AD/HD - It May Be In the Genes
By Dr. Howard Rebach, LCSW-C

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (AD/HD) is the most common psychiatric disorder of childhood. Experts have theorized that it is a neurological disorder, genetic in origin. Now, researchers at the University of California, Irvine, believe they have discovered an abnormal gene associated
with AD/HD which causes up to 5% of children to be hyperactive, have difficulty maintaining
attention, and often act in a disruptive manner. It affects about two million children in the U.S.

According to the researchers, not all hyperactive children carry the gene, but those who do present a more severe form of the disorder. More generally, according to a report in the Annual Review of Medicine, 2002, vol 53, pages 113-131, genetic, imaging, neurochemistry and neuropsychological
data support the biological basis of AD/HD. It is important that parents understand and accept this since self-styled experts and nonexperts alike insist that the disorder does not exist, is not a real thing. Symptoms usually start in a child's preschool years; boys are affected twice as often as girls. Co-occurring disorders such as learning disabilities, oppositional and/or defiant behavior, or conduct disorders are common. Unacceptable and often problematic behaviors such as lying, fighting,
and disobedience are also frequently observed in AD/HD children.

Often media coverage about AD/HD is biased and offers misinformation. This prompted a consortium of 75 prominent scientists from around the world to issue a statement deploring this type of media coverage and recognizing AD/HD as no more false than the connection between smoking and cancer.

Parents and others interested can learn more from www.additudemag.com. An online magazine devoted to AD/HD topics. Another useful source is the UK AD/HD news archive at www.btinternet.com.

MAGGIE’S MEMO:
DR. HOWARD REBACH has an extensive background in psychotherapy and counseling, including chemical dependency treatment and mediation. His office is at 540 Riverside Dr., Ste. 2 in Salisbury.
Call 410-726-5578 for an appointment.

MAGGIE SAYS:
Our sources stressed that DR. REBACH is willing to go the extra mile for his clients. Maggie feels confident in recommending DR. REBACH to you and your family.