Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is real. In this response paper, I will discuss the associated impairments and potential etiology of ADHD, and underlying reason of the sharply increased diagnosing cases in the United States. There are two symptom categories of ADHD: hyperactivity and impulsivity, and inattention. Viewed as disruptive and extremely impulsive, hyperactive children ae often socially isolated which damages their self-esteem and increases self-doubt with the inability to focus and control their impulses like their peers (Shatkin33). The inattentive children do better in interpersonal relationships; however, will soon also increases self-doubt with the inability to focus and academic competence (Shatkin34). As a …show more content…
Brain imaging studies found that children with ADHD have smaller brain volumes in all regions. These volumetric abnormalities (except in caudate nucleus) persist with age (Shatkin34). They also have decreased cortical thickening in the anterior cingulate cortex which is a key cognitive control region (Shatkin34). Some genes might potentially associate with ADHD, such as rare mutations in the human thyroid receptor beta gene on chromosome 3, hyperactive dopamine transporter gene on chromosome 5, and malfunction of dopamine receptor D4 gene on chromosome 11 …show more content…
These symptoms seen in the non-ADHD children could cause some degrees of impairments in social and academic
Department of Health, A. H. S. (n.d.). A look at attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Retrieved from
At least one in four families in the U.S. is affected by mental illnesses. Unfortunately there is no cure for this range of illnesses, which have been around for thousands of years. Of the American adult population, 5.4 percent have a serious mental illness. These health conditions are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, behavior, or some combination of these. They are also associated with distress and sometimes impaired functioning. In 1990 the total cost of mental health services in the U.S. was $148 billion. According to a new report by the Mental Health Foundation, one in five children suffer from a mental health problem. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder is a mental illness that is diagnosed mainly in young children and doesn’t always disappear in adulthood.” All we know is that this genetic, inherited condition [ADHD] is not due to brain damage at all but rather a variation in how the brain functions.” Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes symptoms and characteristics that can be placed in one of three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. These characteristics commonly leave a person with ADHD with lack of attention span, easily distracted, fidgety, struggling to stay seated, having trouble engaging in calm activities, impatient, and talking excessively or out of turn. A new study by researchers says that hyperactive children have behavioral differences due to under active parts of their brain, a biological malfunction, rather than due to way they were brought up. This was revealed by a magnetic scanning device that allowed researchers to look at the brains of children diagnosed with ADHD. These studies and statistics reinforce the claim that mental illnesses are not invented simply to justify drugging of children and a disease that needs be educated to the public for better understanding. Rather, ADHD is an illness that affects many people throughout their lives. This topic is often misunderstood by the public. The media and medical community need to educate the positive side of this controversy and not just show the opposing view, which often times misrepresented by the media.
ADHD, or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. There are many symptoms associated with ADHD but the most common include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. Scientists are not exactly sure of what causes ADHD but they are more comfortable with the idea that a lot of different factors play a role in its development, such as, genes, environment, brain injuries, sugar, and food additives. The most widely used treatment is the drugs but this is not the only way to treat ADHD.
Chandler, C. (2011). The Science of ADHD: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. New York:
It needs to be analyzed what is the root cause of this problem and what in the last few years has caused Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder to rapidly become one of the most frequently observed disorder among children. Children are being observed at homes, schools and various vantage points to check whether they are suffering from such a disorder. Awareness is also increasing about the disorder in order to assist the children and their fa...
ADHD is a disorder that has been on the rise for several years now. The disorder is one that can cause many impairments to a child’s attention span, making it difficult to concentrate and to keep on task, especially on schoolwork. (Graham, 2007) The statistics have been growing ...
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is very commonly known. Today, ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders among children. The NIMH (The national institute of mental health) predicts that it affecting 3 to 5 percent of all children(AACAP), with an approximate amount of 30% to 65% of these children experiencing persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood (AACAP).There are three types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Predominantly Inattentive Type, and Combination Type(ehow.com). The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three main categories; hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These behaviors can interfere with ADHD sufferers’ ability to focus deliberately on organizing and completing a specific task that they may not enjoy. A case of this kind of behavior is recognized in a 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 behavior (clinicaltrials.gov) These kinds of behaviors can damage the person's relationships with others in addition to disrupting their daily life, consuming energy, and diminishing self-esteem, depending on severity of their symptoms (adhd.com). In this paper, the multiple factors of how ADHD affects, and is handled, of those who undergo this disorder, are shown.
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)
These children often show signs of emotional distress and immature behavior at a very young age. These symptoms might affect thei...
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.
Has there been a time when a group of children are misbehaving but there seems to one child that stands out from the rest due his or her misbehaving. Or one child seems to be day dreaming extensively. This could be a sign of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides information for signs and symptoms of ADHD. Some signs and symptoms look the same ADHD but other diagnoses are required to rule out ADHA and the possible mistreatment of ADHA.
ADHD is a neurobiological condition defined by the presence of severe and pervasive symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity (Daley & Birchwood, 2010). ADHD can interfere with many aspects of a child’s life. One of the biggest concerns of professionals and parents is schooling children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder. The article, “ADHD and academic performance: why does ADHD impact on academic performance and what can be done to support ADHD children in the classroom,” (2010) breaks down the disorder and classifies the differences in cognition and actions between children with ADHD of different age groups. Although ADHD is generally perceived as affecting children of elementary school age, the disorder is also prevalent in pre-school children, high schoolers, and sometimes adults (Daley & Birchwood, 2010). Although the numbers are low, Daley and Birchwood’s (2010) research says that ADHD is identified in two
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.
ADHD is a disorder affecting the learning and the behaviour of the student. The exact cause of ADHD has not been established, but it is felt that genes play a part in the inheritance of ADHD. Secondly there is an under functioning of those areas of the brain that control concentration, attention and that modulate and inhibit inappropriate or irratio...