Exploring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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It can probably be said that the average adult thinks of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as just an excuse for not dealing with life’s issues or maybe it is just another way of saying “I can’t handle it” or “I’m so disorganized”. It may help to understand ADHD if we explored the symptoms, diagnosis, effects and treatment of it.

The symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Inattention is indicated by a lack of attention to details, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, failure to follow through or finish set tasks, easily distracted, and forgetful in daily activities. Hyperactivity is marked by fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty playing quietly, feelings of restlessness, talking excessively or constantly on the move. Impulsivity is indicated by the blurting out of answers before the question has been completed, lack of patience, and constantly interrupting or intruding on others. The first step in a determining a diagnosis of ADHD is a consultation with a doctor.

There remains a significant amount of ambiguity as to an exact way to diagnose ADHD; however a complete physical examination should be accomplished to eliminate any organic causes of ADHD symptoms, such as an overactive thyroid, vision or hearing problems. If the problem is not organic then consultation with a specialist (psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist or a learning specialist is recommended. A family (medical, psychiatric, educational) history review as well as various questionnaires and interviews with parents, siblings and even close friends will provide valuable insights to possible ADHD diagnosis. Diagnosis of ADHD is often misdiagnosed as the symptoms of ADHD can be confused with those of depression o...

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...ul, and Fintan J. O'Regan. Educating Children with AD/HD: a Teacher's Manual. London: Routledge/Falmer, 2001. Print

"Deciding on a Treatment for AD/HD (WWK 6 Short Version)." National Resource Center on AD/HD: A Program of CHADD. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. .

"Food Guide Pyramid." National Agricultural Library. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. .

Meaux, J. B., A. Green, and L. Broussard. "ADHD in the College Student: a Block in the Road." Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 16.3 (2009): 248-56. Print.

Toner, Michele, Thomas O’Donoghue, and Stephen Houghton. "Living in Chaos and Striving for Control: How Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Deal with Their Disorder." International Journal of Disability, Development and Education 53.2 (2006): 247-61. Print.

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