Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder has a complicated and interesting history and because of that it is important to understands this disorders implications and comorbidity to better treat and diagnose it. Research done by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 11% of the US population between the ages of 4-17 are affected with ADHD; that’s 6.4 million children and the prevalence of diagnosis is only increasing (2016). It was generally assumed that ADHD was something children would grow out of but new studies show that approximately 4% of the adult population in the US are still suffering from ADHD or have developed ADHD (Breyer, J. L., Lee, S., Winters, K. C., August, G. J., & Realmuto, G. M. 2014). ADHD is

The CDC webpage has many details and facts about ADHD, and the focus is pointed towards children with ADHD, but does not tell us or discuss any ways to treat the disorder. The stated facts are credible and accurate as a government service, if those parents that read that information would think there are limited resources available to help treat their children with ADHD, and that is with a combination of behavior therapy, medication, or with the two together(CDC,2016). According to the physician Sir George Frederick ADHD was called a “defect of moral control.” Even to this day doctors still believe this defect to be true; before any child is diagnosed with ADHD or given medication testing needs to be done. The treatment for ADHD should be individualized (overview of

Behavioral disorder or ADHD remains comparatively common among young children ages four to twelve years of age. These conditions exist extremely innate, brain based that has to do with the limitation of a specific functions of the brain associated with behaviors. Mischief-makers and undisciplined are the characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For parents and caregivers to detect behaviors particularly from association to concentration might conceivably overwhelming. To help stabilize the brain’s activity, physicians prescribe drugs to children with ADHD, but some parents disagree with it considering the effects of drugs. This paper will explore the benefit of a child’s well-being that depends on the hands of parents, caregivers, and doctors whether drugs are appropriately prescribe for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is affecting children and adults at vast numbers. The growing numbers of people affected by Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), made the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the importance of educating the public. The CDC discusses the signs and symptoms, different types of ADHD, causes of ADHD, diagnosis process, treatments, and resources with the public. The CDC is a trusted agency. The CDC’s website is credible because the writers use effective appeal to logos, ethos, and pathos to educate their audience.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is classified as a syndrome that is comprised of a variety of behaviors that often arises in early childhood and is characterized by extremely high levels of motor activity, difficulties with attention span and concentrating, and/or impulsive behaviors (Cook & Cash, 2011). It has been estimated in the United States that approximately 20% of children and adolescents display signs of a psychological or behavioral disorder according to Luthy, David, Macintosh, Eden, and Beckstrand (2015). ADHD is considered one of the more prevalent psychological disorders in children, with approximately 3-7% of school-age children with an ADHD diagnosis as mentioned by Luthy et al. (2015).

“ADHD is the most extensively studied pediatric mental health disorder, yet controversy and public debate over the diagnosis and medication treatment of the disorder continue to exist.” (Connor D., P.1, 2011) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often a debated subject when the method of treatment is being discussed because it has become a trending issue to over medicate children with ADHD. A fitting label for the trend is the anesthetization of our youth, caused by government agency expansion and pharmaceutical allowances, and blame parents not advocating for their child better.

Over the past couple of decades there has been a huge increase in the diagnosis and prescriptions given out for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to a news report done by USA Today over the past five years use of ADHD medications have risen 40% totaling 39.5 million individual prescriptions ("New findings," 2009). 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 individuals are appropriate. The argument seems to be strong on 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.

ADHD affects more than 6 million children between the ages of 4-17 that causes them not to stay on task, have impulsive behaviors, poor academic performance and trouble with social interactions (Church, 2014). These symptoms are usually observed at home, school, and other social settings when compared to other children. Stimulant medications are prescribed as treatment to help reduce the symptoms and are recommended to be taken through adulthood (Church, 2014). However, once diagnosed, parents, adults and prescribers should look into alternative options first to help decrease the amount of medications needed (Church, 2014). The primary goal for any person with ADHD should consider behavioral modification or behavioral therapy, diet, and an environment change. Parents can also include attention and visual training, traditional talking and different techniques of discipline (The Nemours Foundation, 2017). Therapy attempts to change behavior patterns and helping not only the kids but struggling parents

With treatment of ADHD people, more than not, choose the medication instead of the therapy for the easy fix. "The combination of medication and behavioral intervention, known as multimodal treatment, is the best treatment strategy for ADHD, however, stimulant medication is the most efficacious, single treatment for reducing symptoms of ADHD" (Lesesne, 2007). Evidence of medication being a much more used source of treatment shows how people want the easiest and quickest fix for unwanted behaviors and also shows how people might be motivated to become diagnosed which ADHD to get the medication that will help their standing abilities to focus and function. "Using national survey data, we recently found that medication rates among boys and girls

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a well-known problem across the world. The most controversial topics when it comes to ADHD are the drugs used to treat the disorder. It is commonly known that ADHD represents something along the lines of “one is too hyper and cannot pay attention”, but that doesn’t mean they should be forced to take a medication that will potentially affect their well-being for the rest of their life. The mind of a human being is a beautiful and fragile thing, drugs should not be used for those who struggle with ADHD. The school system does not treat those with ADHD in learning environments correctly. Those who have been

In 2005, the CDC estimated the annual cost of ADHD to the United States to be between thirty-six to fifty-two billion dollars. This estimate takes into account not only medication costs, but those doctor’s visits and lost productivity. Cost of medication is the most significant factor, however, productivity lost by adults with the condition, or having to take off work to address a child’s behavioral incidences account for nearly four billion dollars (CDC 2015). The state of Indiana alone has more than eighty percent of youth diagnosed with the condition on pharmaceutical stimulants (CDC 2015). This provides evidence that a therapeutic approach that reduces the use of these costly stimulants and teaches individuals with the condition a viable, sustainable coping mechanism for their disorder is again a worthwhile pursuit.

The use of stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall in children with the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continues to rise, albeit at a slower pace than in previous decades, a new study finds. The study authors tracked data on prescription in the US 1996 to 2008. They found that the use of drugs for ADHD was higher among children of 6-12 years and increased slightly from 4.2 percent in 1996 to 5.1 percent twelve years later. However, increase more pronounced occurred in older children, ages 13 and 18. In this group, the ADHD drugs increased more than double, from 2.3 percent in 1996 to 4.9 percent in 2008. The researchers said this reflects a greater understanding

One of the strongest arguments against the use of stimulants and amphetamines as a method for treating ADHD is connected to the belief that we as a society are overprescribing medications for the

The numbers can be mind-blowing! Ever since Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been surveyed on a national level the numbers of affected persons diagnosed with the disorder has continued to climb. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) ADHD was first surveyed, using input from parents and providers, in 1997. Not only have numbers of diagnosed patients and population percentage with the disorder shown an upward trend in growth, so have the number of available prescription medications used to treat the disorder. There is no doubt that there are other means of treating ADHD and many parents and providers may decide an anti-medication approach by utilizing improving behavioral/cognitive therapy practices and techniques. Still though, it seems that it is assumed that medication is the most popular and effective treatment method used to treat and/or maintain the symptoms of the disorder.

Children today are affected by a number of developmental and behavioral disorders. One that has become very common over the years is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. This disorder is diagnosed to individuals who cannot focus well and have apparent restless behavior. Those who are diagnosed with this disorder seem to be young or adolescent, and the numbers are continuing to increase. Due to the increase in numbers, many alarmed parents are quick to jump to giving their kids medication. This method is quite controversial and has some advantages and disadvantages to it. Some believe that today’s physicians will over-diagnose children with ADHD, leading to normal kids receiving unneeded prescriptions of powerful stimulants. However, there is still a large need of medication for children who are truly suffering from this mental disorder. When one is properly diagnosed with ADHD, there are many advantages to treating with medication.