What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactive disorder in simple terms is a condition that combines the inability to maintain focus, hyperactivity that’s extremely wearing, and an impulsive desire to frequently interrupt.
It affects children and teenagers, but can also appear and continue in adulthood. In children, problems with inattention can result in poor performance, but these issues aren’t due to lack of understanding or defiance – these characteristics often indicate the early presentation of ADHD.
One of the conflicts with regard to ADHD diagnosis is whether it is really a disorder, or natural behavior that is misunderstood and unacceptable according to social norms. To understand this, we will first look at the way ADHD is diagnosed and later discuss other perspectives and ways to overcome this syndrome.
The Probable Causes of ADHD
What causes ADHD remains unclear. Preliminary research has led to inconclusive assumptions that may include:
- Issues during development – where problems in the central nervous system at key stages may be a reason
- Genetics – studies indicate that genes may play a role as the condition often runs in families
- Premature birth – and low birth weight may be a link
- Environmental influences – lead exposure as a child has been cited as a possible cause
Understanding the Levels of ADHD
So, what is attention deficit hyperactive disorder? Symptoms in children are categorised by:
Inattention – there are many signs that your child may have ADHD and the common ones include:
Daydreaming and appearing not to be listening, misplacing and losing things, the inability to organise daily tasks, easily distracted and forgetful, unable to follow instructions or finish things, discomfort with sitting still
Hyperactivity – if your child has ADHD there will be signals of:
Talking excessively, squirming and fidgeting whilst sitting, always on the go, difficulty playing quietly, unable to stay seated
Impulsivity – if your child shows signs of the following this is another indicator of the disorder:
Constant interrupting, finds it hard to wait for his or her turn, cries out answers
Adult ADHD Symptoms
By the age of 25 adults diagnosed with ADHD as children may still experience either a full range or just some symptoms affecting life on a daily basis. ADHD symptoms in adults may include:
- Difficulties coping with stress, completing tasks, and trouble with multitasking
- Poor planning and disorganisation skills
- Excessive restlessness and impulsiveness
- Problems focusing and a low tolerance for frustration
- Frequent mood swings and a hot temper
Other conditions that adults may have alongside ADHD include obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
How ADHD is Diagnosed
Doctors will diagnose ADHD after a child has shown the above symptoms for more than six months. An adolescent or adult must have at least five of the symptoms listed present for at least six months also. The severity of the symptoms is also taken into account. As there are no specific tests for ADHD it is common to have misdiagnosis.
The treatment of ADHD ranges from medication for children with severe symptoms as a first option. A combination of counselling, lifestyle changes, behavioural therapy, and further medication are then highly recommended.
A Different Perspective on ADHD
Many of the symptoms listed in the ADHD diagnosis list may well be considered as normal behavior in many cultures. This kind of behavior may also result from several factors including neglect and lack of ways for children to express their creative energy. The harsh societal conditions that limit children’s potential and behavior have been linked to several developmental conditions that include ADHD.
Perhaps, one of the ways of looking at ADHD is that children and adults are not in the right space and framework to connect with themselves and express their true nature. Seeing ADHD from this spiritual perspective, we can say that blocking this energy of the essence of the individual may result in cognitive disorders and symptoms listed above.
If the root cause of ADHD is spiritual as above then a different route could be followed for bringing back a sense of balance to people suffering from this disorder. If you believe that there’s a spiritual reason behind ADHD then this aspect should be explored.
Spiritual causes and roots of ADHD may be directly related to the absence of awareness of our deeper spiritual connection. This is not simply about a specific religion or system of belief. It goes beyond into have a connection with your inner self or higher self. The question arises – is ADHD a mental disorder, or is it a lack of connection with our essence / spirit / true self?
Medication also brings into question whether ADHD sufferers are being taken away from their true selves when non-medical options are available. Up-to-date research shows that diet has a direct relation to the disorder – a healthy eating regime with lesser sugar and processed food can help reduce several symptoms.
Adjusting Emotions Through Spiritual Guidance
When a person’s essence within is fully alive it changes brain function to learn acceptable behaviour. A living personal spirit allows the individual to learn what expressions are appropriate under normal conditions. When we can be fully comfortable with this true sense of self, we no longer have the need to act out and create situations that cause trouble to ourselves or others.
It also provides rest and solace so that other functions can happen. This includes learning in a school or college environment, and the development of intellect. Combine this with learning from mistakes, and integrating the complete function of spirit, body, mind, and soul into a balanced person, and you have stability, manners, and respect without assistance.
The Benefits of Ayahuasca for People with ADHD
Visiting an ayahuasca retreat, like Spirit Vine center in Brazil, is a safe way to have a deep, guided journey into the spiritual side of life with the help of ayahuasca. Every part of the retreat is designed to help you achieve a state of harmony and develop a deeper connection with your essence. The workshops during the retreat are a space to learn techniques that can be applied during the ayahuasca ceremony as well as in everyday life to keep the same level of connection gained during the retreat. The program includes time to integrate your experiences with guidance – and there’s also plenty of time to relax and reflect.
You’ll need to prepare for the ayahuasca retreat by stopping any medication three months prior to your stay. About two months before you’ll need to adjust your diet by moving to vegetarian or vegan options. Eating processed and packaged foods isn’t recommended – freshly prepared organic foods help detoxify the body which will put you in the space to get the most out of your ayahuasca retreat. You’ll be able to get much more preparation details from the Spirit Vine website.
An ayahuasca experience in the proper setting is both sacred and profound. Ceremonies take place during the darkness of night, with music playing that helps bring awareness of the root causes of blockages and disorders to the surface. And according to current research ayahuasca may protect brain cells and stimulate neural cell growth.
Helping to find the source of depression and addiction disorders, boosting mood, and improving mindfulness are other important key factors resulting from a well done ayahuasca retreat. The key is to dedicate the proper time and preparation for the retreat as it can be an intense process. There’s a wealth of evidence suggesting people make changes to their lives after drinking ayahuasca as a single retreat can bring a sense of transformation that’s very real.
This spiritual journey is certainly a path for people with ADHD interested in personal growth and spirituality. Ayahuasca may offer real benefits – where spiritual growth and a connection to something greater than one’s self can be fostered.
