...explores the communication surrounding the Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), from public concept, popular media, and personal stories, in order to understand how the disorder is perceived within American culture. The discussion approaches public misgivings and beliefs about ADHD, metaphors surrounding the disorder, and narratives from patients themselves. These topics will assist to analyze the implications of messages surrounding ADHD. Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders, present in 6% to 9% of all children (Cassels, 2013). For several decades, ADHD was mostly considered a childhood disorder. Symptoms of ADHD in children, however, continue into adulthood in approximately half of all cases, and current estimates of adults with ADHD indicate an incidence rate of 4% to 5% among adults (Kessler et al., 2006). Studies show that the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD is increasing, but it is unclear why. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age (Park, 2013). Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes...
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...Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that affects 1 in 20 children in the United States. (Faraone, Sergeant, Gillberg, Biederman 2003). ADHD is a relatively new disorder only recently being categorized as legitimate, and recognized among medical professionals. While it is a highly discussed behavioral topic today, there exists many differing opinions regarding its cause. Professionals debate what factors could influence the cause of this disorder, and based upon my research there may be many. These span throughout the spectrums of biological, cognitive, and/or socio-cultural factors. Because of the disorder’s high prevalence in western cultures, especially the United States, there has become an increased...
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...1. Disorder Attention – deficit hyperactivity disorder Demonica Felton PSY 350: Physiological Psychology Instructor: Julie Bruno May 28, 2012 2. Disorder Attention – deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that is developed during childhood. ADHD is referred to as a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. Individuals who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their physical activity and can also affect their relationship with family and friends. A child often times have attention problems but doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a sign of ADHD. Major research has been conducted to treat individuals who suffer from the disorder. Predominantly hyperactive – impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combined form of the disorder is the three known types of ADHD. Many characteristics are recognized in children with ADHD. All parents and teachers should educate themselves about the symptoms and behaviors problems associated with the disorders. Parents have a very difficult time making an informed decision whether or not to give their child medication, because of the concerns involving some side effects (Dillon, 2012). Medical attention is needed if signs of ADHD is noticed because if left untreated can cause serious problems. It’s important to remember that characteristics of ADHD are severe behaviors, and often noticed before the age of seven. Every parent must always notify the school if a child is diagnose with ADHD. There...
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...Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Ronda Real RES/110 Introduction to Research and Information Utilization March 31, 2010 Don Hull Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Ever been in a restaurant, in a classroom, or in church and seen a child who cannot sit still, concentrate, or talks constantly and wonder what is wrong with the child? The child may have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Within this paper the following questions will be answered, the definition of ADHD, the cause of ADHD, the symptoms of ADHD and if the symptoms differ in boys and girls, the different treatments for ADHD. Definition of ADHD If one has seen the children who cannot sit still, concentrate, or talks constantly and wonders if the child has ADHD then one needs to know the definition of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. According to Mayo Clinic (2009), the definition of "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. Problems associated with ADHD include inattention and hyperactive, impulsive behavior. Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school" (Definition, para. 1). Within this clinics definition of ADHD there is an estimated three percent to five percent of children who are affected in the United States...
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...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Many children are treated with medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The study of alternative methods of behavior modification and treatment must be seriously considered because all medications prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have cumulative and damaging side effects. Many of these side effects are terribly dangerous for a child’s physical and mental health. Parents with children who are diagnosed with ADHD should reconsider the use of administering medication to their children. The steps to medicate a child for ADHD should be carefully researched, studied, and given great thought. Parents should not yield so easily to the pressures of physicians and educators to medicate their children. Based upon a minimal amount of historical studies, the psychiatric and mental health fields of medicine and the National Institute of Mental Health decided in 1998 that ADHD was a legitimate condition. Historical information was supported by studies at the Mayo Clinic and recently published on that web site. Studies reveal that very little is known about the causes of ADHD and that symptoms fall into the two broad categories of inattention and hyperactivity with impulsive behavior (Mayo Clinic). Symptoms that are most universally used when describing the behavior of a school-aged child suspected of having ADHD include: - Doesn’t maintain attention as well as most classmates -...
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...ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVE DISORDER 1 A.D.H.D. Catherine M. Jones Carmen Griffis HCA/240 July 5, 2015 ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVE DISORDER 2 Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a biological disorder that makes it hard for many children as well as adults to sit still for short as well; as long periods of time. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors to ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder has three subtypes. One subtype is Predominately Hyperactive-Impulse whereas most (six or more) of the symptoms are in the hyperactive impulsivity categories. Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present although; inattention may still be present to some degree. Predominately Inattentive is the second subtype. The majority of the symptoms are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree. Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. This child may...
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...professionals have attempted to address several issues regarding antipsychotic drugs used to treat school-aged children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The distribution of these ADHD medications have steadily increased over the years, which has, on one hand, presented a possible solution to the escalating diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and on the latter, brought into question the ethics and effectiveness of these medications. Health officials, parents, and the children themselves struggle to come to an agreement when deciding whether or not medication is the best solution. The Debate Over Medicating Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In the spring of 2004, Jacqueline A. Sparks, an associate professor of family therapy at the University of Rhode Island, and Barry L. Duncan, a cofounder of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, investigated the ethics and effectiveness behind the distribution of ADHD medications as a modern treatment method for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Even though, “appropriate identification and treatment of symptoms for psychiatric illnesses (such as ADHD) during childhood and adolescence is critical” (ScienceDaily). Sparks and Duncan note that, “ADHD is arguably the most controversial topic in recent mental health history. The ADHD diagnosis is not defined by a biological marker (Leo & Cohen, 33), but is rather subjective and not easily distinguished from...
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...Over-prescribing of ADHD Medication to Children Lesley M. Thomas University of Houston- Clear Lake What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? According to the National Library of Medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is defined as, “a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able to control behavior, or a combination of these.” (www.nlm.nih.gov) For a diagnosis of this disorder, generally referred to simply as ADHD, these issues must be out of the normal range for a person’s age and development. Although the majority of diagnoses are given to children and adolescents, there are also a vast number of ADHD cases diagnosed for adults. The purpose of my research paper is to offer background on this disorder, discuss the psychopharmacology of its treatment options, and to discuss whether ADHD medication is over-prescribed to children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) states that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity has three different subtypes. Those subtypes are Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and a combination of the two. In order for the Predominantly Inattentive subtype to be used, at least six or more symptoms of inattention must be both present and persistent for at least six months. However, there must be fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. For usage of the Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subtype to be used, there must be a persistent presence of at least six...
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...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ADHD is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neurocognitive behavioral developmental disorder most commonly seen in childhood and adolescence, which often extends well into adulthood. This is the most diagnosed behavior disorder in children. Recent studies have shown that it affects 7% to 8% of the school-aged children and 4% to 5% in adults. This disorder tends to occur more with males than females (Antshel). People that have ADHD can experience many behavioral difficulties that often manifest into behavioral issues. Although there is no proven way to prevent ADHD, With the proper diagnosis and treatment, people with ADHD can learn to cope with the daily demands of the classroom, social situations, and with family. The behaviors that are associated with ADHD can create other problems and complications such as, failure to completing ones’ education, alcohol and other drug abuse, and an increased risk for delinquency. ADHD symptoms fall into three groups: lack of attention (inattentiveness), hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior (impulsivity) (Antshel). People with ADHD are easily distracted, forget instructions and have a poor short term memory. Most people with ADHD are often unable to sit still and are often restless and fidgety. These symptoms tend to occur more frequently in busy or highly stimulating group settings, like the classroom/office and family gatherings. Typically, increased stimuli and...
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...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medications Misuse The medications that are used to treat Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are tough, especially when abused, and will have a long impact on the patients and the abusers. Treatment, in the form of prescription drugs is available to assist these individuals, yet can be damaging to others who either are misdiagnosed or mismanaged. Additional laws and policies are put in place by our elected officials to help ensure the prescribed medications reach the intended patients ensuing in lower abuse. ADHD is described as the “most common neurological disorder ("Facts about ADHD". Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Centers for Disease Control and Preventation) is a condition that affects many children and adults across the world. The diagnosis and treatment for one that has ADHD is on the increase in this country, and the signs and symptoms are significant for people to notice. ADHD first appears in children who may show a mixture of disruptive problems which includes impulsive behavior, low self-esteem, hyperactivity, and poor performance in school/work. Children that are treated for this disorder are more likely to carry it up until their adolescence, but for some others, ADHD sometimes become a life-long modification into their adulthood. Particularly for males, hyperactivity is a huge signal they need to be tested for attention deficit. For females the signs are reverse, leading to many under...
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...Research Paper Outline Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder I. Introduction a. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADD, or ADHD to others is defined as a chronic condition b. which includes: attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. c. Clinically illustrated, ADD is present in more than 3 million US cases per year. II. History a. (ADD vs. ADHD, compare amount of cases per year, b. when it was recognized as a mental disorder, types of ADD c. Sir Alexander Crichton III. Epidemiology a. (Who is at risk?) ADD is a childhood-onset, clinically heterogenous disorder of inattention hyperactivity and impulsivity. b. (How many are affected?) 3-5 of school age population c. Ethnicity involvement IV. Where a. Where is it found? b....
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...Teaching Students with ADHD J. Palmer Capella University Abstract In recent history, the number of students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has grown tremendously; causing teachers to face new challenges on how to instruct students with behavioral and learning difficulties. Students with ADHD have not only the privilege, but also the right to learn according to the Public Law 94-142 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is growing debate about methods that are best for students with ADHD including reward systems for behavior, to medications administered to the individual. In order for a student to learn with ADHD, teachers should integrate a variety of techniques, a general knowledge of medications and ADHD itself. Teaching Students with ADHD Introduction Sitting still, listen quietly, concentrating are characteristics of students inside of a classroom engaged in learning. But to a student who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, these tasks can be somewhat a difficult challenge. Inside of the public school system, ADHD has doubled its numbers from previous findings ten years ago. For three years, I have worked with adolescent teens in the foster care system that was placed inside behavioral facilities. One of the common diagnoses of the teens included ADHD. Seeing first hand the affects of ADHD, I chose this topic to further expand my knowledge of ADHD and what strategies could maximize learning within the classroom. One...
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...Nicole Berz A37447965 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a highly prevalent, neurobiological disorder which generally has an early onset of symptoms (Biederman, 2005). Children of both genders are affected and symptoms often persist into adolescence and adulthood. It often includes varying degrees of age-inappropriate behaviors such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity (Barkley, 2002). These behavior traits must be prominent enough to cause impairment in the individual’s functioning. ADHD is considered a developmentally relative deficit. This means that diagnosable ADHD cases are often the extreme cases of normal traits, or result from an abnormal delay in normal traits. Evidence exists that the disorder runs in families, and it is assumed to be heritable (Biederman, 2005). Polanczyk, Silva de Lima, Horta, Biederman, & Rohde (2007) point out that this disorder has become a major public health concern because of its prevalence, early onset, and the serious financial burden for both families and society, that is often associated with it. Common predicaments with ADHD include overdiagnosis, stimulant medications as treatment, and the issue regarding worldwide prevalence, namely, whether or not it is more common in the United States. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been studied extensively, often with controversial findings, which implies that much more research is necessary. ADHD appears quite diverse over varying cases...
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...ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AMBER BOLIN HCA/240 03/20/2016 ISMAILA RAMON ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER Ever been somewhere and there’s that one child who is out of control? Bad parenting may not be the cause of the behavior. There are a lot of misconceptions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder some believe that the child is just misbehaving and it’s a discipline issue this is caused from a lack of knowledge of the disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been around for a long time but was misdiagnosed or fell under a different name in the Manual of Mental Disorder. What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder formally known as Hyperkinetic is a mental disorder commonly found in children. The brain uses chemical substances for operation and communication these chemicals are known as neurotransmitters and serve various functions. Two transmitters Dopamine and Norepinephrine are used to stimulate and repress stimulation in the brain cells. Inattention and distractibility are linked to Norepinephrine while impulse and behavioral problems are linked to low levels of Dopamine. So Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chemical imbalance and in no way liked to brain structure or brain damage. In 1902 a British pediatrician Sir George Still considered children with behavioral problems as “abnormal defect of moral control” and encouraged discipline...
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...Williams 1 Running head: ADULTS LIVING WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER Adults Living with Attention Deficit Disorder and How It Effects Their Lives Esha Williams Limestone University Author Note This paper was prepared for Intro to Success, ID 201. Taught By Ms. Johnson. Williams 2 ADULTS LIVING WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER Abstract This paper is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in adults and the effects is has on their personal and professional live. It explains many difficulties and challenges they face. Medications that are available to help with the disorder and how if treatment is received you can live a more successful life. I discuss the three subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Sign and symptoms of adults with ADHD/ADD. Types of medication that can be prescribed to help with symptoms. Different techniques that can be used to help cope more effectively with the disorder. I also shared my own personal issues with being diagnosed. Listed below the reference materials I used for this paper. Nationa Institue of Mental Health (2010). Gabor, Mate'. Scattered: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It. New York: Dutton by the Penguin Group, 1999. Gunter, J. "An update on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder." American Psychological Assocation (2013): Formulary, 48(3), 98-109. "National Institue of Mental Health." (2010). Schwarz, Alan and Sarah Cohen. "More Diagnoses of A.D.H.D Causing...
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