But what if there was a common troubling secondary symptom that is often overlooked, or at least minimized in the treatment of ADHD?
Well actually there are more than just a few, with arguably the most troubling being low self esteem.
For ADHD children there is a good chance that school is where their self esteem will take the biggest hit. Between peers, teachers, lousy test scores, even worse grades, and social rejections there is little chance that an ADHD child's self esteem will come through undamaged.
What makes matters worse is that the biological imbalance between the neurotransmitter chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine may be producing a barrage of negative thought patterns, just waiting to be triggered by an inappropriate comment, low test score, or social rejection.
From my perspective low self esteem in ADHD children is a real problem that not only will make the condition much worse but can usher in other unwelcome visitors such as depression, insomnia, and a feeling of hopelessness.
As the famous psychologist Robert Brooks once put it, the most important keys to self esteem are the approval and attention of a respected elder and the development of islands of competence - areas of activity that the child is good at already in which they are encouraged to develop further.
If you pay close attention to the statement above you notice it says nothing about trying to force success in areas where the child is weak. But isn't that where most parent and teachers of ADHD children concentrate their attention, somewhat ignoring areas that seem to be okay that could be nurtured and developed.
If low self esteem in ADHD children carries forward into adulthood things can go from bad to worse sending individuals out into the world who are prone to lose their jobs on a regular basis and make few friends in the workplace. Let's face it when you don't trust and believe in yourself, it is difficult for others to believe in you. If you talk and behave in a way that coveys the message that you think you're worthless, sooner or later your boss may agree with you.
Additionally, low self esteem which may have been manifested in childhood and carried forward may cause those with attention deficit disorder to be very self critical, thin skinned when it comes to dealing with constructive criticism, or agitated because they aren't receiving the kudos they believe are due them.
Virtually all of ADHD self esteem problems are manifested in childhood and carried forward. So for parents, finding answers earlier rather than later to address self esteem issues may be just as important as addressing the biological aspect of the condition.
Why don't we wind this article up by putting forward four ideas as to how one might go about helping their ADHD child avoid being victimized by low self esteem.
*Be available when your child needs help: ADHD children tend to have more roadblocks than their peers and may be hesitant to continually ask for help. The trick here is offering assistance regularly, but only after the child has given an honest effort first.
*Be your child's cheerleader when things go well: Everybody loves a good pat on the back when things go well and children are no different.
*Be the eternal optimist: Just because little Johnny and school go together like oil and water doesn't mean it will always be that way. In the meantime it is important to let them know you believe in them and have faith in their abilities.
*Provide encouragement: In some cases a few encouraging words might be all that is needed to help an ADHD child get over the hump when trying to do something challenging.
Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. To learn more about ADHD, along with safe and effective natural remedies for managing ADHD symptoms Click Here.