How do you get ADHD? Parents whose child is diagnosed with ADHD ask this question as well as wonder if they did anything to cause or contribute to their child's condition. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), little convincing evidence exists indicating that methods of upbringing and other social factors can cause ADHD. This does not mean that environmental factors have no part in giving rise to the condition, simply that they do not appear to trigger ADHD by themselves. In fact, researchers don't know the exact cause of ADD and ADHD in children, but studies point to a combination of factors – both genetic and environmental.

Who Can Get ADHD?

Children, teens, and adults from all socio-economic backgrounds can develop ADHD; although, studies show that the disorder occurs at least twice as often in boys than in girls, aged 3 to 17 years. While many people seem to outgrow the condition, for others, the symptoms of ADHD persist into adulthood.

Genetic and Physiological Causes of ADHD

Research data show that dopamine, a neurotransmitter that binds to certain receptors in the brain, is not produced at normal levels in the brains of those with ADHD. This deficiency in the dopamine pathway affects the anterior frontal cortex, the part of the brain that handles cognitive processes, such as focus and attention.

Other studies, performed by NIMH researchers, used imaging technology to study the brain structure of boys with ADHD and non-ADHD boys. These studies point to structural brain differences as a possible contributing cause of ADHD. The data show that the brains of ADHD boys have a more symmetrical structure than the brains of normal boys. Despite the greater symmetry, the ADHD brains had a smaller prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and globuspallidus. Scientists refer to the prefrontal cortex as the brain's command center and the other two structures translate the commands into thoughts leading to action.

Environmental and Sociological Causes of ADHD

Evidence indicates that children with a low birth weight (less than 1500 grams or 3.3 pounds), or who experienced stress due to a complicated birth, are possibly more susceptible to developing ADHD. Other research points to smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy as a parental behavior that could cause attention deficit disorder in susceptible children. Other possible factors being considered as causes of attention deficit disorder include toxins, such as lead, and exposure to drugs.

Common Misconceptions About the Causes of ADHD

Numerous research studies, conducted by the NIMH, provide compelling evidence that the following likely do not cause attention deficit disorder:

• Excess sugar consumption
• Inadequate education facilities
• Food allergies
• Excessive television or video game use
• Undesirable home life

Certainly, children fare better when parents limit things like sugar intake, television, video games, and other sedentary activities; but these activities and external environmental factors do not appear to cause ADHD.

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Four types of ADHD are officially recognized in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-V), rather than just three types in the previous DSM-IV. The new type is called Inattentive Presentation:

1. Inattentive ADHD
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
3. Combined ADHD Type
4. Inattentive Presentation (Restrictive)

As one of the most commonly occurring childhood disorders (see What is ADD and ADHD), some people exhibit obvious symptoms of ADHD, while others do not. Physicians and mental health professionals break ADHD into these four groups based on reported patient symptoms and other key criteria.

According to Dr. Laura Markley, a pediatric psychiatrist at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio, symptoms must appear prior to age 7 for doctors to diagnose a child with any type of ADHD. She adds that boys are far more likely than girls to receive a diagnosis of ADHD.

Characteristics of the Types of ADHD

Inattentive ADHD

Children with the inattentive type of ADHD can sit quietly and do not exhibit overt signs of physical hyperactivity, causing parents or teachers to overlook the possibility of ADHD as a cause of poor academic performance and inability to follow instructions. These children are easily distracted, have poor organization skills, and avoid participating in activities requiring prolonged mental engagement. They may daydream, seem mentally absent, and frequently make careless mistakes when participating in activities or attempting schoolwork.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity ADHD

Characterized by consistent hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, this form of ADHD is more readily identifiable by those who interact with the child outside of a health care setting, such as parents and teachers. These children disrupt the classroom setting with constant fidgeting and moving around. They frequently interrupt and speak out of turn and have difficulty accepting delayed gratification. The conspicuous hyperactivity/impulsivity associated with this type of ADHD creates urgency in parents, teachers, and others to find a solution; thus, these children may receive treatment earlier.

Combined ADHD

Children with ADHD combined type do not exhibit a distinct tendency toward either category; instead, they consistently display behaviors associated with both. Unlike those whose behaviors lean heavily toward hyperactivity ADHD, these children may have phases where they do sit quietly and can refrain from interrupting others and talking excessively. Still, they are not processing information like a normal child and the more subtle symptoms of inattentive ADHD are continuing to keep them from reaching their full potentials.

Inattentive Presentation (Restrictive)

To qualify for this diagnosis, a patient must meet the criteria for Predominantly Inattentive but have two or fewer of the 12 symptoms from the list for hyperactivity-impulsivity and the symptoms must have been present for at least six months in children.

Considerations

Most children have bouts of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and short attention spans, especially in the early childhood years. When the behavior is consistent, occurs in more than one setting, such as both at home and school, the child may need an evaluation by a physician or mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD.

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Both acronyms ADD and ADHD, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, refer to a hereditary biochemical disorder that impedes a person's ability to perform to his or her full potential. The symptoms show up in childhood and often carry on into adolescence and adulthood, causing problems in virtually all areas of life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 3 % to 5 % of American children suffer from ADD or ADHD.

The ADD definition has evolved as healthcare professionals learned more about the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) officially changed how professionals refer to ADD and ADHD. Prior to this change, the DSM used the phrase ADD with or without hyperactivity to differentiate between types of attention deficit.

The DSM-1V-TR diagnostic criteria began using one term, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, for this learning disorder; although, lay people often still use the old terminology. This change in terminology remains the same in the new DSM-V, which came out in May 2013. However, ADHD has now been moved to the chapter entitled Neurodevelopmental Disorders to reflect brain developmental correlates with ADHD.

ADHD – Is It Hereditary or Environmental?

Researchers do not yet know the exact cause of ADHD, but results from research studies, and the fact that it tends to run in families, strongly indicate a genetic factor that makes a person predisposed to ADHD. Other studies indicate environmental factors could cause ADHD symptoms to emerge in exposed children. Research has shown a possible link between ADHD and several environmental conditions, including the use of tobacco products and alcohol during pregnancy or exposure to high levels of lead in early childhood, but more studies are necessary to accurately pinpoint a cause or causes.

Indicators of ADHD

Childhood symptoms of ADHD include poor impulse control, hyperactivity (i.e. cannot sit still), difficulty focusing on immediate tasks, and inability to pay attention to instruction. Children with hyperactivity-impulsivity often have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships and receive poor conduct evaluations due to their inability to behave appropriately in school. These children seem to disregard common social courtesies by repeatedly interrupting conversations and speaking out of turn.

Some children may exhibit very little to no hyperactivity symptoms and may possess a normal ability to control impulses. These children often sit quietly and seem to pay attention when required, when in reality, they are daydreaming and missing key details and information. They become bored quickly while working on tasks and may move slowly. Since they can sit quietly and do not exhibit overtly poor behavior, parents often overlook the possibility of ADHD as the cause of their child's poor grades, inability to follow directions, and poor time management and organization skills.

Outlook for Patients with ADHD

With proper ADHD treatment, patients and their physicians can manage the symptoms of the condition, mitigating the negative impact the disorder has on quality of life. The symptoms often decrease as children mature into adulthood and physicians may stop the use of pharmacological treatment regimens. Some people, however, continue to exhibit ADHD symptoms well into adulthood and must remain on ADHD medication.

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The impact of rape should never be minimized, but after time, you do need to get on with life, and part of this is getting in touch with your sexuality. This is a very important area in healing, as negative self-images, lack of self-worth, and a disregard for your sexuality, are all common feelings after abuse. This contributes to a very unhealthy way of living, whether you are experiencing symptoms of frigidness or have gone the other way towards promiscuity (nearly 70% of all streetwalkers have been abused). So what can you do?

The first and most important step is actually in your mind. The twelve-step programs and other similar programs have a saying that broadly reads: "give me the courage to make the changes I need to in my life, the strength to accept what I can not change, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Well as much as I would love to tell you that you can, you cannot change what has already happened. What is important now is how you deal with it.

In the case of rape, we can hope that the trauma has not left you with any physical scars. It is important, whether you have reported the rape or not, to see a doctor for an STD check. Many STDs such as Chlamydia, can remain undetected in your system for months and cause irreparable damage to your reproductive system. In some cases, a pregnancy can result. I can't offer any advice here. What you choose to do in this situation, should be exactly that, your decision. My thoughts would be with you whatever you decided to do. But let us hope that you are STD-free, that you are not pregnant, but you are still alive.

Chances are your sex life is still going to be a part of your life, no matter how you might be feeling at this moment. And it should be. Making love is one of the most expressive ways of showing your feelings towards your partner. It would be lovely if it could continue to be so for you.

Unfortunately, even if you have got your mind around the trauma, your body has a memory of its own. Many women report having episodes where they involuntarily cringe when a loved one touches them and many more report problems when actually having intercourse. Vaginal dryness, a muscle tensing, or the impression of leaving one's body during sex are all common for somebody who been sexually abused. It is going to take time to get past all of this and an extremely patient partner.

If you were not in a relationship at the time of the rape, you will have taken the time to rebuild your self-confidence in other areas for a while, and probably not even thought about dating. Sooner or later though, it will happen. What you will find is you will be careful about who you date (keeping yourself safe is important at all times) and be careful about getting yourself into situations which could lead to your being pressured into doing things you are not ready for.

You may be wrestling with the dilemma of should you tell your new partner about the rape or not. This will depend on the depth of your relationship and how he appears to you. If you are planning to have an intimate relationship with this person, you are going to have to feel as safe as you ever could be and that does take time.

It would probably pay to tell him. A good partner will understand and be both helpful and patient. What you can do is learn to accept non-sexual contact from him. Cuddles and hand-holding may seem a little lame, but they help you to build up your trust in him. Kissing and more will happen as you feel comfortable.

Do not under any circumstances stay with a man who is pressuring you to go any further, intimately, than you feel happy with. It will not work for you, no matter how great he is in other areas.

Later on, massage is an excellent technique for encouraging touch, without necessarily being sexual. It is quite an intimate expression of feelings and him massaging you will benefit you as in helping you relax in intimate surroundings. You will also gain confidence in yourself, giving him pleasure through a massage. You will know when you are ready to go further, it will happen.

By yourself, another thing you can do is learn to love your own body. Many women experience self-loathing of their own body image, with or without abuse. This can lead to eating disorders and many other problems. Learn to appreciate your own body, naked. See it for what it truly is, a magnificent casing for your awesome spirit. Be comfortable in touching yourself and keep yourself healthy and clean. Larger women can give the illusion of being magnificent sexual creatures because they are comfortable with who they are ( I speak from experience). Don't put your body down or ever blame the way you look for what has happened - it was not your fault.

Love your body, warts and all. It does marvelous things for your self-confidence. If somebody else criticizes the way you look, your body shape, or anything else like that, then they have the problem. Do not make it yours.

Making love, having sex, being intimate. Whatever you call it, it can be a wonderful thing. Don't let rape rob you of the chance to have genuine happiness in your life. Choose to reclaim your sexuality, without abusing it yourself, and move on with your life. Be happy, take time to love yourself, stay safe.

Lisa is a rape survivor who shares what she's learned from her experiences.

A mother of an ADD child has 19 helpful suggestions for parenting a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and coping with the challenges.

A Mother's Point of View

The following is a compilation of personal thoughts and ideas derived from several years experience raising my son, an interesting, delightful, and lovable child, acquired by using common sense, seeking education, and making mistakes in the on-going process of coming to understand attention deficit disorder, my child, and myself.

1. Educate yourself about Attention Deficit Disorder.

The biggest fear for a parent is the fear of the unknown. Parents cannot do what is necessary for their child unless they have done their homework. Educate yourself about what ADD is and about what you can realistically do to help your ADHD child.

2. Work cooperatively with your child's teachers, school administrators, special learning consultants or school boards when necessary.

Ideally, the school and family should work as a team. Request mutually agreed upon contact with teachers on a regular basis to compare how your child is doing both at home and at school and to help each other problem solve when appropriate. Your child can also be involved in this communication. Forms of communication can include brief notes, assignment sheets to be signed at home, telephone calls and prearranged meetings. It is important to identify and resolve problems before they escalate.

3. Educate others and advocate for your child.

Inform the school and teachers about good books or conferences on the subject. Provide articles or books to schools. Don't count on your child's school or schools of education to adequately educate teachers or future teachers about ADD. For many teachers, it's a relief to find out from parents what's wrong with their students and to learn alternative approaches (when necessary) that can help these children learn.

4. When first learning about ADD, it can be helpful to talk with parents who have been raising a child diagnosed with ADD for a while.

They can offer the perspective of time and they may not be feeling anxious as a parent whose child is newly diagnosed with ADD.

5. Get acquainted with other parents who have children with ADD.

Either join/form a support group or find a friend with whom you can communicate your concerns. It can feel lonely to be the only one who has a child with ADD.

6. You may not be able to keep your anxieties from your child.

Feelings of anxiety are usually shared by others in your family anyway, including your child. Therefore, it is essential to find a way to acknowledge these feelings, to let your child know that something will be done to help him/her and that someone (an adult) is in control.

7. Allow yourself the time you need to grieve.

With the exception of a parent who has adopted an older child already diagnosed as having ADD, no parent expects their child will have ADD. We grieve the loss of our expectations and fantasy child. Reaching the point of accepting our child's differences and special needs requires going through a process during which it is normal for intense, angry and painful feelings to surface intermittently. Do not be hard on yourself whenever these feelings arise. They may occur many times before acceptance has been reached. Eventually, you will be able to allow yourself the luxury of letting go of these feelings in order to bring acceptance and hope into your life.

8. With information and support, most parents will move through the grief process to acceptance.

However, if this grief reaction persists, it may be helpful to seek professional counseling. Be sure the counselor chosen is knowledgeable about ADD and the grief and loss process.

9. Get rest whenever possible.

These children are physically and emotionally exhausting to raise.

10. Your child needs to have well- balanced parents.

This cannot be accomplished if you focus all of your energies on your child. Involvement in career, hobbies, personal interest, friends, etc. helps one maintain this balance.

11. If you are married, take the time to be alone with your spouse.

When you do get away from the children, don't spend the entire time discussing them!

12. Believe in yourself as a good parent.

You have a child that can be very difficult and challenging to raise. "Don't borrow anxiety from the future or guilt from the past."

13. Inappropriate behavior is just that.

We do not want our children behaving inappropriately because they have ADD. They are capable of learning. It takes more consistent reinforcement. ADD is not a new problem. It just had different names or was not being given any names in the past. Today, we know that utilizing behavior management techniques, medication, counseling, educational modification, or a combination of some of these approaches at appropriate times enables many children with ADD to do very well.

14. In raising children, there are no guarantees for success.

The earlier one is able to identify a child as having ADD and provide positive intervention, the more hopeful one tends to feel. Regardless of the age when ADD is diagnosed, however, it is important to remember that both parents and children try to do the best they can. Even though parents may attempt to provide everything possible to help their child, they cannot control the outcome of his life. It is imperative, however, during the preschool, elementary, and middle school years that parents do everything they can in advocating for school success. This may even be at the criticism of teachers and administrators who insist that a child "take responsibility for their own actions." Children with ADD are characteristically immature and can be permanently damaged by having been allowed to fail. Ultimately, a person has to accept responsibility for himself, but for children with ADD, this may come much later than their same-aged peers.

15. Be positive.

Focus on your child's strengths. Let him know you believe in him, that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and that things can get better for him.

16. Being the sibling of a child with ADD is also a challenging job!

Don't forget that siblings need to get their share of the family's attention, too.

17. Children with ADD have difficult childhoods.

Unless their ADD can be well managed, they face frequent rejection, frustration, and loneliness. Even if ADD is well managed, they still have to compensate for some of the social, emotional and educational problems they experience because of ADD. However, parents and children that work through these problems are ahead of the game. They have the opportunity to develop courage, strength, empathy, and compassion. They have the potential to learn to accept differences in others and to truly appreciate the beauty of those differences. In addition, they are capable of experiencing ongoing dynamic relationships.

18. If you have a supportive religious community, consider yourself truly blessed.

Many parents of children with disabilities, as well as ADD, find that their children are not welcome in many community activities, including their church. You need support and advice about how to deal with difficult situations from others who have shared similar experiences.

19. Put things in perspective.

Sit back and enjoy your child. A sense of humor most certainly can positively affect the quality of one's life and in many cases, it can be a lifeline to survival.

Sources:

• The Circuit Newsletter, South Dakota Parent Connect (1999)

Discussing your disabilities on a date can be difficult: your new partner is probably curious about the extent of your sexual abilities. Can you have intercourse? What special needs do you have? What are your limits or particular talents?

The hardest part of this conversation can be deciding when to have it. How does one lead into the subject? Do you talk about disability at the onset of the first date, or wait until the second, third or fourth meeting?

People living with disabilities tend to worry about saying too much or not saying enough. Place these feelings of anxiety aside! Discussion about a person's disability typically comes up naturally within a conversation. For example, a conversation could begin around a modified van, a Seeing Eye dog, the use of sign language or a prosthetic device or mobility aid. When these subjects arise, respond honestly and openly to questions, and your prospective partner will understand you are comfortable discussing your disability.

Ironically, while you are worrying about how and when to bring up the limits imposed by your disability, your date is no doubt struggling with questions, afraid of offending you, but wanting information. For example, your date may wonder what arrangements need to be made to accommodate your disability during an evening out. Can you walk a few steps unaided, or do you require your wheelchair at all times? Are you comfortable with having a menu read to you, or would you prefer to dine only in restaurants that offer Braille menus?

If he or she is unfamiliar with dating a disabled person, as many people are the first time they do so, your date may simply blurt out, "What is your disability, and what do I need to do to arrange a date?" Although some individuals feel comfortable with this direct approach, others may not know how to respond to such a remark. Be compassionate, and try not to get offended. Remember, your date is simply trying to ensure you both enjoy yourselves.

It is important to remember that these questions also come up when two people with disabilities date each other. Contrary to popular belief, the disabled are not all alike-we do have questions about our friends and dating partners with different types of disabilities.

Given the uneasiness that can surface, here are some helpful hints for people with disabilities, as well as for their able-bodied and disabled dating partners.

• Discuss your disability, don't lecture an audience.
  Treat a date like any other social situation. Talk about your disability as it naturally occurs in conversation. If you are asked directly about it, answer with details that are informative, but don't launch into a 30-minute speech about your condition. If this date turns into a more serious relationship, you'll find plenty of time to discuss the specifics of your disability.

• Talk from a script.
  If you feel ill at ease discussing your disability, think about what you may want to say ahead of time. Sometimes people practice with a friend how they plan to discuss their disability. If you prefer to practice alone, use a tape recorder or even a mirror to get an idea about how you come across and what words bolster your confidence.

• Plan your response to questions.
  If it makes you feel better, think about what you might say if you were asked directly about your disability. Some people have a standard response they always give to questions; for example, someone may say, "I am deaf and this is why my speech may seem different to you." Some people may want to take this a step further and say, "I have 20% hearing ability in my right ear, so if you sit on my left side, I think we'll have a more enjoyable conversation." Think about what feels right to you, and go for it!

• Talk about your dating partner's disability.
  Creating an environment open to discussion helps the person with the disability feel a sense of power over a potentially uncomfortable situation. Try something like, "I'm not sure if you feel comfortable answering this question, but I was wondering if you would mind discussing your disability?" This phrasing gives the person with a disability the choice of whether or not they'd choose to engage in these issues, and shows him or her you are comfortable discussing the matter.

• Refrain from asking overly personal questions on the first date.
  One often assumes that it is acceptable to ask people with disabilities very personal questions. For example, it is not uncommon for people to be asked, "How do you go to the bathroom?" "How do you shower?" or "Can you have sex?" While many of us think that it is not unreasonable to ask for such personal information, it is important to keep in mind that people with disabilities are entitled to the same amount of privacy as anyone else.

Whether dating another disabled person or an able-bodied person, talk to each other and find out what arrangements need to be made. By showing your partner you can communicate comfortably about the "sensitive" subject of your disability, you are opening the door for more intimate conversations, perhaps those surrounding your intimate preferences!

 

Genital touching - women

Many women have never taken a proper look at their genitals and find even the thought of doing so a little embarrassing. Psychosexual therapist Paula Hall describes an exercise that'll help you feel more relaxed about your body.

Preparation

• Switch off the phone, lock the door and make sure you won't be disturbed.
• Make sure your room is warm and comfortable.
• You'll need a hand mirror.
• It might help to start with the Get to know your body exercise first.

Don't be self-conscious

If this exercise makes you feel a bit self-conscious, remind yourself that the better you know yourself, the better your sex life will be.

Getting sexually aroused while doing this is not the aim, although it may happen. You'll find the feelings soon subside.

As you repeat these exercises, you'll become more receptive to a variety of touches and any over-sensitivity should decrease quickly.

Take a look

Spend some time touching your stomach, bottom and thighs in a way that you already know you enjoy. Move slowly towards your pubic hair.

Prop yourself against a wall, headboard or pillows. Bend your knees and open your legs. Position the mirror against something so you can see your genitals and leave your hands free.

Notice your outer lips (labia) covered with pubic hair for protection. Open them gently and you'll see the smaller, inner lips. Look at the size and coloring. Feel your lips and note the difference in their texture and temperature.

Now pull your lips fairly wide apart. This will expose your vagina, urethra and clitoris. The inner lips usually meet at the top of the clitoral hood. This protects the clitoris.

The urethra is a small opening between the vagina and the clitoris. The area between your vagina and anus is called the perineum.

Remember - the appearance of genitals varies greatly from woman to woman. The size and shape of lips varies enormously and it's rare for them to be symmetrical. There's no 'normal' standard. You're unique.

What a feeling

Gently experiment with different types and pressure of stroke and think about which areas are most sensitive and most pleasurable to touch.

Related Information:

• Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women
• Pleasing Yourself
• Orgasms

• What is ketamine?
• Street names of ketamine
• How is ketamine taken?
• Effects of ketamine
• Dangers of ketamine
• Is ketmaine addictive?

What is ketamine?

• Ketamine hydrochloride is an anesthetic (pain killer) that has been used for human and veterinary use (it numbs the body).
• It is also used as a date rape drug.

Street Names

• "Special K" and "K"

How is it taken?

• Ketamine comes in tablet or powder form.
• It is snorted up the nose, placed in alcoholic drinks, or smoked in combination with marijuana.

What are the effects of Ketamine?

• Ketamine has hallucinatory effects.
• The hallucinatory effects are short and last only an hour or less; however, it can affect the senses, judgment and coordination for 18 to 24 hours.
• Similar to LSD, the effects of Ketamine are altered according to the user's mood and environment.

What are the dangers of Ketamine?

• Users can seriously hurt themselves because Ketamine numbs the body and they will not feel the pain of an injury.
• Ketamine lowers heart rate, which can lead to oxygen deprivation in the muscles and brain, resulting in heart failure or brain damage.
• It is very dangerous when mixed with alcohol and other drugs.

Is it addictive?

It is not considered an addictive drug like cocaine, heroin or alcohol because it does not produce the same compulsive drug-seeking behavior. However, like addictive drugs, it produces greater tolerance in some users who take the drug repeatedly. These users must take higher doses to achieve the same results as they have had in the past. This could be an extremely dangerous practice because of the unpredictability of the drug effect on an individual.

Sexual energy is a powerful, very natural force in our lives. But like any natural force we encounter -- be it wind, sun, rain, or our own laughter -- our sexual energy has the potential to be channeled and experienced in either destructive or life-affirming ways.

Healthy sex involves the conscious, positive expression of our sexual energy in ways that enhance self-esteem, physical health, and emotional relationship. It is mutually beneficial and harms no one.

For a more detailed description of Healthy Sex see the HealthySex CERTS model.

Negative influences and problems

Unfortunately, we live in a society that constantly bombards us with images of sex that have very little to do with healthy sexuality. In movies, on TV, in books, and in magazines we are exposed to countless examples of impulsive, irresponsible sex. People are treated as sex objects and sex is often portrayed as a form of power and control over another person. It's no wonder that many of us have experienced some tragic consequences of mischanneled sexual energy, such as sexual abuse, compulsive sexual behaviors, sexual exploitation, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, and/or chronic sexual unhappiness.

Studies in America reveal that:

• 1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 males are sexually abused in childhood.

• 1 in 4 women are raped sometime in their lifetime.

• 1 in 4 Americans will have a sexually transmitted disease sometime in their lives.

• 1 in 2 American women will have at least one abortion by the time they are 45 years of age.

• 1 in 20 Americans (mostly male) engage in sexually compulsive behavior.

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men report that sex gives them no pleasure.

What's been missing

Most of the sex education available in the world today focuses on reproduction, birth control and disease prevention. While this is important information, it stops short of helping us learn what we need to know to prevent sexual abuse, addiction, and dissatisfaction. In addition, many of us need new information to overcome problems caused by past sexual hurts so that we can go on to experience healthy sexual intimacy with a partner.

As a sex educator and therapist, I meet many people who have trouble conceptualizing Healthy Sex. They want to know: "How does healthy sex differ from sexual abuse?", "How does healthy sex differ from sexual addiction?", and "What are the conditions necessary to ensure that the sex I'm having is healthy?"

About the author: Wendy Maltz LCSW, DST is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and sex therapist. Her books include The Porn Trap, The Sexual Healing Journey, Private Thoughts, Passionate Hearts, Intimate Kisses, and Incest and Sexuality.

Adult ADHD apps can be a great asset for people living with this disorder. Phones are devices people are likely to have with them, at least most of the time. The best apps are designed with the symptoms of ADHD in mind and thus are user-friendly plus target those things that make life difficult. They’re also discreet. No one knows how you’re using your phone unless you tell them. Quality ADHD apps help you help yourself manage your life with ADHD.

Helping Yourself with the Best ADHD Apps

The best ADHD apps are those that help you with your unique challenges. When looking at apps, think of your own needs. Do you need help increasing your ability to focus? Do you need help with time management strategies due to your ADHD? Before choosing an app or apps, make a list of the greatest challenges ADHD is causing. Different apps target different areas, so knowing yourself and your needs will help you pick the best adult ADHD app for you.

To help you with your app-choosing process, here are five of the best adult ADHD apps available as of 2017. Some have been around for quite a while and have a lot of downloads. Others are newer and thus have less of a reach. All are ADHD-friendly and target areas of difficulty. They are listed in no particular order of importance.

1. Todolist: To-Do List, Task List by Doist. This ADHD productivity app helps keep you organized and on top of all that you have to do. You can add all of your tasks and projects anywhere, any time to avoid a mess of sticky notes and random pieces of paper filled with scribbled memos. You can customize your information with colors, labels, and filters, which is very useful for organizing with ADHD.
2. ADHD Adults by Labs Health Company. This somewhat clinical app helps you monitor your ADHD symptoms and stay on top of ADHD treatment. You can schedule and track medication, and it helps you stay organized by scheduling appointments, events, and to-do lists. It even lets you schedule movement so you don’t forget to exercise. Self-assessment questionnaires allow you to monitor improvements, setbacks, and more improvements.
3. Good Job. (ADHD Assistant) by Cloud Works Industries. This is among the simplest of ADHD time management apps, easy enough for kids but not made specifically for kids. This helps adults with ADHD effectively deal with daily routines. You create your lists and check items off as you go. Motivational posters keep you inspired.
4. The Distractinator by Healthy Minds Canada. This app is a game to help you focus. It’s quick, easy, and fun. It’s a game that trains the ADHD brain to focus on what’s important by asking you to find a shape while visual and audio distractions vie for your attention. It isn’t long and involved, and when played daily (once or many times), it does improve focus and attention.
5. Habitica: Gamify Your Tasks by HabitRPG, Inc. Making things fun is a great way to organize, be productive, and manage your time. Doing things in a fun way makes it easier for the ADHD brain to focus. Habitica lets you input your habits, daily goals, and to-do lists. As you check off tasks, you level up and unlock creatures used in the game. You also unlock real-world success.

These five apps are among the best adult ADHD apps for helping yourself. As you choose apps, honor yourself. Finding an app that suits your personality will encourage you to use it and grow from it.