect growth rate and weight gain in children and teenagers. They may need regular growth and weight checks while taking this medicine.
  
  
• Caution is advised when using these stimulant medications on children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. Particular problems can be loss of appetite, stomach pain, trouble sleeping, and fast heartbeat.
  
  
• There has been some evidence of an increase in suicidal thoughts and tendencies in children taking prescription medication for ADD.

Other Important Facts

Physicians still have a difficult time predicting which prescription medications will produce beneficial results, so treatment is individualized and performed on a trial and error basis.

This ‘hit and miss’ technique requires close observation and cooperation between all participants and is understandably not ideal.

If an initial regimen doesn't work, doctors often change the dosage, switch to a different drug or even add another medication! Some doctors even recommend trying a second psycho-stimulant if a first one fails.

If the child still doesn't respond, anti-depressants or other second-line drugs may be prescribed. Before long a child may be taking a cocktail of drugs to treat the side effects of the initial medication and a domino effect is created.

Remember that medications don't cure ADD-- they only control the symptoms on the day they are taken. Although the medications may help the child pay better attention and complete school work, they can't increase knowledge or improve academic skills.

The medications can only help the child to use those skills he or she already possesses. However, this result may just as easily be obtained through behavioral therapy and other proactive techniques, such as out-of-the-box creative teaching methods.

It is vital that you educate yourself on all aspects of ADD before making a decision.

While teachers can provide valuable insight, it is important to keep in mind that they are often under great pressure in the classroom, as having to manage many children at once can be extremely hard and stressful.

This means that their account of the classroom environment and your child’s position within it may be a little distorted. This is just another reason why an in-depth analysis of your child’s behavior from as many different sources and viewpoints as possible is so important.

BrightSpark Benefits:

• Calms hyperactive children
• Improves concentration so kids can focus
  
• Reduces impulsive, attention-seeking and erratic behavior
  
• Alleviates behavioral problems, particularly in a social environments
  
• Reduces involuntary twitching, spasms or noises (all ages)

• BrightSpark should be taken at the first sign of impulsive, attention-seeking and erratic behavior for effective relief, as it will help keep your child alert and focused.

  BrightSpark alleviates behavioral problems, particularly in social environments, for those who struggle with anger outbursts and inappropriate behavior that seems to resist all parental discipline.

  BrightSpark is taken internally and encourages balanced mood and a positive demeanor by helping the body restore balance at a cellular level. Presented in small dissolvable tablets, BrightSpark is easy to ingest and hassle-free with no artificial colors or preservatives.

• How do I use BrightSpark?

  DIRECTIONS

  BrightSpark is presented in very small pleasant-tasting tablets which can be chewed or dissolved in the mouth.

  The recommended daily dose is two tablets three times daily, taken on an empty stomach when possible.

  Note: The first dose (only this initial dose) is one tablet every hour for 6 hours, also taken on an empty stomach where possible. Thereafter, it is two tablets three times daily.

  For children who arrive home late from school, the second dosage can be taken at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., with the last dose directly before bed. BrightSpark will not cause any sleep problems.

Related Products:

• Focus Formula™ is a herbal remedy used to support concentration, attention and normal energy levels in children and adults.

  Focus Formula Benefits:

  • Support all brain functions including concentration, information processing and memory
    
  • Help to maintain balanced mood and normal energy levels
    
  • Maintain a healthy attention span and an age related ability to stay on task
    
  • Encourage the healthy flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain

  • How do I use Focus Formula?

    DIRECTIONS

    Children up to the age of 15: Take one drop per age year of the child or adolescent in a little water or juice every morning and evening after meals.

    Teenagers over 16 and Adults: Take 15 to 20 drops in a little water or juice each morning and evening after meals.

    While conventional medicine works by often treating just the symptoms, natural medicine strives to create holistic balance in the body to support systemic health, relieve ailments, and help prevent future disease. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the natural ingredients in our remedies support overall health and functioning (rather than just suppressing symptoms).  

    People respond to natural medicine in different ways, some of our satisfied customers experience immediate results while many others have reported optimal benefits taking effect within 3-6 weeks. To ensure you receive optimum results it is important to take natural remedies as directed and remain consistent. You may also find that a smaller maintenance dose is beneficial for ongoing support, many customers report taking a regular maintenance dose as part of a preventative program for continued health and well-being.

    CAUTION

    Safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not yet been established.

    Focus Formula is highly recommended along with the following natural remedies for maximum effectiveness.

    • To support concentration, mental focus, and balanced mood in children, visit BrightSpark™
      
    • To support the brain and nervous system by promoting equilibrium at a cellular level, visit Triple Complex Brain Tonic™
      
    • To support common feelings of the blues and promote healthy, balanced moods, visit Triple Complex Mood Tonic™
      
    • To support mental and emotional health in children, visit Mindsoothe Jr.™
    • To support concentration, focus, and attention span in adults, visit Focus ADDult™
      
    • To maintain memory, concentration and optimum performance, visit StudyPlus™

    How long until I see results?

    Like all good herbal tonics, an initial effect should be seen within a few days. With continued use, the benefits of Focus Formula should become more and more apparent over time. Some people take longer than others to respond, depending on various factors. In this case, perseverance is recommended as with regular use, definite improvement should be noted within 3 to 6 weeks, although some people respond more quickly.

    Best results are achieved when Focus Formula is used consistently and the recommendations regarding diet are followed, especially in the case of younger children with vulnerable and developing brains.

    Regular exercise, sufficient sleep and a healthy, balanced diet will also contribute to good health and wellbeing.

    How long will a bottle last?

    One bottle of Focus Formula at full adult dosage (20 drops twice daily) will last 25-30 days. For children under the age of 15, one bottle will last longer as fewer drops are used daily.

Triple Complex Brain Tonic is a safe, non-addictive, natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients especially selected to relieve forgetfulness and mental fatigue, plus improve brain functioning.

Triple Complex Brain Tonic is a combination of three cellular-supporting biochemic tissue salts and may be taken at the first signs of concentration problems, headache or fuzzy thinking for effective, temporary help.

Triple Complex Brain Tonic is taken internally to support brain and nervous system efficiency by promoting equilibrium at a cellular level. Presented in small tablet form, Triple Complex Brain Tonic is easy to ingest and hassle-free with no artificial colors or
preservatives.

Due to its unique homeopathic formula, Triple Complex Brain Tonic is safe for all ages, as well as during pregnancy and nursing.

All Native Remedies homeopathic products and biochemic tissue salts are manufactured in an FDA and GMP registered pharmaceutical facility under the supervision of qualified homeopaths and responsible pharmacists. Individual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).

Tissue salts in triple brain complex:

• Kali phos (6X) (derived from potassium phosphate) is a biochemic tissue salt and a natural component of all fluids in the body. It acts as a nerve nutrient, and is naturally present in all brain cells and nerve tissue. It is an excellent nerve tonic and natural calmative, helping to soothe nerves and lessen edginess, as well as prevent headaches. Kali. phos. supports a healthy brain and nervous system, and can help relieve occasional nervous tension in the body, thereby reducing the negative effects of stress on the brain.
• Nat mur (6X) is derived from sodium chloride. The function of this tissue salt is to maintain the body's water balance by controlling the movement of water in and out of the cells. This means that brain cellular health is supported due to effective nutrition, oxygen and blood supply to each cell in the brain. Natrium muriaticum (also called Nat. mur.) naturally and gently flushes the system while hydrating tissues – thereby assisting in the removal of toxins which may affect brain functioning. Note: Due to the special manufacturing process of tissue salts, Nat. mur. should not be confused with salt, and may be safely used by people requiring low salt diets.
• Calc phos (6X) is a biochemic tissue salt assists the body in its natural function of creating new cells and therefore is an excellent general tonic for people of all ages. The cells in our body are continually dying and being replaced every day. As we grow older, it is important to keep cellular production happening as fast as cellular deterioration.
• Lactose (inactive ingredient)

Triple Complex Brain Tonic is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How do I use Triple Complex Brain Tonic?

DIRECTIONS

Babies and toddlers: Crush tablets and sprinkle on the tongue or mixed in a little warm water.

Note: The unique biochemic tissue salt formulation makes Triple Complex Brain Tonic safe for all ages (including babies) and for use during pregnancy and nursing. It is also safe to use with all prescription drugs.

Warning: Keep this and all medicines from the reach of children. If symptoms persist or worsen, a health care professional should be consulted.

• Help calm and reduce stress and frustration.
• Help focus attention and improve concentration.

Each Attend Strategy Pac contains: 1 bottle of Attend (60 caps), 1 bottle of Memorin+ (60 caps) and 1 bottle of Extress (60 caps).

What Is Attention Deficit? There are a number of children and adolescents who experience problems of overactivity and Attention Deficit, causing themselves and those who care for them significant distress and a wealth of negative unsatisfactory experiences. There’s often nothing more frustrating than seeing, or being, a child/adolescent who experiences learning problems, or LD (Learning Disorder) and ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). These individuals may often be out of control, over-stimulated, under-stimulated, or experience uncontrolled stimulation patterns throughout their sensorium, exhibiting behavioral patterns which are difficult to explain and which often disrupt an entire household. Attention Deficit (and its many forms: ADD/ADHD/LD) is a dysfunction of the Central Nervous System (CNS), most specifically the Reticular Activating System, which results in difficulties of maintaining attention and concentration, learning and memory, as well as involving an inability to process and sort out incoming information or stimulus from both an individual’s inner (subjective) and outer (objective) worlds. It may manifest itself in undue passivity or inattentiveness, or unruly, uncontrollable, aggressive hyperactivity in affected individuals. Attention Deficit is often overly frustrating, overwhelming and stressful to affected individuals, resulting in significant emotional and psychological problems. Thus, Attention Deficit globally interferes with all forms of learning, both academic and experiential, including the processes of socialization. What Are The Causes Of Attention Deficit? Attention Deficit is a limiting metabolic dysfunction of the Reticular Activating System, the center of consciousness that coordinates learning and memory, and which normally supplies the variety of appropriate neural connections necessary for smooth information processing and clear, non-stressful attention. This metabolic dysfunction first restricts the development of neural connections and the required neural density needed for efficient, multi-varied processing (i.e., perceptual processing equipment of the body, the “wiring hardware,” is in scant supply). Secondly, this “hardware” limitation subsequently leads to secondary imbalances of neurotransmitter production (i.e., the “programming switches” or “software” which turns the hardware “on” and “off,” such as dopamine and norepinephrine), and faulty neuro-buffering which produces further imbalances in right and left hemispheric processing. How Does This “Hardware” Deprivation Affect Learning and Memory? Memory and associative patterns (engrams) constantly require newly generated neural connections within the brain with increasing amounts of neurotransmitters and buffers to serve those connections (synapses). When neural building materials are lacking, demand for further connectivity cannot easily be fulfilled, interfering with the efficient processing of information, and frustrating the AD individual, making learning enormously difficult, if not impossible. In other words, neural “hardware” remains in limited production (there’s not enough of it), and the supply of new “roadways” or “wiring” cannot keep up with the demand (increasing stimulus or “traffic”) for new neural connections within the Central Nervous System (CNS). Thus, demands for new learning, memory, and the management of information processing cannot be satisfied. What Are The Effects Of Not Having Enough “Hardware Connections”? Insufficient “connections” result in existing neural pathways being repeatedly overworked and over stressed, often resulting in complete gridlock or shutdown so that nothing gets processed thereafter. This, most noticeably, generates frustration, bewilderment and behavioral problems in the Attention Deficited individual. How Does This Limitation Affect An Individual’s Perceptual Abilities? Although Attention Deficit starts in the brain, it really involves the entire sensorium (vision, smell, touch, hearing, etc.) as well as the inner world of cognition and emotion. When deprived of the required number of neural connections needed to process the “traffic” smoothly, competition between various stimulus results. Overly competitive stimulation from multiple external and internal sources (too much visual stimulation, too much sound stimulation, too many internal feelings and emotions, etc.) can cause undue frustration, irritation, aggression and anxiety. When the brain, or more specifically, the limited neural network or “wiring,” is overly taxed in this regard, it becomes unable to “tune in” or focus on some stimulation, while “tuning out,” or “turning down” (attenuating) other stimulation. This lack of ability to focus on some particular stimulus while attenuating others, creates undue “noise” in the perceptual systems within the brain. For the Attention Deficited individual, this perceptual “neural-noise” is so undifferentiated, so overly noxious and continuous that it appears to be competitively assaultive, crippling any attempt to concentrate on one stimulus while attenuating others. So intrusive and uncontrollable is this “noise” that feelings of helplessness and anxiety are often overwhelming, forcing an Attention Deficited individual to look for ways in which to survive the assaultive nature of their world. A number of strategies are possible, but two are generally the most common and most easily documented. The first is that of an ADHD individual. ADHD’s are hypothesized to have ample supplies of Acetylcholine and clear, lipofuscin-free, unobstructed Cholinergic pathways, allowing them to actively compete and overwhelm the intrusive messages from outside. Thus, ADHD individuals attempt to operate at a “noisier” or “more active” level (becoming intensely hyperactive) in order to compensate for the “noise” in their world. Most simply, ADHD individuals are for the most part simply trying to “shout-down” the crowded array of competing stimulation within their brain. And they usually win, although only for the short term. The more they assert themselves over the “noise,” the more tired and worn they become. But the picture is slightly different for the ADD and LD individual. ADD’s and LD’s are hypothesized to have low Acetylcholine levels and adverse lipofuscin populations within the Cholinergic neural pathways, making a competitive response more difficult and trying. Here, another strategy of deflection is practiced. For both an ADD and LD individual it becomes so “noisy” that it becomes necessary to shut down all processing of the senses altogether, avoiding and deflecting all stimulation. For both these individuals, the incessant cacophony of “neural-noises” produces a powerfully competitive “numbing,” almost hypnotic, agent, wearing out neural sensitivities and response probabilities far faster than for ADHD individuals, disallowing any further stimulus differentiation to occur or responsive attention to take place. Simply “giving-up” to the competitively powerful undifferentiated “white-neural-noise” being generated by their sensorium becomes the only option -- no other strategies are available because the neural-thresholds of the sensorium have over-fired and can no longer be sustained. Thus, unlike other children, the ADD and LD individual simply “shut-down” and “tune-out,” producing high Theta and/or Alpha brain waves. To summarize, the inattentiveness, restlessness, distractibility and “unmanageableness” which is so often the overriding picture of the ADD/ADHD/LD child and adult is often just the manifestation of a perceptual “survival” strategy needed by individuals “drowning” in a sea of intrusively aggressive stimulus “noise” - “noise” which is too overwhelming to sort through or manage. Does The Number Of “Hardware Connections” Affect Intelligence? It’s generally true that the more neural “connections” that are made, the more easily learning and memory may proceed. And, the less “connections” there are, the more frustrating learning and memory become. Thus, the correlation between the number/density of “connections” in a person's brain and intelligence, is high. Ironically, Attention Deficited persons are generally those, in the face of increased demand, that have likely maximized the use of the “connections” they have developed, some eventually learning to increase the efficiency of processing to meet the challenge. Hence, many are subsequently known to be above average in intelligence -- but it’s possible that they would likely be even smarter if they could be provided the building material for more connections, allowing them the additional hardware, and thus the increased capacity, to associate information even more creatively, while reducing the frustrations and anguish of being imprisoned in a neural system which they have physically outgrown! Can Anything Be Done To Correct The Metabolic Dysfunction Of The Reticular Activating System? Yes, there can! Fortunately, when appropriate (1) neural building materials, (2) precursors to neurotransmitters and (3) an appropriate fund of neural buffers are supplied, neural networks may be created and forged quickly in order to meet the increasing demands of heavy neural traffic, especially in the prepubescent individual. In fact, given the chance, individual neurons can grow at the rate of 3-5mm per day! And, there are roughly 100 billion Neurons in the brain to be developed, along with a staggering 900 billion supporting Glial (“helper”) cells -- a grand total of one trillion (1,000,000,000,000) cells to be nurtured -- that’s 10 times the number of stars estimated to be in our galaxy! Are These Neural Building Materials Really All That Important? Yes, they are! One half of the dry weight of the brain (neurons, glial and brain cells) is made up of fatty acids and lipids. The “hard neural connections,” or synapses, between all these essential areas of the brain where the coordination of memory and learning take place is largely made possible by the structures of Fatty Acids and Phospholipids alone. And, the physical number of neural connections then potentiates further production of neurotransmitters and neural buffers, which in turn enhances memory processing and learning even more. If these essential building blocks of the brain’s “hardware” and “software” are not adequately provided for, then many “connections” will simply not be made or developed. The good news is that Växa’s Attend supplies these important factors! What Is Attend? Växa’s Attend is a safe, all natural, homeopathic medicinal specifically engineered to relieve the distraction, inattentiveness and possible overactivity of the ADD/ADHD/LD individual, enabling the body to balance both neural growth and neurotransmitter production within the Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS). Attend is engineered to naturally address the specific dietary and neurochemical deficiencies which are thought to occur within the population of Attention Deficited individuals, whether from child or adult populations. Attend is formulated to supply the essential building materials for the entire neural network, potentiating balanced stimulation of the Reticular Activating System while providing appropriate neural buffering within. How Does Attend Work? Quite uniquely, Attend is designed to complement the body’s natural calming and balancing agents with specific micro-nutritionals (Lithium bromatum, carbonicum) and neurotransmitters (eg. GABA, DLPA and other neural buffers) which help to target, direct and smoothly focus attention, while naturally complementing the activity of the Reticular Activating System. Attend also supplies the essential framework of Lipids and Fatty Acids, natural hormones, as well as neural growth and synchronization factors quintessential for neural and glial cell generation so as to meet the demands of increased neural “traffic” through the Reticular Activating System. Additionally, Attend supplies the essential catecholamine precursors (such as catechol, phospholipids and naturally occurring trans- and cis-cloramide, a naturally conjugated form of L-dopa) to dopamine, acetylcholine and norepinephrine, the 3 most important neurotransmitters within the brain. And, the natural hormone pregnenolone is included in Attend for memory retention, which also helps maintain the specific “programming” that brain cells need to store and retrieve short term memory, essential in any learning paradigm. Pregnenolone is directly related as well to neural genesis, growth and reconfiguration, wherein gene activation is enabled, allowing the multiplication, growth and “connectivity” of neural cells, allowing learning to proceed with less frustration. Lastly, Pycnogenol®, and other supporting flavonoids within Attend, help feed and strengthen the small capillaries within new neural growth sites, preventing free radical cascade damage to the expanding neural network, protecting neural patterns. How Long Do You Have To Take Attend Thereafter? Since most demands for neural growth occur in childhood and adolescence, all ADD/ADHD/LD children should use Attend as a daily supplement until adulthood. Children who are exceptionally hyperactive (ADHD) and tend to throw temper tantrums will find additional relief with Växa’s Extress. Additionally, all children who are ADD/ADHD/LD will benefit from Växa’s additional supplement called Memorin+, which aids in memory retention and makes learning easier with less frustration. Adults who still suffer from Attention Deficit will also be aided by taking Attend as a daily supplement with Memorin+. Växa’s Attend Strategy Pac supplies all 3 formulas (1 60 capsule-bottle of each) for your convenience Are There Any Side-Effects With Attend? No, Attend is completely safe and non-toxic! Unlike other medications, Attend works without the harmful side-effects that may stunt the growth of developing children. Indeed, Attend works to stimulate neural growth patterning and regenerative activity so as to forge more “connections” within the neural network. Interestingly, other ADD-specific pharmaceuticals have been suspected of retarding growth of ADD individuals, which ironically, is the last thing you would want to do with individuals who have been neurally limited! Furthermore, Attend works without diminishing overall processing, cognitive and learning activities, as does methylphenidate and other drugs, including amphetamines, antidepressants or anticonvulsants normally prescribed for ADD, and all of which have been shown to detrimentally diminish cognitive activity. Attend will likely enhance the positive effectiveness of other pharmaceuticals, and can be used conjointly without difficulty while in transition from less preferred drugs. How Long Do You Take Attend Before It Begins To Work? As it takes time for new neural growth to be integrated within existing neural pathways, the effects of Attend generally begin to be noticed within two weeks. You should expect to see improved social skills, more self-control, increased powers of attention, sustained interest, and overall, a more happy, contented, well behaved individual. Common Neural Processing & Behavioral Traits of an Attention Deficited Individual (ADD/ADHD/LD): 1: Gives up easily on tasks, assignments and self-interests. 2: Poor reality testing skills, and avoidant of reason or logic. 3: Poorly developed skills of integration, interpolation and extrapolation. 4: Poor skills of attention and concentration, unable to sustain focus of interest. 5: Difficulties in short term and long term memory acquisition and management. 6: Difficulty in making up their mind, or making choices without undue anxiety. 7: Poor planning abilities, unable to follow through consistently or complete tasks. 8: Difficulty in differentiating between competing, extraneous stimulation. 9: Easily distracted from tasks, conversations or social interactions. 10: Often over-stimulated and over-sensitized to their surroundings. 11: Poor listening skills, often interrupts others, abruptly changes topic. 12: Overly excitable, reactive and easily perseverating from one situation to another. 13:Inability to manage emotional responses, temper tantrums. 14: Easily frustrated, emotional labile/unstable leading to immediate changeable moods, behavioral inconsistencies. 15: Often hyperactive, fidgety, overwhelmed with feelings of restlessness. 16: Inability to maintain appropriate social conduct, often disruptive in school. 17: Experiences difficulty in following instructions and guidance. 18: Impatient, continuing difficulties in delaying gratification. 19: Overly demanding, may become self-destructive and aggressive. 20: Poor sleep patterns, often not rested, angry or despondent upon rising