Do you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?  I have never been diagnosed with it, but I do believe that I have it.  Symptoms include- feeling restless, irritable, tense or on edge, and having a lack of patience.  You may also have some physical symptoms such as headaches and jaw pain, chest tightness, dry mouth, insomnia and fatigue.

I have never tried any treatments for my anxiety other than cutting out caffeine, and getting more exercise.  But these are some natural treatments I have heard about:

• Mind and Body techniques (such as yoga)- learn how to make yourself feel relaxed.
• Passionflower
• Bodywork (such as massage)
• Valerian
• Kava
• Aromatherapy

Of course if you are experiencing any anxiety you should be evaluated by your doctor.

When I was teaching I had a lot of parents who thought their child might have ADHD.  Most of the time I thought the parents were really just searching for an answer to their child’s behavior problems.  Sometimes we just want some sort of label or reason to a child’s problems.  Honestly over the years I taught there was one child who I thought really did have ADHD.  All the rest of the kids just had/have behavior problems.  There are quite a few criteria that a child has to meet before being considered ADHD.  Here is a list from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:

Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months

ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

If you believe your child could have ADHD be sure to talk to his/her pediatrician.