The ADD – ADHD Epidemic in Black Children

Children who are fidgety, talkative, unable to sit still and focus are quickly identified as having Attention Deficit Disorder. Usually, lately, referrals originate in the school as harried teachers find it impossible to teach with children creating distractions. Children with ADHD can be challenging if they are in traditional classroom environments. The pace of the classroom can be boring for them and they are creative enought to produce their own “fun”.

More easily looked over, are girls with Attention Deficit Disorder – Unfocused. They are the daydreamers, forgetful and often lost in thought when they are supposed to be paying attention.

Most people assume that ADHD/ADD is a disease but it is not. The pharmaceutical companies would have you believe that medication stops ADHD. It doesn’t. Medication for ADHD, usually stimulants, merely overrides the symptoms and there are questions about the long term effects of stimulant medication. However, the short term use of medication is often advocated by many physicians and educators because it helps many children focus and better control their behavior in school.

ADHD is thought to be a constellation of symptoms which indicate that there is a problem with the child’s ability to pay attention. A short attention span makes it hard for children to sit still, to listen, to take turns and to exercise patience in group settings. Often ADHD children are fine at home but they can terrorize a classroom without even realizing it.

ADHD symptoms are usually caused by dysregulation in the brain. This dysregulation can be the result of any of the following: food sensitivities, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, birth or sports injuries to the head, toxicity from lead, other metals or chemicals, or poor circulation to the brain. Stimulant medications can increase blood flow in parts of the brain that otherwise don’t receive enough oxygen but they also increase blood flow in parts of the brain that don’t require an increase. One might wonder what impact these drugs have on other organs in the body.

ADHD is on the rise in the United States, with estimates of 3 to 10% of children being symptomatic. The percentage is higher among African American children.