Center for Biblical Coaching

Biblical Answers to ADHD

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

Biblical Answers to Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder

Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is said to be the most common disorder diagnosed in children. It begins in infancy and continues through teen and adulthood. It can cause difficulties, in the areas of school, home, and jobs. An epidemiological data state 4% to 6% of the population has ADHD. The characteristics are distractibility, (poor attention to task), impulsivity, (not thinking before acting), and hyperactivity, (physical restlessness, fidgety). This behavior appears before the age of 7 and continues for a minimum of 6 months. Is there really such a disorder as ADHD or another label given by the medical association to give an excuse for parents, and families not to training their children, or to let adults be irresponsible for their actions. As Christians we believe that the Bible has the answers to all life’s issues and the responsible for change comes from within. In this report we will look at what the medical field and the Bible has to say about ADHD its characteristics, treatments, and cures.

Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

No one seems to know the exact cause of ADHD, but there are various theories. One theory is that it’s a neurobiological disorder, which is a chemical imbalance. “Each brain cell has one axon, the part of the cell that sends messages to other cells, and many dendrites, the part that receives messages form the other cells. There is a space between the axon and the next brain cell (they do not connect or touch). The space is called a neural gap. With ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) there is a flaw in the way the brain manages the neurotransmitter production, storage or flow, causing imbalances. There is either not enough of them, or the levels are not regulated, swinging wildly from high to low.” Others feel it’s an abnormal function of part to the brains prefrontal lobe. These areas appear different in the ADHD person, but even with the scans ADHD can’t be diagnosed. A study was done by the National Institute of Mental Health; scientist gave adults a list of words to learn while their brain was being scan by a PET (positron emission topography). The glucose where measured by the areas of the brain that inhibit impulses and control attention. The ADHD people use less glucose, which is less activity. Those cause lower levels of inattention. In past history, the theory was all attention disorders and learning disabilities were caused by head injures, or complication at birth. This was called minimal brain damage or minimal brain dysfunction. This theory was rejecting because all ADHD people don’t have head injuries. Another theory was that sugar and food additives make children hyperactive and inattentive. Parents were encouraged not serve these. But in 1982, the National Institute of Health concluded that it only helped 5% of the children with ADHD. Some say children whose parents who are ADHD have a 50% for getting this disorder. Others feel that if a mother use drugs, smoke cigarettes, alcohol etc. may be a contributing factor, but it can’t be proven. Most researcher and medical organization believe that poor parenting, family problems, poor teacher or schools, too much, tv, food allergies or excess sugar does not cause ADHD. Even with all these theories the cause of ADHD is not known.

Symptoms of ADHD

In ADHD the most common behavior falls into 3 categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with inattention have a hard time keeping focus on one thing, or become bored with a task after a few minutes. But they give large amounts of time to things they enjoy. Sometimes it doesn’t seem as if they are listening. They struggle to follow through on task and have problems with organization. They may lose thing, are easily distracted, and forgetful in everyday activities. Hyperactivity people are very fidgets with there hands and squirm in their chairs. Children have a difficulty staying in their seats, while teens/adults seem very restless. Impulsivity people don’t think before the act. The blurt out inappropriate comments, blurting out answers, talks excessively and interrupts or intrudes up others. All of these cause problems in different environments. Some ADHD children are often unpopular with their peers. They make friends easily but have a hard time keeping them. “Children with ADHD may have difficulty reading, spelling and/or doing math. They may have problems organizing work, memorizing and writing. They can be sensitive to sights, sounds, and touch. Teens have risky behavior, experimenting with drugs, sex and alcohol. Many have behavioral problems which could lead to criminal activities. Some teens experience problem with sleeplessness and getting up early for school. Adults adjust better on their jobs than in the classroom. But their job performances maybe inconsistent, because they are unorganized, have no time management, lose or misplace things and my get bored fast with a project. In relationships they have a hard time expressing their feelings, focusing on conversation and difficulty maintaining relationships. Stress is an issue, which causes them to overreact and don’t foresee the consequences of their actions.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

The following professionals are able to diagnose ADHD; psychiatrist, psychologist, pediatrician or family physicians, and neurologist. All are able to prescribe medication except for psychologists. The psychiatrist and psychologists are the only one who is able to give counseling or training. The American Psychiatric Association describes the criteria for diagnosing ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV).

1. It states that a person must have either 1 or 2 for the following:

1. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention for at least 6 months that is not consistent with normal expected behavior for the person age.

1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. Often does not follow thought on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
5. Often had difficulty organizing task and activities.
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities, toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools.
8. Is often easily distracted by things around him or her.
9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

2. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months and are not consistent with normal expected behavior of a person his or her age.

Hyperactivity

a. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

b. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated are expected.

c. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in teens or adults, may be limited to stated feeling or restlessness).

d. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.

e. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor.”

f. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

g. Often blurts out answers before question have been completed.

h. Often has difficulty waiting his turn.

i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (such as butting into conversations or games).

B. Some hyperactive, impulsive or attentive symptoms that caused behavior problems were present before the child was 7 years old.

C. Some problem form he symptoms are present in 2 or more stetting (such as school, work, home).

D. There must be clear evidence that the symptoms have caused problem in the person’s social school or work setting.

School teachers are usual the 1^st to detect this kind of behavior in a child. The school psychologist will call the parent in so the may give a test (rating scale) to diagnose the child. The teacher and parent are asked to fill out this scale on the child because each may see the child in a different way. Some of the tools used are; Conner’s Parents Symptoms Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, Conner’s Teacher Rating Scale, Child Behavior Checklist- Teacher Form, Child Attention Problem Test and the DSM-IV. No single test can be used to diagnose ADHD. The school may ask the parent to take the child to the doctor. A physical exam should be done and medical history taken not only on the child but the mother as well. Information taken should be on the child’s health (illness), development (when crawled, walked, sat up hearing, spoke), sleeping and eating patterns, behavior (personality, temper, relationship with others) and performances in school (grades, hobbies, group activities, homework, test).

Treatments for ADHD

There is no cure or known preventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There are some treatments that our being used to help the patient function productively in society. On method of treatment are medications. Some say the drugs help with the behavior of the person others say it helps to improve the symptoms so that the individual can function more effectively. But the success is not contributed to the medication but the individual. Psycho stimulant medication was first issued in 1937 for behavior and learning problems. These types of drugs were believed to change the levels of transmitter chemicals in the brain they are: Ritalin and Dexedrine. Specific dosage must be determined for each individual. Some side affects are reduction in appetite, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, mood changes, and muscle tremors. When the medication is losing its effect a child can experience a negative mood or an increase in activity. Medication alone is not enough. Other treatments in combination with medication are needed. Examples of these treatments are; psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, support groups, coaching, and parenting skills training. Psychotherapy helps individuals with ADHD to like themselves. They are able to talk about things that upset them as well as their thoughts, feelings and self-defeating behavior and come up with alternative ways to handle their emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy works on immediate issues and supports in directly changing their behavior. Social Skills help individuals learn new behaviors. Support groups are used for adults with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD. The members of these groups share their frustrations and successes and help others find qualified specialist and information that works. Parent training with therapist or classes give tools and techniques for managing their child’s behavior. (Example timeout) Some use an ADD coach( who is not a psychotherapist, but uses as a supportive practical process to help the individual identify and pursue goals, to develop structures necessary to function effectively with practical approaches to challenges of daily life. Parents can also help by; giving physical contact, limit expose to television, choose appropriate toys with a safe environment to play in, encourage your child to play and play with your child, make sure they have good sleeping habits and a healthy diet. School can help in the treatment process by;

1. Placing the child with students with similar abilities, not just academically, but maturity level.

2. A firm but fair structure is essential for daily activities and routine should be strictly adhered to. This let the child know what is expected of him and that they will be monitored.

3. The teacher must be firmly in control of the class, while sympathetic and warm person. ADHD children are very emotional and loving. They respond well to praise and individual attention. Negative attitudes can effect there self-esteem.

4. It can be useful to let children repeat years if needed. This would help their interaction with others of similar abilities as well as compete with their own peer group.

5. Small class size would help them be less distracted.

6. Speech therapy and Occupational therapy would benefit those who needed it.

7. Teacher should assist in making sure the child has taken there medication, but it should be done quietly and sensitively.

8. High school student do better doing manual task rather than verbal. Their self-esteem is being built up enabling there nervous system to mature. When entering high school they made need help adjusting to the change of teacher and classes.

9. The best form of assessment is continuous course work and shorter exams.

10. Learn to enjoy these students and look for their hidden talents.

Biblical Perspective on ADHD

As Christian we believe that the Bible, which is the word of God, has the answers to every situation, issue or problem that the world may present. In Ecclesiastes 1:9 its says, “there is no new thing under the sun’, so what ever happens to day can be found in God’s Word. But in order to get the answers we must go to Jesus and make our request to him, for without him we can do nothing. (John 15:5) Though the bible doesn’t mention the words ADHD, it does cover the behavior that was presented as the diagnoses for this label. But before you begin to diagnose an individual you must no that there can be spiritual, physical or both issues. If there is no organic cause for a person problem then you must look for a spiritual one. In looking at how ADHD is diagnosed we find that it is subjective of an observer, not objective. Parents and teachers fill out a checklist to help in the diagnoses, which is subjective, but they cannot diagnose what is in the heart. The Bible says that the issues of life come from your heart. (Proverbs 4:23) Remember that we are all born in sin that includes children. (Romans 3:23)

Problems with ADHD

As stated earlier, the medical field does not know how ADHD began nor do they have a cure. So why would they issue medication for an inorganic problem to individual. Dr. Rick Thomas says,”That’s like giving medication to person who is sitting on a tack. They feel better, but their position hasn’t changed, so you have not solved the problem.” The medications given to ADHD individual give the impression that it has solved the problem, because the behavior has changed. The medical fields still say that it has proof that this has not corrected the disorder. So you have children and adults who are taking medication, which can have side effects to solve one problem, but create another. In determining if a child is having problems in their development, physical, mental, social and emotional stages should be examine, but DSM-IV is so broad in their interpretation. A great percentage of America could be labeled ADHD by using this method. The use the word “often” (which means many times), is used to determine ADHD, parents, teacher, and family see this behavior are responsible for correction not medication. As a teacher, I know classrooms are overcrowded and teachers have not been trained properly in dealing with behaviors of children. We as educators know that children have different learning styles and each should be used in the classroom. But because overcrowding, curriculum expectations and what a teacher is allowed to do in a classroom to discipline a child all learning styles may not take place. Parents are losing their rights to discipline as well, in fear of having their children taken away from them. There must be some structure and teaching given at the child’s level or those things listed in ADHD just carries on into adulthood. If you are a Christian parent and you see some behaviors that are sin in your child’s life and you know it is not organic, it is time for you to identify them and start teaching and restructuring your life.

Biblical Alternatives

There are two common root problems of children, anger and lack of self-control. With anger you will see; disrespect, argumentative, fighting, easily frustrated, and vengeful to name a few. Lack of self-control reveals; disobedience, inattentiveness, forgetfulness, demanding, underachiever and disorderly to name a few. Parents are responsible for teaching and correction of a child. Without Biblical teaching, training, correction it will lead to pride and rebellion. A parent should pray and have devotional time, with their children everyday. They should practice memorizing scripture to keep the word in their hearts and model righteous living. Parent should try to change the diet of a child if it is unhealthy or may try some herb which has no side effects. Children model what they see, they can’t change a parent but they can pick up their righteous or unrighteous life-style. Parents must show their children how to “put off” behavior that is doesn’t please God and “put on” those that do. (Ephesians 4:26) Parents must teach cause and effect of their behavior, as well as monitor their friendships. (Galatians 6:7, 8) Parents should make sure the right influences are in and around their children

Biblical Counseling

As a Biblical Counselor it is important that you get the right data to help the counselee. The following are examples of questions to be asked by the counselor;

1. Are parents and child believers in Jesus Christ?

2. Have both children and parents accepted Christ?

3. Any organic problem being treated?

4. What evaluation had the child been through?

5. Has the child been treated by any other person?

6. What goals do you have for your child?

7. Does your child have a problem with trust?

8. Who teach and corrects the child?

These are just a few questions that can be used to gather data. Dr. James Thomas says that the following Biblical Issues should be addressed in the counseling sessions with parents, child or an adult;

1. Relationships with God, family and others. We are to love God with all are heart, mind and soul. Luke 2: 52, Matthew 22:47

2. Point out the world does care about sin unless it affects them. James 2:10, James 4:19

3. Have the parent and children admit that they sin and can not make excuses for it. Being energetic is not sin but rebellion is. Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, John 8:24

4. Behavior is inner. Mark 7:21, 22 Proverbs 25:27 We are made of more than just transmitters. We can please God. Hebrews 11:26

5. Our purpose to receive instructions and wisdom from God, not psychology or psychiatrists. Proverbs 1:3-4, 4:23-26,19:2

6. Behavior can be changed through the Bible. The mind must be renewed and put off and put on principle applied. II Corinthians 5:12, Romans 12:1,2 Ephesians 4:22,23

7. Stewardship and accountability that God owns everything and we are responsible for it. Proverbs 20:11, I Corinthians 6:10

8. Biblical Parenting is does not turn child to wrath, but teach them. Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6

9. Biblical Goals and our actions are to be made to the Glory of God, not ourselves. I Corinthians 10:31

10. Christ is our model. The characteristics of Christ are what we should be conforming to with obedience, submission, and willingness. Romans 8:29

Conclusion

The labeling of children and adults with Attention: Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder without a cause or a cure should not be acceptable. Neither should medication be given to an individual when no organic problems exist. The characteristics in diagnosing ADHD could be the actions of the majority of people. In order to really help someone labeled with ADHD you must look at the physical and spiritual problems other wise you have a temporary solution. The Bible is the only book that can help cure/solve spiritual issues of life. Christian parents are most important person in a child’s life and it is their responsibility to teach/train their children. Where there is sin is present it must be corrected (put off) and teaching (put on) Bible instruction. For individual labeled with ADHD change is possible through Jesus Christ. The Word of God reminds us that anger and the lack of self-control and related words are sin. The individual no matter what age must confess and repent form the sin. (I John1:9) After this they must apply the Word of God to behaviors they are seeking to change for the Glory of God. The medical field may leave people hopeless with no really answers, but the Word of God will never come back void it will accomplish what it is set out to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), Fact sheet, Highland IL URL: http://www.add.org

Children and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), URL: http://www.chadd.org

Hensby Caroline, ADDERS, URL:http://www.addres.org

MSN WebMD, Encyclopedia, URL: http://www.msn.com/health

National Institute of Mental Heath (NIMH), URL: http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Thomas James, “A Pediatrician books at ADHD,” N.A.N.C. (Tape n9826)

Thomas Rick, Mount Carmel Ministries, Brookfield, IL

Welch Edward, “Blame it on the Brain”, (Printed 1998 Phillipsburg New Jersey)

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), Fact sheet, Highland Park, IL

MSN WebMD, Encyclopedia, Topic Overview

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), Fact sheet Cause, Highland Park, IL

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH Publication, Printed1994, booklet p44

MSN WebMD, Encyclopedia, Symptoms.

National Institute of Mental Heath (NIMH) Symptoms.

Children and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), Symptoms.

[8] MSN WebMD, Encyclopedia, Symptoms

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Diagnoses.

Children and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), Treatment.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), Fact sheet, Treatment

Hensby Caroline, ADDERS, Treatment

Welch Edward, “Blame it on the Brain”, ( p. 135 Printed 1998 Phillipsburg New Jersey)

Thomas Rick, Mount Carmel Ministries, Bolingbrook, Il

Thomas Rick, Mount Carmel Ministries ( p. 34 Brookfield, Il)

Thomas James, “A Pediatrician books at ADHD,” N.A.N.C. (Tape n9826)

tagged under: ADHD