Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( Adhd )

It is widely agreed that ADHD is over diagnosed. According to the study, only 22 percent of 92 children referred to an ADHD clinic actually met the criteria. Furthermore, numerous arguments would urge the general public and the medical community that what has been proven is a large varying degree of severity of the condition. In turn, the symptoms may be expressed in every person, only with varying intensity. Although no conclusive evidence is currently available to prove the existence of the genetic disorder, no concrete evidence dispels its existence either. Still, the fact that the disorder has passed through a crowd of names, including organic drivenness, hyperkinetic syndrome, attention-deficit disorder and now ADHD provides evidence on

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed neuro-developmental disorder [1] The percentage of children between the ages of 4 and 17 years, diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has consistently risen from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007. As of 2011 11.0% (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD. When comparing 2003 to 2011 data this indicates that the proportion of children having a history of (ADHD) increased by 42% in less than a decade. Suggesting an increase of 2 million additional U.S. children/adolescents aged 4 to 17 years had been diagnosed with ADHD in 2011 in the United States alone. There are gender differences with boys (13.2%) more likely to obtain a diagnosis when

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.

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

The most common mental disorder children are diagnosed with is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 11% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. The number of children being diagnosed each year in the past decade has increased 5% per year as of 2003(“Centers for Disease and Control”, 2015). ADHD is a mental disorder in children that makes it harder for them to pay attention. The children diagnosed with ADHD are usually hyperactive and show signs of impulsive behavior. Children with ADHD have a hard time with following directions, talk nonstop, run around a lot, are very impatient, and play with everything they see (“National Institute of Mental Health”, 2013). There is not an exact medical test that can determine if a child has ADHD or not. A doctor examines a child for symptoms of ADHD. A child can be diagnosed with predominantly inattentive presentation or predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, or they can be diagnosed with both. Children have to show at least six or more symptoms in each criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD (“Center of Disease and Control”, 2015). These symptoms must be at least be present for 6 months in a child and affect their ability to perform in multiple settings like at school and home.

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).

According to National Center for Learning Disabilities article “How ADHD Affects Learning” “symptoms of ADHD are often severe, frequent, and first occur early, between the ages of three and six” (2010). Being overly active, trouble staying focused or paying attention, and trouble controlling impulses are the main symptoms doctors are seeing in kids today. There are factors that are said to contribute to this learning disability; environmental factors, brain injuries, sugar, early exposure to lead, smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and food additives. Genes are now being studied and being said that they play a big role in ADHD. “A study of children with ADHD found that those who carry a particular version of a certain gene have thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention” (“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” 2012). Symptoms of ADHD may be easy to spot in a child but getting a correct diagnosis is not.

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 is a psychological disorder that affects many children and adults in the world. This disorder affects many aspects of their lives as well as the lives of people around them. People with this disorder may find it hard to live a normal life, as well parents of these children may find it difficult to live with the symptoms. Many questions have been answered about this disorder but many still remain. What is ADHD, the characteristics or symptom’s, causes, and is there a genetic cause? Some of these answers have been answered but some are still questionable.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common neurobehavioral disorder. Julien (2010) states that the “dopaminergic activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain seems to be important in ADHD”. The PFC is a primary component of the brain to regulate behavior, attention and impulse control. Lesions in this part of the brain can contribute to ADHD. When there is not enough norepinephrine and dopamine going to the PFC, ADHD can present itself. According to the DSM-5, the prevalence is 5% of children and 2.5% of adults. The DSM-5 also states that the occurrence of ADHD is more frequent in males than females by 2:1. ADHD can have comorbid diagnosis. These diagnosis can involve oppositional defiant disorder, learning disabilities, depression and anxiety.

The website about ADHD that this review will examine was published by Psychology Today at; https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/adhd. The author does achieve the goal of using accuracy, currency, authority, and coverage to present material which is factual, up to date, and credible, with few advertisements. Citing many experts, in addition to their own well-established staff of pundits, Psychology Today’s website is an informative narrative on ADHD, and a well sourced publication who’s authority, currency, and coverage meet the criteria of being an irrefutable source of relevant knowledge on the subject.

According to Wilkinson, M. and Cook, M. (2006) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) describes the behaviours displayed by some children who are extremely restless and energetic. These children are often impatient and find it difficult to filter out other things going on around them .Bines H,& Loxlely ,A (1995) state that typically, ADHD students will have an incredibly short attention span and find it difficult to concentrate on specific tasks. According Silver L,B (1999) on-line to children with ADHD experience educational difficulties however ADHD is not a learning disability, in that it does not impact on the brain’s ability to learn, but it can interfere with the individual’s availability for learning.

Learning disabilities can cause a great deal of stress and frustration to the children and adolescents who have them as well as for their families. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the more common learning disabilities. It is defined as a psychological disorder where those who have it experience impulsivity, inattention and/or overactivity (Kail & Zolner, 2012, p. 461). Children with this disorder have trouble developing social skills and can have difficulties with peer relations in return (Kail & Zolner, 2012, p. 461). The symptoms of ADHD also affect academia due to inability to sit still, difficulties focusing, and being easily distracted (Kail & Zolner, 2012, p. 461). Treatments for this disorder are available;

ADHD is a complex disorder that cannot be defined by a single risk factor. Genetic, environmental and social factors play an important role in the aetiology of ADHD and the different individual deficit profiles and resulting impairments that are evident. (5, 6) Alterations in brain structure, connectivity and maturation have also been documented in patients with ADHD. (5) ADHD is a highly inheritable condition. (5, 6)

ADHD is an abbreviation for attention deficit/hyper activity disorder. It is commonly referred to as a psychiatric disorder in need of therapy. The origination of the disease is in the neuro-physiological brain construct, and the main cause of the disorder is considered to be genetic (Wilson, 2012). Many children with ADHD struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention (Unnever, Cullen, & Pratt, 2003). According to McNamara, Vervaeke, and Willoughby (2008), “attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder among children and adolescents. It affects between 3% and 5% of school age children” (p. 38). In a