TERM RESEARCH PAPER ON ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER Introduction Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADHD”) is a common childhood disorder that represents developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and overactivity. It occurs in 3% to 5% of the school age population as stated by (Craighead, Craighead, Kazdin & Mahoney, 1994). Another author (Barkley, 1981) stated that ADHD occurs in at least one child in every classroom. As a result of these statistics, ADHD has become one of the most commonly referred and heavily studied psychological disorders of childhood. Studies show that about 50-60% of children with ADHD in the age range of five to seven years are hostile and defiant. By the …show more content…
Some major causal variables that have been identified are categorised as neurological factors, toxic reactions, genetic linkages and environmental factors. However, most of the available evidence found, points to neurological factors, which are imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain, and genetic variables as the primary causes of ADHD. The environmental factors and toxic reactions (such as lead exposure and food additives) are considered very minimal causes of ADHD. The search for causes of ADHD continues. There are many variables which are biological or thought to have an affect on biological functioning. Assessment of ADHD An evaluation of a child with ADHD includes multiple assessment techniques. The main goals of the assessment are:- 1. to gather information about the developmental deviance of ADHD symptoms or other behavioural problems. 2. to rule out other psychiatric, learning or emotional problems that may be causing inattention, impulsivity, and/or overactivity. 3. to determine the degree of consistency between the sources and across situations with respect to reports of behaviours associated with ADHD. 4. to identify and prioritise targets for intervention. Conducting interviews with parents, teachers and the child. To determine the four factors just mentioned, the following methods are used:- 1. Interviews - to be conducted with parents, teachers and the child 2. Rating Scales - to compare the child’s
“ADHD is one of the most common chronic behavioral disorders encountered by primary care physicians” (Ambalavanan and Holten 1). Many children across the world struggle with this disorder everyday, hoping for a sensible solution. ADHD develops to become most apparent in children during preschool and early elementary years (Ambalavanan and Holten 1). It is challenging for these children who posses this disorder to control the way they act or their ability to pay attention, especially for longer periods of time such as a school day. It begins to not only affect the child's physical and mental well being, but also the child’s ability to learn and complete their school work. It can also potentially hold a child back from being their best self, and living life to its fullest potential. This disorder often begins to
These symptoms might represent expressions of internalized conflict or unmet emotional or educational needs that differ from child to child. Each child ideally should have a full medical, educational, and psychologic or psychiatric evaluation, prior to drugs being introduced and giving to the child. There isn’t a neuropsychological test result is that shows someone has ADHD, and no genetic indicator has been steadily recognized, and heritability studies are confounded by household environmental aspects. Furman concluded t after careful review of the evidence obtainable; it is not obvious that ADHD is either a disease or a neurobehavioral condition. ADHD is an assortment of symptoms, namely, inattention, impulsivity, and over activity, that overlay with other major and minor mental health
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, has become a well-known disorder that our ears hear lightly and many don’t think twice about. Although, ADHD is presented in over 11,000,000 people that are living in the United States (Frank, 2017). ADHD is prevalent in both women and men of all various ages. Once one has this disorder, it stays with them forever. However, many therapists as well as psychologist believe that this disorder is over diagnosed and leads into false and inaccurate prescriptions. Due to ADHD being primarily diagnosed at the age of 7 (Holland, 2014), the main symptoms leading into the identity of ADHD are hyper activity, being easily distracted, acting out, daydreaming, physical
What is ADHD? Sirs data base reports that ADHD is called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This disorder is a mental illness that causes children and adults to have trouble staying focused, behavioral issues, and incidences of hyper-activity. Till this day, the cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is still unknown. There is also a lot of controversy over the topic of ADHD, stating that some believe the mental illness is at the end of its normal behavior chart, while others believe there are genetically and physiological reasons for this condition. The controversy centers on how to treat and diagnose ADHD children. This paper will examine viewpoint one, two and my viewpoint on
The evaluation of ADHD from a clinician standpoint is that ADHD is a disorder. ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Disorders occur from childhood to adulthood and with treatments for daily interactions, improvement of ADHD symptoms occur as a child ages and reaches adulthood. Disorders evaluated, by the following persons; behavioral neurologist, psychiatrist, clinical or educational psychologist, nurse practitioner, or clinical social worker. Genetics linked to ADHD, with additional research and study of other possible causes and risk factors, which may cause concern is publicized. Researchers suggest, that ADHD runs in families because of genetics or external factors due to smoking or
ADHD is often seen in families, and genes appear to play a role, but other factors may contribute or make symptoms worse. One of the greatest risk factor for ADHD is having an inherited tendency for the condition. Some Environmental exposures such as certain parenting methods, may influence how symptoms of ADHD. have been linked to increased ADHD symptoms, but the evidence has been inconsistent. Knowing more about those factors would help with planning how to decrease the risk for ADHD. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities funded a comprehensive literature review of studies that investigate a large range of factors that might increase the risk for ADHD. The results will be able to increase the ability of public health professionals to make the most informed decisions and recommendations about potential public health prevention strategies. Some risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may include Blood relatives, such as a sibling or parent, with ADHD or another mental health disorder. Mothers smoking during pregnancy, alcohol use or maternal drug use may increase the risk ADHD. Also premature birth and exposure to environmental toxins such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings. Even though sugar is a popular suspect in causing hyperactivity, there's no reliable proof of this. Many issues in childhood can lead to difficulty sustaining attention, but that's not the same as
On this website the National institute of Mental Health used the authority to educate their audience on the mental disability problems that associate with ADHD. The authority was effective because they did not fail to provide their audience with their contact information for further use and assistance. NIMH went on by using their authority on their website to explain the causes of this disorder. Their said, smoking or drinking during pregnancy could contribute to increase the chances of a child developing ADHD. Birth complications are very low weight could also be a factor to this problem. Exposures to lead or other toxic substances, extreme neglect, abuse or social deprivation are all factors that could exhibit ADHD in little children. Furthermore , the NIMH
Then, a mental health professional use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual to help diagnose.4 There are proposed genetic, environmental, and psychosocial causes for ADHD. Genetically, there is strong evidence from twin studies of ADHD being heritable. Additionally, the environment can play a role in the development of ADHD, specifically exposure to lead during pregnancy or in early childhood, premature birth, and prenatal exposure to alcohol and cigarettes. Six psychosocial risk factors that have been connected to ADHD development include marital discord, low socioeconomic status (SES), large family size, paternal criminality, maternal mental disorder, and foster care placement. Health risk behaviors and other risk factors shown to be related to ADHD include being male, consuming alcohol or smoking during pregnancy, prenatal exposure or early childhood exposure to pollutants and toxins, and SES.1 This paper will explore the current information on ADHD prevention, as well as suggest prevention
shown to influence a teacher’s perception of whether or not they have ADHD. Children who are
Over the past couple of decades there has been a huge increase in the diagnosis and prescriptions given out for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. “An article from prescription provider Express scripts, finds a large overall increase in the number of Americans treated for ADHD there was a 36 percent increase in just five years” (David Muzina, 2014). When statistics like this are seen it is only normal for someone to ask questions. People are becoming curious about the legitimacy of the disorder, and whether or not the treatments being given to the individual are appropriate. ADHD may seem controversial to many on whether it is real or not, and if treatment is the best option. The argument seems to be strong both sides of the fence, but the extensive research done on ADHD leaves it hard for one to believe that it is a made up disorder.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heritable, neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity (del Campo et al, 2011). The disorder begins in early childhood and persists into adolescence, and for 70% it continues on to adulthood (Sharma & Couture, 2014). Those who suffer ADHD experience challenges, particularly during their development. Impulsivity and inattention often result in lower performance in school, and greater incidents of motor accidents and¬ risky behaviour. Additionally, individuals with ADHD have higher rates of one or more comorbidities including major depression and anxiety disorders (Sharma & Couture).
Although many more chronical illnesses are discussed in the DSM-V, one of the most recurrent ones, especially among children, is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. ADHD, as it’s commonly known, is among few others, one of the most diagnosed mental disorders in the United States. Moreover, its prevalence is, by a great margin, high among males rather than females, and the usual identification age varies from the time in which children enter preschool to when they reach twelve years’ old (Ronald J. Comer). It is vital that symptoms for such disorder are identified correctly within a short time frame, for ADHD is known for stunting a child’s academic and behavioral development. For a successful ADHD diagnosis, several elements must be present, and prevalent in a child for at least six months. Such include, disorganized thoughts, feelings, or actions, inability to maintain attention, fails to carry out instructions or finish tasks, dislike or avoidance to perform mentally effortful work, excessive talk, constant movement and a recurrent pattern of disobedience, among others. At least six of these symptoms must be shown throughout a continuous period of six months or more in a manner that is maladaptive and beyond that shown by most similarly aged persons.
Like most psychological disorders, no single aetiology is widely considered the cause of ADHD. There are a number of theories regarding the aetiology of ADHD. These will be discussed with reference to supporting empirical evidence. It is beyond the scope of this paper to describe every aetiological theory from these sources in detail, so here I will describe the most prominent theories.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is contemporary defined in the DSM-IV-TR published by the American Psychiatric Association. According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM–IV–TR; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) characterized by "inattention and/ or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development” (p78).
Psychologists and Psychiatrists have recognized several different types of ADHD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), a tool commonly used by professionals to diagnose mental disorders, illustrates three patterns of behavior to note when