Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay

Many physicians presently believe ADHD is an inherited neurological disorder best treated with drugs. Smith addresses why children were first diagnosed with the disorder, why biological reasons became predominant, how influential drugs became the chosen treatment, and why alternative clarifications have failed to attain any validity. It’s important to note that hyperactive children are also a product of their social, cultural, and educational environment and Smith demonstrates how knowledge about the history of ADHD can lead to better decisions about its diagnosis and

Most people have heard of the term Attention Deficit Hyperactive (ADHD) disorder. "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that interferes with an individual's ability to attend to tasks (inattention), inhibits one's behavior (impulsivity), and may interfere with a person's ability to regulate one's activity level (hyper-activity) in developmentally appropriate ways (Barkley 19)". The most important job for teachers and parents is to separate fact from fiction, to clarify what we know and don't know.

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

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

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.

ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is characterized by the inability to pay attention, extreme hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulty controlling behavior, and not acting appropriate for the standards of one’s age. The cause of ADHD is unknown, however it is suggested that it is caused by certain environmental and genetic factors. ADHD is diagnosed using the criteria in the most recent DSM (The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders), the DSM-5. The DSM-5 lists out long term symptoms that may be indicative of ADHD, and the individual must meet at least six of these nine symptoms. The symptoms must have been present by the age of six to twelve, and must be present in more than one situation. The symptoms must cause social, work, or school problems, and must also not be normal for the age of the individual. ADHD can be treated with either therapy or psychoactive drugs, or a combination of the two.

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

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is without a doubt one of the largest social problems facing the Baby Boomers in the 21st century. The last two to three decades have seen this disorder labeled many different titles. As stated by Donald J. Brown in his article Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), 1996: “What is apparent is that ADHD is a collection of symptoms or criteria.” Labeling a child as ADHD creates a large potential for error. The traditional approach of putting children on long-term usage of stimulants such as Ritalin, Centedrin, and Rubifen might allow a child to better concentrate because it somehow slows down the otherwise hyperactive student but it does nothing

“ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is like living in a fast moving kaleidoscope where sounds, images and thoughts are constantly shifting.” (NIMH-ADHD) ADHD can be very frustrating and difficult for children. Medication and treatment are available and have been proven effective. Parents can also get frustrated and they could do something wrong. ADHD is effectively treated with medication and therapy.

ADHD is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurobehavioral disorders in children. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD have a hard time controlling impulsive behaviors, have trouble paying attention, and can be overly active. It’s normal for children to have a hard time focusing or act up every now and then, but children with ADHD are frequently conflicted with their symptoms and cause them problems at home, at school, or with their friends (J, 2011).

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.

In 1998, the National Institutes of Mental Health agreed that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is indeed a legitimate psychologic condition even though its definition has not been fully pinned down. ADHD is a syndrome generally characterized by the following symptoms that first occur before the age of seven:

Another developing concern in regard to the prevalence of ADHD is that there is a growing shifts in the onset span and in the population currently diagnosed with ADHD. A clinical practice guideline published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2011) reported the expansion of the age range in regard to diagnosis and treatment of ADHD from 6 through 12 years of age to 4 through 18 years of age. More recent studies substantiated that a majority of ADHD cases persists well into adulthood in spite of the widespread recognition of this neurodevelopmental disorder’s onset for which it only occurs in childhood and adolescent years (Simon, Czobor, Balint, Meszaros, & Bitter, 2009). Furthermore, some adults are diagnosed with ADHD without having been diagnosed previously (National Resource Center on ADHD, 2013). Moreover, Asherson et al. (2012) raised a crucial argument in their research that adults with ADHD likely underestimate or ignore the influence brought by the disorder and attempt to compensate for or rationalize the deficiencies by adapting lifestyle that works for them. Thus, it is likely that the current prevalence of ADHD in adults is underreported. Essentially, it indicates that ADHD is a life-long neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder attributed to a sophisticated combination of genetic and environment components.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is an inattentive disorder believed to begin in childhood continuing into adulthood with a possible change of having low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty in school or at work. At the age of five, I was believed to have this disorder because of my incapability to focus in circumstances such as when someone was speaking to me, when being taught an subject at school, and disability situations. Notwithstanding, I was told stories about how having attention deficit hyperactivity affected myself, but do not recall anything about it. My mother was worried, she noticed there was something wrong with me. At a young age, I would bite, kick, and fight another child at daycare without any

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