...Symptoms & Causes of ADHD According to the American Psychological Association (2015), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) is a “persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development”. ADHD is a disorder that was initially associated with variations of retardation and has become a diagnosis of millions of children worldwide. This research synopsis will discuss the history of ADHD, symptoms and treatment for ADHD and the potential comorbity issues with ADHD. History of ADHD In an Internet video, Films On Demand (2009) states that is estimated that between 6-7 million children are on prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although medication is not the only treatment for ADHD, it seems to be the most popular resource. Some families have found behavioral therapy and a change in diet are also successful methods to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Many other issues can manifest itself as ADHD like allergies or long term exposure to lead paint; which makes diagnosing ADHD a controversial issue because like other psychological disorders. There is no physical or diagnosis test available and it is simply diagnosed based on a list of observed behaviors and is usually teacher referred for more evaluation. "A child is liable to be diagnosed ADHD if he or she steps out of line, speaks out of turn. In short, just about any sort of disorderly conduct would beget on the part of...
Words: 1685 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 1312 - Pages: 6
...OUR CHILDREN AND ADHD AMANDA WENTZEL COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Abstract ADHD also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that is near to my heart. My 15 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6. We have struggled with this since day one. I have researched ADHD, the protocol for diagnosing ADHD, coping with ADHD and of course treatment methods for ADHD. It has came to my attention that ADHD is becoming diagnosed more frequently and that children are sometimes misdiagnosed with ADHD and subsequently treated for the condition and it may be unnecessary. ADHD is becoming common yet the diagnosing method is pretty vague and the medications for this are sometimes harmful if not needed. There are other forms of treatments and there are also coping skills and lifestyle changes that can be beneficial for those who have ADHD and their families. I researched some of these other methods and the facts on ADHD. I have found some interesting information that I hope will help others that deal with this diagnosis. This paper states actual facts and it is my intention to help others understand ADHD and know the facts surrounding the diagnosis and treatments. People are becoming more and more familiar with ADHD and it seems to be being diagnosed more frequently. First things first, what is ADHD? ADHD is abbreviated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is diagnosed by symptoms. One of those...
Words: 2558 - Pages: 11
...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Page 4 Possible Symptoms of ADHD Page 5-6 Possible Causes of ADHD Page 7-10 Possible Treatments for ADHD Page 11-12 Medication for ADHD Page 13 Evaluation Page 14 Conclusion Page 15 Bibliography Page 16-17 Introduction As part of the assessment in my Psychology module, my tutor has asked me to select an illness for my second assignment. The assignment must be informative and well researched. I am expected to cover the basics of the illness. I have decided to do my assignment on (ADHD) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, I have chosen this disorder as I have not got much knowledge or proper understanding of it and would like to educate myself more and file it in my brain with all the other illnesses/disorders I do know about. ADHD is a well known disorder yet there seems to be a lot of confusion on the topic also. Within the assignment I plan to research the topic to the best of my ability through media, books, magazine, internet and organisations where it is possible. I will cover the causes, symptoms, treatments, look into help groups and centres, my aim is to get a clearer understanding of how the disorder comes about basically live the life of an ADHD patient and see how life is through their eyes. I will finish my assignment with...
Words: 3690 - Pages: 15
...Overexposure and ADHD: Is there a connection? It is an urban myth that an overexposure to watching television may cause people to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). My purpose is to study this theory to discover if it is accurate. I am also interested in discovering how ADHD plays a role in education. Before I can begin I have to start by researching what ADHD is. ADHD is a disorder among people that is associated with three main symptoms which are poor sustained attention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Along with these three main topics, three subtypes have also been identified in the forms of being predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types (Barkley). Where does ADHD occur? Out of the childhood population 4-12% have ADHD (Clayton). Along with that percentage boys can be found outweighing girls in a ratio of 3:1. ADHD can continue on into a person’s adolescence stage in 50-80% of clinically diagnosed case and into adulthood in 30-50% of these same cases (Barkley). How can someone determine if their child or children have ADHD? ADHD is most likely evaluated through diagnostic interviews with the child, their parents, and the child’s tearcher(s). Other evaluations are behavior rating scales completed by the parents and the teacher(s), direct observations of the students’ school behavior, and clinic based testing (Anastopoulos). There are many different methods as to how ADHD is treated. Some...
Words: 1108 - Pages: 5
...paper explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that can affect children and adults. ADHD in children can cause trouble with focus, patience, and over activity. ADHD is the most common childhood disorder and usually appear early in life often between the ages of 3 and 6. Children that are diagnosed with ADHD usually have problems at home, school and in their social life. ADHD symptoms fall into three categories: inattentive, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The child’s pediatrician may suggest a combination of medication and behavioral therapy as part of a total treatment. Education of the child’s family is an essential component of any treatment plan, which includes special education programs, psychological intervention and drug treatment. Diagnoses, treatment, keeping track of progress are the three phases of managing ADHD. Studies show that long-term treatment with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy is far superior to just medication treatment. ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or talent. Many children with ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic condition that can affect children and adults in so many different ways. Children with ADHD may have some problems...
Words: 1093 - Pages: 5
...Disorder Abstract Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common disorders diagnosed among children. This research paper will discuss causes, symptoms, recent studies, and treatment for ADHD and how to manage it. The main problem that most people have about the disorder is their lack of awareness, and education. ADHD is the grouping of many symptoms and causes many children, as well as adults, to struggle in areas of school, work, and in their personal lives. Finding these symptoms based on these causes is vital in finding out whether or not a child has ADHD. The handling of a child with this disorder can affect him/her in the moment as well as down the road. Patience is a key factor in being able to raise a child with ADHD along with support, concern, and adaption. This paper will talk about the different treatment types and different positive reinforcements needed to help the child adapt to ADHD, and fit in with their peers. With improved education, awareness and ability to maintain Attention Deficit/ Hyperactive disorder, the easier it will be to help get children and adults through the disorder’s constraints and allow them to have a normal life. Everyone remembers the one child in class that is constantly acting out and never stops talking but what most people do not understand is why. ADHD affects many children around the world. This disorder is defined as an attentional disorder involving distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior...
Words: 1992 - Pages: 8
...How is ADHD Diagnosed? Background When ADHD was first discovered, the language used to describe the symptoms of one with ADHD was somewhat judgmental. George Still was one of these people to describe ADHD in a potentially offensive way. According to (Chandler, 2010): “George Still described 43 children who had a ‘moral defect in control.’ He continued with a rich description of over-activity, aggression, little inhibitory volition (impulsivity), and passion, but also resistance to punishment—a familiar set of behaviors to those who look after a youngster with ADHD” (p. 34). Still’s identification of ADHD descriptions was only the beginning of understanding ADHD in the medical community. Further research discovered that the brain was the...
Words: 2110 - Pages: 9
...Today, a vast majority of psychologist call this ADD or ADHD. Now you ask, what is this disability, what causes it and is there any treatment for this disability. Most, because there’s a percentage of psychologist who argue that disability doesn’t even exist. Some even argue it’s from bad parenting or just having an out of control child. Children that experience learning difficulties don’t seem to fit the typical special-education categories. Today, in contrast more than 5 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD in the United States, and the percentage of children who are diagnosed has increased each year over the past decade. As many as 10% of U.S. school children have some type of mental disorder called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also known as ADHD. The characteristics of this disorder usually lead to both academic and behavioral problems in school. Children are also more physically active, impulsive and or less attentive than their peers. If a child with ADHD falls more than 2 years back of his or hers peers it will be classified as having a learning disability. ADHD is not legally recognized in the special education category in the United States. It’s more of a psychological disorder that causes children to develop school related problems so severe that qualifies the individual for special education needs. What causes ADHD is still unknown, some mentalists suggest that children with ADHD are neurologically different from their peers. Some researchers...
Words: 669 - Pages: 3
...Is it Anxiety or ADHD? Are you feeling anxious or sad? Were you diagnosed with anxiety disorder or depression? Many people are seeking help for symptoms such as, sadness, restlessness, mood changes, low energy, insomnia, trouble waking, emotional, forgetful, and even job or relationship problems. The above symptoms can be caused by many psychiatric disorders. Many physicians are diagnosing these people with depression or anxiety and throwing them anti-depressants and sending them on their way. What if the medication does not work? I want to make sure nobody goes years and years like I did trying every anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication out there with no relief. They may very well have those disorders, but is there an underlying cause? What if the root cause is ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? My essay is on ADHD and how it is being overlooked and going undiagnosed/misdiagnosed in most adults. I am also exploring the questions, is it Anxiety or ADHD? What came first? The ADHD or the Anxiety? Did the ADHD cause the other disorders? What can be done to inform people about ADHD and that it is not just a childhood disorder? The sources I chose to do my research were from ADHD websites that do lots of research on the subject and also from a very informative booklet from an ADHD class my psychologist took. There was so much great information from these sources that it was very difficult for me to choose what to include in this essay. I gathered lots of facts...
Words: 1926 - Pages: 8
...ADHD PSYCH 575 November 5, 2012 Dr. Rex Philpot PhD. ADHD During, childhood one of the most common neuropsychological and behavioral disorders affecting behaviors emerges in children and adults pertains to ADHD (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, pp. 64-65). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder disrupts the process of learning in children as well as others in the classroom, home, and the workplace. Often, children demonstrating these behaviors are impetuous and reckless thereby disruptive in activities at home, school, and play whereby hindering the child’s or adult’s abilities to learn and perform. This paper will provide an explication of ADHD and the common symptoms along with the rates of managing, and reducing the symptoms implemented in three treatments in methods selected in treating the disorder. Furthermore, an analysis will explicate the neurophysiological underpinnings, and contemporary attitudes of the selected interventions video games, family therapy, and Ritalin. Cause and characteristics of ADHD The symptoms of ADHD affect three to five percent of children in the United States that serves as the leading cause of underachievement as well as school failures (Parksepp, 1998). In the past the disorder incurred numerous labels “such as,” hyperkinetic reaction, hyperactive syndrome, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, and a minimal dysfunction of the brain. Males “in contrast,” to females because of underdiagnosing are more likely to endure...
Words: 2670 - Pages: 11
...ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a very complex condition that generates a great deal of debate. The debate surrounding this disorder is intense. Debates encompass issues such as, what causes it, how to assess ADHD, and how to deal with it effectively. This essay deals with some of the debates in an attempt to simplify the issues. The first question that needs to be answered is what is ADHD? It is behavioural problems revolving around three main symptoms. One main symptom that an ADHD person displays is the inability to keep their attention focused on something. They are easily distracted, forget instructions and have a poor short term memory. The second main symptom prevalent among those with ADHD is their impulsiveness. They act or shout out inappropriately. They have a short fuse which can lead to temper tantrums. The third main symptom is that those with ADHD are hyperactive. They are unable to sit still and are often restless and fidgety. These factors usually cause problems within the sufferer’s families. ADHD symptoms also cause problems for the sufferer in educational settings, (for children) and in occupational settings, (for adults). There are three subtypes to ADHD. The first subtype is someone who is both hyperactive and impulsive. The second subtype is one who is inattentive only. For example, studies show that at least 40% of people with ADHD have the “Inattentive Type” only. The third subtype is one who shows all of these symptoms combined...
Words: 2279 - Pages: 10
...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...
Words: 746 - Pages: 3
...ADHD: Kiddie Watch Affecting our Daily Lives Benefits of early intervention for special children stressed Article by: | | IVY LISA F. MENDOZA Manila Bulletin Website If there is one thing that has been proven beneficial to children with special needs, it is early intervention (EI). Experts say that intervention services given early to children with special needs starting from ages 0 to eight years old result to long-term benefits thus minimizing the need for special education and other related services. Among these EI services are therapies (speech, physical, occupational), special education and others. "There are also the humanistic and pragmatic rationales for EI, and the biological fact that the human brain?s plasticity allows it to develop when stimulations are provided,?? revealed Dr. Mark Reysio Cruz III, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician whose work involves children with special needs. Dr. Reysio-Cruz along with Mrs. Susana Gosalvez-Pe, a parent of three children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) recently shared their expertise and experience with early intervention, detection and assessment in special education at a symposium. Titled ??Phases to Face: Detection, Assessment and Intervention," the symposium was organized by the master?s in special education class of Dr. Lilia S. Bautista in De La Salle University (DLSU) which aimed to present varying viewpoints in dealing with children with special needs, particularly...
Words: 5911 - Pages: 24
...hyper. This is what leads to children being diagnosed with ADHD or Attention – Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. “ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood” (CDC, 2014). Knowing what ADHD is, the credibility of the site that is providing the information, and the audience that the web page targets are key to finding information on the disease that is credible, factual, and easy to understand. ADHD is usually diagnosed in children and can last up into adulthood. “It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another” (CDC, 2014). Children that struggle with ADHD have symptoms that cause difficulty at school, home, and in friendships. According to the CDC, signs of ADHD include daydreaming, losing things and forgetting things, squirming, talkative, take risks, make unnecessary mistakes, struggle with resisting temptation, struggle with taking turns, and find difficulty in getting along with others. “ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls” (Berger, 2014). ADHD is broken down into three types that categorize those suffering by which symptom is more powerful then others. The three categories are Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and Combined Presentation. “Medicine combined with behavioral treatment often works best” (Berger, 2014). According to the CDC, scientists are studying causes and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage...
Words: 869 - Pages: 4
