STRESS AND ADHD

Most people think of stress as exclusively an adult problem, but it isn't. Growing up in today's highly complex and competitive world exposes a child to many stressful situations. Pressure to do well in school, to fit in with the crowd, and the conflicting desires to please parents and to become more independent, are just the routine stressors of a youngster's life. Tension at home due to parental conflict, separation or divorce, or the lack of adequate quality time with parents or other caring adults can magnify these stressors tremendously. All to frequently this situation is compounded by peer encouragement to try drugs, alcohol, or sex.

The problem of childhood stress can be particularly devastating to a child with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although most experts agree that persons with ADD/ADHD are born with a genetic predisposition to these behaviors, they also point out that for the disorder to develop the person must also be exposed to a highly stressful environment.

ADD is a behavioral problem which most likely is neurologically based. It makes it difficult for a person to focus his or her attention on a task and learn. In its extreme, this problem includes aspects of hyperactivity, impulsivity, disobedience and angry outbursts. In this case, it is referred to as ADHD. It is easy to see how once the symptoms of ADD or ADHD begin to manifest in a child's life, succeeding in school and getting along with parents, teachers, peers or siblings becomes more difficult. Naturally, the level of stress in the ADD/ADHD child's life increases which in turn intensifies the problem behaviors.

What can a parent do?

Praise: Don't focus on the negative. Take the time to praise achievement and good behavior.

Time: Spend quality time - talk, do projects, play games or sports.

Self-Expression: Encourage your child to voice their opinions - from world affairs to curfews and dating - listen to what they say.

Rules: Establish clear rules and enforce them consistently.

Participation: Get involved! Attend games, recitals, parents' night. Show that you care.

Responsibility: Teach children a sense of responsibility.

Cultivate: Provide room for growth. Encourage outside interests in sports, music, arts, social activities.

Comfort: Discuss traumatic events or fears rationally. Try to provide comfort and support.

Tact: Offer constructive criticism as a means of self-improvement. Be mindful of your child's feelings.

You: Manage your own stress effectively.

Relax: Teach your child the mini-relaxation technique listed below.

Mini Relaxation Technique

Most children encounter fear at one time or another. During a fearful or panic situation, breathing becomes shallow, very fast, and irregular. You can each your child a breathing technique that will help to reduce fear and deal with stressful events. It interrupts the panic response and replaces it with a calming response. Try participating in this technique with your child and experience the beneficial effects together.

Slowly inhale. As you breath in, expand your stomach and then your chest to the count of three. Pay particular attention to slow, deep, smooth, and steady inhalation.

As you breathe out, your stomach deflates. Exhale slowly and evenly with each exhalation. Choose a relaxing word or phrase that you repeat as you exhale. Have your youngster do the same. With practice, this technique can be used anytime, anywhere as a safe and effective means to regain emotional equilibrium and reduce vulnerability.

How can professionals help?

Most parents are aware when their children are in distress, and can offer help and support. Sometimes, however, parental intervention is not enough to help a young person regain emotional equilibrium, and professional help is often necessary. Perhaps the most promising addition to the modern stress management program is the use of Biofeedback and relaxation training.

EEG Biofeedback is the most direct and effective method which can be used to teach both stress reducing relaxation training and attention increasing alertness training. Here the student learns to manipulate his or her own brain waves utilizing computer enhanced techniques which allow the monitoring of one's progress in a video-game format. It has been particularly effective in helping youngsters with ADD/ADHD disorders. With this training the student can learn a flexibility of response which allows him or her to relax in the face of stress, or remain alert under pressure.

©Barry Belt 1997