...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder According to Merriam Webster Dictionary (2013), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is defined as a syndrome that consists of disruptive behavior and disordered learning. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not caused by a physical or mental disorder but by symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and inattentiveness. The debate of whether or not children are being over diagnosed has been ongoing for years. As a parent do you medicate your child and follow the physician’s advice? Only if you have studied up on the medications that are being used to treat this condition and the side effects associated with each drug. There are also many alternative solutions to try before starting your child on medication. I believe that too often parents have a normal child, perhaps a little curious or hyperactive and since this child isn’t like their other children the parents determine that something must be wrong with them. A quick trip to the doctor and discussion can quickly confirm ADHD and the child are then placed on medication. We know that an increase of commercials ad on television relating to medications to treat disorders has caused an increase in people seeking treatment for various conditions and I believe the same has happened for ADHD. Petrochko (2013), state that the rate of ADHD diagnosis has increased nearly 25% over the past decade. The biggest increase was in white, black and Hispanic groups and seems...
Words: 1708 - Pages: 7
...‘normal’ children (Wrights Law). Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may exhibit symptoms as early as the age of six or seven but sometimes even sooner. Children with ADD suffer in many ways if their condition is not diagnosed and is left untreated. They tend to be more inattentive, careless, unorganized and also impulsive. ADD has symptoms that affect concentration and a child’s ability to focus (Native Remedies). ADD can also cause mood swings and other social problems. Children with ADD should receive treatment in the form of counseling and the appropriate medication so the child can have a more ‘normal’ and happy childhood. Usually, ADD symptoms will appear over the course of many months rather than all at once. If the appearance of these symptoms is not managed correctly, it can lead to low self-esteem and other behavioral problems in the years to come. Deciding on what ADD/ADHD medication is best fit for the child can be difficult, but doing your homework helps. The first thing to understand is exactly what the medications for ADD and ADHD can and cannot do. ADD medication may help improve the child’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, plan ahead, and follow through with tasks. However, ADD medication is not a magic pill that will fix all of you or your child’s problems. Even when the medication is working, a child with ADD might still struggle with forgetfulness, emotional problems, and...
Words: 2399 - Pages: 10
...2012 Latrina Frazier Mental Illness Paper 2 Mental Illness Paper ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder generally characterized by the following symptoms: inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. There are different types of ADHD. ADHD is classified into three subtypes: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, which is behavior marked by hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not inattentiveness. Predominantly inattentive type, behavior marked by inattentiveness, but not hyperactivity and impulsivity. Combination type, this is a combination of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentive symptoms. This is the most common type of ADHD. In the United States, about 4.7 million children ages 3-17have been diagnosed at some point with ADHD. This accounts for 7.4% of all American children in this age range. Symptoms of ADHD usually occur around the age of 7. Studies indicate that ADHD symptoms in preschool children with ADHD do not differ significantly from older children. The classic ADHD symptoms do not always adequately describe the child's behavior, nor do they describe what is actually happening in the child's mind. Some researchers have focused on deficits in "executive functions" of the brain to understand and describe all ADHD behaviors. Such impaired executive functions in ADHD children can cause the following problems: inability to hold information in short-term memory, impaired...
Words: 1434 - Pages: 6
...2015 Instructor: Natasha Brown Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood brain disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over- activity). These symptoms can make it difficult for a child with ADHD to succeed in school, get along with other children or adults, or finish tasks at home. Brain imaging studies have revealed that, in youth with ADHD, the brain matures in a normal pattern but is delayed, on average, by about 3 years. The delay is most pronounced in brain regions involved in thinking, paying attention, and planning. More recent studies have found that the outermost layer of the brain, the cortex, shows delayed maturation overall, and a brain structure important for proper communications between the two halves of the brain shows an abnormal growth pattern. These delays and abnormalities may underlie the hallmark symptoms of ADHD and help to explain how the disorder may develop. Treatments can relieve many symptoms of ADHD, but there is currently no cure for the disorder. With treatment, most people with ADHD can be successful in school and lead productive lives. Researchers are developing more effective treatments and interventions, and using new tools such as brain imaging, to better understand ADHD and to find more effective ways to treat and prevent it. Inattention...
Words: 1294 - Pages: 6
...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....
Words: 344 - Pages: 2
...Television and Children COM/172 "Children who watch a lot of television are likely to: have lower grades in school, read fewer books, exercise less, and be overweight." (Children and Watching TV., n.d.) Based on research, there are many more negative effects that television has on children than there are positive effects. While there are a few positive effects that television watching can have on children, the negative effects seem to outweigh the good. Television can affect children socially, psychologically, and physically and each of these aspects are equally harmful to children. Television takes the time away that is needed for children to develop language and social skills. A child's language and social skills are developed by interacting with people, talking, and listening. Language and social skills cannot be developed or improved by listening to a television. Children who watch too much television are also at risk for developing anti-social behaviors; these behaviors include: stealing, bullying, and fighting. “The fifteen per cent of five-year-olds who spend at least three hours in front of the television each day are at a slightly higher risk of anti-social behavior by the age of seven.” (Collins, N., 2013) Although bad behaviors can be learned from television, there are also studies that show good behaviors can be learned from television too. Television has positive effects on children when they are exposed to positive role models. When children watch...
Words: 975 - Pages: 4
...ADHD Angie Peterson HCA/240 June 28, 2015 Sherrie Sheets ADHD Introduction Today the addressed topic is going to be ADHD, (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) that is a disorder very common today. This disorder can effect children and even adults. The areas that will be gone over are the history or background to the disorder as well as any past and current treatments that are available. All symptoms and signs that are diagnosed for this type of disorder will be given here, so that anyone than may need help with a loved one they think suffer from this can read and make an assumption as to if this person may need help in their health. The ways that this is diagnosed including any tests will be given as well. The public needs the correct information of diagnosis and treatment that once was and what is now being done so that any treatment can be successful for the one that may be suffering from this disorder. Sir Alexander Crichton, a Scottish physician, gave the first example of the disorder in 1798. He studied at the University of Leiden and earned his M.D. He became extremely interested in mental illnesses after studying and observing insanity in patients. His medical tour started in Paris, then moved to Stuttgart, and finally ended in Vienna. He claims this illness is borderline insanity and it could be caused by nervous disorders. (US National Library of Medicine) You could be born with this mental illness and eventually possibly grow out of it by adult hood but...
Words: 2443 - Pages: 10
...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...
Words: 1253 - Pages: 6
...illness of ADHD (attention deficit disorder). In the first paragraph there will be a discussion on the history, including any myths or misconceptions of ADHD. In some of the other paragraph there will be a detailed discussion of the other points such as the neurotransmitters that are associated with this type of a illness. I will try to familiarize individuals as to how the environment in which they stay in will detract from a successful treatment of ADHD. In the final paragraph I will discuss how the treatments today of this illness compare to the diagnosis and treatments of the past. A list of the professionals involved in the treatment, diagnosis of ADHD will also be mentioned. Mental Illness Paper Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue on through adolescence and adulthood. Some symptoms may include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over- activity). ADHD is characterized by prominent symptoms of inattention and/ or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulty in academic, emotional, and social functioning. Studies in the United States indicate approximately 8%- 10% of children satisfy diagnostic criteria for ADHD (ADHD, medicine.net). The term ADD was once used to describe children with these symptoms, but ADD is no longer a DSM diagnosis. A misconception surrounding ADHD is: ADHD...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
...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 play a large role. Like many other illnesses, ADHD probably results...
Words: 3452 - Pages: 14
...ADHD stand for attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. According to Smith and Tyler (2010) "attention deficit hyperactivity is a condition of hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention; included in other health impairments."(Smith and Tyler, 2010) ADHD is often to referred as attention deficit disorder (ADD). Amongst school-age children attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been recognized as the most common disorder. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the core symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A student's academic success is often dependent on his/her ability to maintain a task, pay attention to the teacher and follow classroom expectations with minimal distraction. There are several ways of dealing with ADHD in the classroom that can make learning effective for these students. In order for teachers to understand ADHD they must a have knowledge about what it is and how to deal with children that has this type of disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which a person not only has great difficulty concentrating for more than a few moments but also is inattentive, impulsive, and overactive. (Berger, 2009) Learning Disability (LD) is a disability of unexpected underachievement typically involving reading that is resistant to treatment. (Smith and Tyler, 2010) Inattention is the inability to pay attention or focus. (Smith and Tyler, 2010) Hyperactivity is an impaired ability to sit or concentrate...
Words: 3987 - Pages: 16
...similarity which is sharing involvement with mental processes and behaviors. Normal Psychology studies normal behaviors that do not affect mental processing. Abnormal psychology studies abnormal mental process and behaviors. Mental disorders have the potential to be very serious and debilitating. Four examples of mental disorders include ADD and ADHD, Schizophrenia, OCD, and Bipolar disorder. It is important to recognize common symptoms, prevalence, contributing factors, and possible treatments for these disorders. ADD is attention deficit disorder, which is described as the inability to concentrate. ADHD is attention deficit hyperactive disorder, characterized by behaviors that are excessive, long-term, and pervasive energy that keeps an individual hyperactive. Schizophrenia may include the presence of hallucinations and delusions. OCD is often characterized by obsession of impulses that occur repeatedly. Bipolar is a disorder that touches on periods of mania and possible depression. These disorders can be treated by medicine and other therapies. A common question surrounding these disorders involves contributing factors, are these disorders influenced through heredity, environment, or is it just psychological? Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a brain disorder where people hear voices, have hallucinations, and delusions. It is not easy for people to see the symptoms because they start out usually mild, especially in teenagers. The National Institute of Mental Health (2014) list first...
Words: 2101 - Pages: 9
...To understand attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how it may affect you or someone you care for, it is important to learn as much as possible about the condition. Click on the links below for helpful tips, facts, and information about ADHD in children and adults. You’ll also find resources for support and hear from others who have ADHD. This information can help you understand the condition, recognize symptoms, and learn about treatment options that may help. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder[1] characterized by either significant difficulties of inattention orhyperactivity and impulsiveness or a combination of the two. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), symptoms emerge before seven years of age.[2] There are three subtypes of the disorder which consist of it being predominantly inattentive (ADHD-PI or ADHD-I), predominantely hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI or ADHD-H), or the two combined (ADHD-C). Oftentimes people refer to ADHD-PI as "attention deficit disorder" (ADD), however, the latter has not been officially accepted since the 1994 revision of the DSM. ADHD impacts school-aged children and results in restlessness, acting impulsively, and lack of focus which impairs their ability to learn properly. It is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting about 3 to 5 percent of children globally[3][4] and is diagnosed in about 2...
Words: 695 - Pages: 3
...ADHD is not a new condition, but appears to have been around for centuries. In 1798 hyperactivity was described by Sir Alexander Crichton as “mental restlessness” (Hartmann, 2003). Although opponents suggest that stimulant medication has not been shown to be safe for treating ADHD these medications have been used for nearly a century. Stimulant medications were first reported to be used to treat ADHD in 1937 (Hartmann, 2003). The confusion may be fueled by the frequent changes in the diagnostic labeling of the disorder. ADHD has been termed to be “minimal brain damage”, “minimal brain dysfunction”, ”learning/behavioral disabilities”, a “hyperactivity”. It first appeared in the DSM-II in 1968 as ”Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood” (Hartmann, 2003). The DSM III referred to the condition as “ADD with or without hyperactivity” (Hartmann, 2003). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurobehavioral developmental condition effecting both children and adults marked by the presence of inattention and/or increased activity (VanCleave & Leslie, 2008). Delays in impulse control are also present. The condition appears to impact brain areas involved in problem solving, planning, and comprehension. The condition is thought to impact 3-5% of school age children (Greenhill, Posner, Vaughan, & Kratochvil, 2008). This condition was previously thought to be a psychiatric condition limited to childhood, but neurological evidence has been found for the condition being present in adults...
Words: 1536 - Pages: 7
...ENG-105 Analyzing a Concept 1 May 13, 2013 Russell Tiedt Autism, ADHD and ADD: The Lasting Effects When a baby is born a parent hopes for their children to be healthy, happy and normal. No parent ever hopes to raise a child with abnormalities or handicaps yet unfortunately, a percentage of babies born will have some form of a disability. Whether the condition a child has is of the mildest form requiring only supervision or is considered severe requiring lifelong care and medication, parents stress and have difficulties dealing with the everyday life their child goes through and deals with throughout his or her life wondering if they are doing all they can to make sure their child is well taken care of. This essay will examine the effects of ADD, ADHD and autism focusing on adolescents and children with these impairments and the parents and caregivers who struggle to maintain a daily balanced life. As a mother with a son who has ADHD I can speak first hand on the struggles a parent has to face and the challenges we deal with raising a child. My son was diagnosed shortly after he began kindergarten when he first started displaying signs of anxiousness during class time and how his teacher would struggle to keep him under control. His dad and I were called in to a parent-teacher conference to discuss my son’s behavior during class. It was recommended by the teacher that we have our son evaluated for ADHD as that was what she believed he had. We made an appointment with our...
Words: 1238 - Pages: 5
