Attention Deficit Disorder Essay

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurobiological disorder. Recent research shows that the symptoms of ADD are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. (Rebecca Chapman Booth)

Attention Deficit Disorder otherwise known as ADD is a condition that refers to an individual’s inability to control their own behavior or impulse(McEwan 70). This can begin in early childhood and interfere with children’s ability to do well in school and social situations. These patients also have troubles blocking out noise or other stimuli in order to focus on a task or what is being said. ADD is a chronic problem that can be seen as early as infancy and can extend to adulthood. There are two types of Attention Deficit Disorder. The most common form is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The characteristic of this type is hyperactivity, which is seen before the child enters

Thesis: Today there is a great debate concerning the diagnosis and treatment of ADD/ADHD and who has the right to decide what happens.

The viewpoint has eight pages with four sections and two further reading sections, one listing periodicals and the other listing books to find more information. In the following viewpoint, the author forms facts and opinions about the existence and prevalence of attention deficit disorder (ADD) which is characterized by over activity, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness. His

Like most other developed countries, the majority of our U.S. culture is now accustomed and drawn to the idea of “quick-fixes.” In this busy society, one is typically most intrigued by the option that is the easiest to implement and can provide the fastest results, such as a pain pill for a headache. However, in the world of mental health and its’ disorders, a “quick-fix” is usually not the best approach. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among these mental health disorders that should not be resorting only to a “quick-fix”, such as a stimulant medication, to effectively manage the disorder. This is especially true for ADHD among the pediatric population, as this is a time of rapid behavior and personality growth, as well

Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are behavioral disorders affecting attention span, impulse control, and self-discipline. They are usually associated with children, although adults can suffer from the same disorders. It is estimated that 4% - 6% of the U.S. population suffers from AD/HD, and children with the disorders carry them into adulthood more than half the time. Typically medicated with psychostimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, (methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, respectively), concern over these disorders surrounds problems such as over-diagnosis or misuse of the prescription medications.

Attention Deficit Disorder is a disability affecting 1.21% of Americans (CDC Fast Stats). For a percentage that seems so small, the effects of living a life with ADD are significant. People with ADD struggle in school or in everyday situations, but they can learn ways to manage this disability. During childhood unknowingly struggling with ADD made things more complicated throughout school and life, and it went overlooked and undiagnosed until reaching adulthood. Some may not believe that it is a true disorder and that it only affects children, but it does actually exist. ADD does not discriminate against age, race or gender. This complex disorder can start to be understood through its history, myths, facts, symptoms, causes, and

Scientists believed, for a while, that ADHD was caused by minor head injury. Although some children who had ADHD have had head injury, not all did, so that theory was disproved quickly. (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) The NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) linked a person’s ability to pay attention to the level of brain activity. (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)

This denial starts very strongly from the first paragraph, calling the condition a “contrived illusion of a disease”. This opening paragraph sets the stage for the sarcastic dismissal of ADD that follows. For example when the author asks “What kind of disease is this ADD – invented in 1980 in-committee, at the American Psychiatric Association?” he is portraying that the disorder was generated based on little scientific fact. Continuing the denial, he cites many government and private organizations that will not respond to his questions about the existence of ADD. However, the FDA and DEA both state that currently ADD is not known to be a syndrome or a disease. The author uses these statements from the FDA and DEA to give his argument more credit.

Attention deficit disorder, also called ADD, is defined as 'a disorder primarily a characteristic of childhood, marked by a consistent problem in paying attention,' in the book, The Lifespan by Guy R. Lefrancois (1999). It is more common among boys than girls but can effect all ages. Focusing on children between the ages of five thru ten, it is estimated that three to five percent, which is 1.35 - 2.25 million, of all children are living with ADD. When accompanied by serious hyperactivity, ADD is labeled as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. This disorder makes it very challenging for educators to deal with. Understanding the characteristics of this disorder, how to treat the disorder

Ritalin, the common name of the drug methylphenidate, is a a medication used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy, a certain sleep disorder. It operates by changing the amounts of the natural substances in the brain stem arousal system and cortex and belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. Ritalin, classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II narcotic, helps to increase the ability of a person to pay attention, to remain to focus on a specific activity, manage behavioral problems, organize task and improves listening skill (WebMD, 2015-2016). This drug has the same classification as morphine, cocaine, and amphetamines so it’s often abused by youngsters because of its powerful stimulant effects.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder that can continue through adolescence and adulthood. ADHD is characterized by difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity. The symptoms of ADHD are grouped in three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms of inattention present as being easily distracted, missing details, forgetfulness, frequently going from one activity to another, difficulty focusing, easily bored, difficulty completing a task or learning something new, often losing things, disobedient to authoritative figures, constant daydreaming, and difficulty processing information compared to other in the

Due to the fact that society has traditionally thought of a person with ADD as being "hyper," many children who have ADD with no hyperactivity are not being identified or treated. Individuals with ADD without hyperactivity are sometimes thought of as daydreamers or "absent-minded professors." The non-hyperactive children with ADD most often seem to be girls (though girls can have ADD with hyperactivity, and boys can have ADD without hyperactivity). Additionally, because of the ability of an individual with ADD to over-focus, or "hyper-focus" on something that is of great interest or highly stimulating, many untrained observers assume that this ability to concentrate negates the

Experts believe an imbalance of the chemicals that helps nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other, called neurotransmitters, may be a factor in the development of ADD symptoms. Without enough of these chemicals, the organizing centers of the brain don't work well.”

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, normally abbreviated as ADHD, is a disorder in which a person has trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks, tends to act without thinking and has trouble sitting still. This condition may begin in early childhood and continue into adulthood. Without treatment ADHD can cause problems at home, school, work and any social gatherings.