ADHD and Its Treatments

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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.

In 1902, a physician by the name of Sir George F. published a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians in England in which he described a group of impulsive children with significant behavioral problems, caused by a genetic dysfunction and not by poor child rearing?children who today would be easily recognized as having ADHD (NIMH 1). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and an inability to remain focused on tasks or activities. ADHD afflicts an estimated 3-9% of children, with symptoms usually appearing by the age of seven. Some key characteristics of the disorder include a person who:

? Is easily distracted by events occurring around them

? Puts off anything that requires a sustained mental effort

? Appears not to listen when spoken to

? Shows a repeated failure to finish tasks

? Has a difficulty staying still

? Shows difficulty in organizing activities

These symptoms prove to be particularly challenging to children and adolescents. Although they may be quite intelligent, their lack of focus frequently results in poor grades and difficulty in school. Children and adolescents with ADHD tend to act impulsively, without addressing the consequences of their actions until it is too late. Their attention spans are much shorter than most children?s are, thus they become bored easily and frustrated with ...

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...performed by the NIMH to support the assertions that genetic disposition and neurobiology were possible causes of ADHD. Their experiment studied 152 boys and girls with ADHD, and matched with 139 age- and gender-matched controls without ADHD. The children?s brains were scanned at least twice, some as many as four times over a decade. From the documentation, this appears to be a reliable experiment because of the gender and age matched control group.

3. Is there an alternative way to interpret the evidence? In my opinion and in my observations in my life, the evidence clearly points to a strong correlation between genetics and a person?s chance of having ADHD. I have also had friends with ADHD whose parents exhibit similar symptoms.

4. What additional studies would help evaluate the alternatives?

I think that if genetic and neurobiological studies are conducted, the researcher should randomize the age groups tested, and continue their research as a long-term study.

5. What conclusions are most reasonable?

The conclusion drew was that more research needs to be conducted to before drawing an absolute conclusion that genetics and neurobiology determine the patterns of ADHD

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