ADHD

Have you ever noticed that some people have difficulty sitting still, paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior? Sure we all have, we are even victims of these acts ourselves. What if it became so pervasive and persistent that it interferes with your daily life, including home, social, academic, and work settings? Then you would be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or also known as ADHD. You shouldn’t be alarmed or afraid; between 3% and 5% of the population in this country are affected by ADHD. Besides in this medically advanced society you can always be told what your disorder is, how to Diagnosis the problem, and how to get treated. Once you have information you are in control.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobiological disability. This disability has three major sub types; ADHD primarily inattentive type, ADHD primarily hyperactive/impulsive type, and ADHD combined type. “ children most likely represent a continuum of attention and activity / impulsivity problems”(Semrud-Clekeman, Nielsen, Clinton, Sylvester, Parle, and Connor, 1999, p. 587) ADHD primarily inattentive type also known as ADHD-I is when a person fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes, has difficulty sustaining attention, does not appear to listen, struggles to follow through, has difficulty with organization, avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort, is easily distracted and is forgetful in daily activities. On the other hand a person with ADHD primarily hyperactive/impulsive also known as ADHD-HI characterized as a person who fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair, has difficulty remaining seated, runs about or climbs excessively, difficulty engaging in activities quietly, Acts as if driven by a motor, talks excessively, blurts out answers before questions have been completed, difficulty waiting or taking turns, and interrupts or intrudes upon others. While ADHD combined type includes both attention and hyperactive/impulsive criteria. Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without identification and proper treatment ADHD can have serious consequences, including school failure, depression, conduct disorder, failed relationships, and substance abuse, this is why knowing the cause of the disorder is beneficial.

ADHD is one of the best-researched disorders in medicine. The overall data on its validity is far more compelling than that for most mental disorders and even for many medical conditions. (JAMA, April 8, 1998-Vol 279, No. 14, pg. 1105) Nonetheless, the cause of ADHD remains unknown, although a great majority of the research suggests a neurobiological basis. Research also shows that there is a genetic link, thus ADHD tends to run in families. But know one truly knows what causes it. It has also been speculated that a chemical imbalance may be the cause but this idea is contradicted genetics link. The treatment for this disorder however is known

When treating ADHD you treating only treating for two situations. Those situations are ADHD in children and adults. In treating ADHD for children requires medical, psychological, and educational intervention, and behavior management techniques. The mostly widely used medications used in the treatment of ADHD are Psycho stimulants. Between 70 to 80% of children with ADHD respond positively to psycho stimulant medications. These medications decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity, increase attention and, in some children, decrease aggression. Medication alone is no the answer, behavior management is also important. . The most important technique is positive reinforcement, in which the child is provided a rewarding response after a particular desired behavior is demonstrated. But the treatment for adults is completely different. Adults with ADHD can benefit from learning to structure their environment. Medications effective in childhood ADHD also appear useful with adults who have AD/HD. Vocational counseling is often an important intervention. Short-term psychotherapy can help the patient identify how his or her disability might be associated with a history of sub-par performance and difficulties in personal relationships. Extended psychotherapy can help address mood swings, stabilize relationships and alleviate guilt and discouragement.

ADHD is presently such a widespread problem. It comes as a relief to know that with modern technology, comes more accurate ways a determining whether an individual is suffering from ADHD. With new test it being confirmed to be reliable, AHD will no longer hinder adults or children. All in all, we have learned a great deal about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and are glad to now know that there is hope for our future generation to be prepared with more improved methods to accurately diagnose people with ADHD