Nutritional Supplements for Attention and Concentration

by Darrell Miller

Everyone can recall a child from their school days who could simply not pay attention and ended up disrupting the whole class. This child often disrupted the whole class's learning process because he could not sit still and focus on school tasks. Now, experts realize that children like this probably have the disorder called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Chronic hyperactivity and distractibility is frustrating not only for the individual affected by ADHD, but also for their parents, siblings, and teachers as well. Children who have difficulty controlling their bodies and paying attention do not do well in school and because of this negative school experience; they feel that they are dumb and worthless.

However, there are ways to help hyperactive and easily distracted children better focus their energy and attention into something positive and constructive. Many supplemental nutrients help children to concentrate on school activities and enjoy extracurricular activities as well.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder of self control consisting of problems with attention span, impulse control, and activity level. There are three types of ADHD. The first of these three is inattentive, which is when the child can't seem to get focused and stay focused on a task. The second is hyperactive-impulsive, in which the child is very active and often acts without thinking. The third type of ADHD is a combination of the above two, where the child is inattentive, impulsive, and very active.

Some symptoms of ADHD include: not paying close attention to details; not seeming to listen when spoken to directly, easily distracted; difficulty organizing and finishing tasks, fidgeting with hands and feet; running or climbing excessively; talking continually; interrupting conversation and intruding in other children's games; avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort; exhibiting impulsive behavior; and doing things that are dangerous without thinking about possible outcomes.

While all children show the above symptoms to a small degree, a child with ADHD will show these symptoms to a degree that interferes with major life activities and causes harm to the child.

The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental for a child, leaving a bright child who is unable to succeed with a feeling of constant failure leading to low self- esteem and depression. A child with ADHD may be delayed by up to 30 percent of their actual age in their ability to pay attention and remember.

This does not mean that intelligence is any less, but that the ability to control impulses is affected. It is crucial for parents to intervene and control ADHD symptoms early, as ignoring problems will only hurt the child more.

Although the cause for ADHD is undetermined, scientists are researching the effects of drug use, genetics, and toxins during pregnancy. Also a mother's use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may have damaging effects on the unborn child's brain, by distorting developing nerve cells, which could potentially lead to ADHD.

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