ADHD: Diagnosis, Treatment, Etiology, and Treatment Outlook Attention Deficit with hyper activity Disorder commonly known as ADHD is classified as a disruptive behavior disorder usually diagnosed in childhood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder of childhood. It appears to be more common in boys than it is girls. This Disorder is more common in boys than in girls and approximately five in one hundred children are affected (Busing). There are three subtypes: Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive (most children have the combined type of ADHD)(nimh.nih.gov).The age of onset of ADHD is usually in preschool to early elementary school years. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual “ the essential feature of Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder is a pattern of inattention and /or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development”(DSMIVtm,p.78). The second essential feature is that the symptoms began before the child was seven years old. (DSMIVtm). As the child begins school or gets into early elementary school, when they should be able to focus and sit still and listen, their symptoms become more apparent, and that is usually when they get diagnosed (surgeon general). Another essential feature for diagnosis is that impairment must be in at least two settings. (nimh.nih.gov). Adults can have ADHD , although if they do, it existed undiagnosed when they were children.(nimh.nih.gov) Adults may unknowingly have ADHD. These are adults who may lack organization skills, be unable to keep a job, and forget appointments. Day to day life for an undiagnos... ... middle of paper ... ...on Deficit Disorder (ADHD) | Psych Central." Psych Central - Trusted Mental Health, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD and Psychology Information. 2007. Web. 28 May 2010. . "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General - Chapter 3." Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Web. 25 May 2010. . Myers, Dr Bob. "About ADHD « ADHD – Children: Information Tips for Parents." Child Development Institute - Keeping Parents Informed on Child Development, Psychology, Parenting. Child Development Institute. Web. 03 June 2010. . Stubbs, R. "ADHD - Ty Pennington Speaks Up." Addadhdblog.com. Web. 03 June 2010. .
Schneider H, Eisenberg D. Who receives a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the United States elementary school population? Pediatrics. 2006;117(4):601-609.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. (Elia, Ambrosini, Rapoport, 1999) It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, with approximately 60% to 80% of these children experiencing persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood, causing a lifetime of frustrated dreams and emotional pain. There are two types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: an inattentive type and a combined type. The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This behaviour stops ADHD sufferers from focussing deliberately on organising and completing a specific task that they may not enjoy, learning new skills or information is proved to be impossible. An example of such behaviour is recognised by the report written by the National Institute of Mental Health where one of the subjects under study was unable to pass schooling examinations due to her inattentive behaviour. Such behaviour can damage the person's relationships with others in addition to disrupting their daily life, consuming energy, and diminishing self-esteem. (National Institute of Mental Health 1999) There are also secondary symptoms which are associated with ADHD, such as learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, tic disorders, and conduct disorders. (Spencer, Biederman, and Wilens 1999 in Monastra V, Monastra D, George, 2002)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined as a behavioral disorder of childhood onset (by the age of 7 years) characterized by symptoms of inattentiveness and impulsivity/hyperactivity. Based on the type of symptoms that predominate, ADHD is classified as following:
This book makes parents and guardians aware of the other treatment options available to them and their children for ADD and ADHD. It gives natural and holistic ways to treat it also it tells about different physicians you could make an appointment with for treatment without drugs.
Chandler, C. (2011). The Science of ADHD: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. New York:
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, is the most common psychiatric condition effecting 9.5% of school-aged children in the United States (intuniv, 2013). If the disorder goes untreated, it will cause more long-term side effects and difficulties for the individual as an adult. Adults who have this condition face several adversities in every day life, such as impulsive behavior, low self-esteem and poor work performance. People are not aware of the complications that come with ADHD in adults. Not knowing the symptoms of the disease can cause people to not be sympathetic when they are interacting with someone with disorder.
Recent media coverage might lead one to believe that ADHD is something new, a nineties thing, some vogue malady that somehow explains our disaffected modern youth. Yet the hyperactive child has always been around. He was class clown, the kid in the back row who never shut up. He was the kid whom the teacher constantly sent out of the room or to the office. In the past, these were the children...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), more commonly referred to as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), has only recently come to notice of scientists. It affects 3.5 million people under the age of 18 and 5 million people over the age of 18. Its current cause of existence is due to defects at neurotransmitter sites, rendering patients inattentive and impulsive. However, every year more progress is made in locating the cause and finding more effective treatments. ADHD's first diagnosis was made in 1902 by Dr. George Still. He observed 20 children who were inattentive, impulsive, hyperactive, and showed mood swings. He initially attributed their behavior to mild brain damage. By 1917 ADHD or constantly active was still thought to have this cause. At this time, viral encephalitis seemed to be linked to the disease because, after being infected, children had impaired attention, memory, and impulse control. In 1937 ADHD was known as minimal brain dysfunction and began to be treated with amphetamines, which made children with the disorder much calmer.
The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to separate the myths of the disorder from the truths, while discovering the causes, diagnosis methods, and best treatment alternatives to battle this prevalent disorder.
The American heritage Dictionary defines Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as, “an attention deficit disorder in which hyperactivity is present.” Attention Deficit Disorder is defined as, “A syndrome, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and often hyperactivity, and interfering especially with academic, occupational, and social performance.” ADHD is most often diagnosed during childhood and was formerly believed to have lessened and ended as the child matured but recent studies have found that between 35 and 50 % of all cases persist into adulthood.
Nakamura, K. Richard. “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders: Are Children Being Overmedicated?” National Institute of Mental Health. 2002. Web. 02 May 2014.
Children who have inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity could lead to a diagnosis of ADHD. Although it is normal for all children to exhibit these behaviors children with ADHD are more severe and occur more often. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and at a greater degree than other children the same age.
There has been an ongoing debate about whether the mental disorder ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is over-diagnosed. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in people, more specifically children, who lack the ability to pay attention, are often disruptive, are hyperactive, and impulsive. A medical personnel or a psychologist diagnoses the children using a list of criteria. It is only in recent years that doctors have begun researching better and more effective ways to diagnosis patients using brain scans. It is because of this, that ADHD is over-diagnosed for several reasons: the different personalities that children can exhibit; parents not taking responsibility as parents; and the lack of proper ways to identify ADHD.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder defined as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Inattention is viewed as an inability to sustain focus, being disorganized, and lacking persistence. Hyperactivity is described as excessive motor activity, such as running around and climbing on things, as well as extreme fidgeting and talking. Impulsivity refers to acting hastily and without thought, which can be seen in interrupting others, intruding into others’ activities, and an inability to wait one’s turn. These inattention and/or hyperactive/impulsive behaviors are inconsistent with age or developmental level and can be seen across settings. Although ADHD begins in childhood, it often carries over into adulthood. This results in social, academic and occupational functioning impairments.