Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

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).

According to the National Institute of Mental Health as known as NIMH, ADHD has three subtypes. First on is pre-dominantly hyperactive-impulsive, which at least six or more of its symptoms are in hyperactivity-impulsive category, and inattention might be

Imagine if your child’s check up with the doctor resulted in your child being diagnosed with ADHD. You begin to ask yourself questions. Why? Did I ever notice it before? Could the doctor be wrong? Is it something I could have prevented? Will my child live a normal life? Now imagine over 5 million parents sitting in their child’s doctor’s office asking these same questions. Children across America continue to be over diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also known as ADHD and rates continued to rise within the ongoing years.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD which is often referred to as childhood hyperactivity, it 's a severe and chronic disorder for children. It is one of the most prevalent childhood disorders, and affects 3% to 5% of the school-age population. Boys outnumber girls three or more to one. Children with ADHD can experience many behavioral difficulties that often manifest in the form of inattention, being easily distracted, being impulsive, and hyperactivity. As a result, children with ADHD may develop emotional, social, developmental, academic, and family problems because of the frustrations and problems they are constantly experiencing. (Shea)

I chose to research Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, in culture and child development for the following reasons. First, it is important as educators that we understand the difference between restlessness and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. Secondly, we must be conscious of the origins of ADHD, how to recognize it, the myths and prejudices against it, and know the most appropriate intervention strategies. Educators must also realize that even if a child has ADHD that does not mean they are unintelligent or lazy.

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder are a disorder that greatly affects children, teens, and adults. Although it is most prominent and know about in children 10 and under adolescent and adult aged people also suffer. ADHD causes people to have a hard time sitting still or even focusing on one thing for a period of time. ADHD may be caused by Genetic, Neurobiological, or Psychological factors. ADHD may also be comorbid with another disorder. The first National ADHD Awareness day was on September 7, 2004 (Kring, 2012, P. 399).

The definition given by the DSM-IV encompasses three behaviors to be symptoms of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This definition offers minimal understanding of this prevalent but yet misunderstood condition. Professionals from various fields and educational backgrounds have researched this disorder since its introduction in 1980, though they have discovered treatments to counter act some of the behaviors the causes and cure are yet to be found.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) would be a very interesting area of research. I find this topic interesting because there are so many people that still believe that ADHD is a made up disorder and that the real problem is a lack of good parenting skills. I have several people in my life that are affected by ADHD. I have found that despite copious amounts of research into effective treatments, it is still difficult to find a healthcare provider with accurate information on the subject. The problem with misinformation is also common in school teachers who are in a position to recognize the problem in their students before the parents. In the research study conducted by Sciutto et al (2015), researchers found that several misconceptions were common throughout the world about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of ADHD. Misconceptions about symptoms or causes can lead to a reduction in recognition and diagnosis of the disorder. Without a diagnosis, it is unlikely that treatment would be sought. Misconceptions about treatments can delay or prevent proper treatment. Lack of treatment could lead to an increase in anxiety and depression symptoms in both the child and the parent. Comorbid symptoms of depression and anxiety are very common for people diagnosed with ADHD (nimh.nih.gov).

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects school aged children with a high degree of inattention, excessive hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of any of these. In order for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, there must be two different environments in which the child has displayed his or her symptoms and it must occur before the child is twelve years of age (Halter, 2014). Children have a high comorbidity level with developmental, learning and psychiatric problems. There are three types of ADHD; inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type and combination type. With inattentive type the child displays disorganization, is unable to complete tasks, becomes easily bored, and

According to Foley (2010), children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were categorized into two groups with nine behaviors associated with each category of ADHD. Behaviors with the inattentive category include failing to pay attention, and making careless mistakes, difficulty keeping that attention, not following through or listening, difficulty organizing, low task persistence, easily distracted, forgetful and losing things. Behaviors associated with the category of hyperactivity include a child being out of their seat and fidgeting, running and climbing excessively,

Among the behavioural disorders that are commonly diagnosed, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent among youth and children. It is a persistent disorder that is attributed to neurobehavioral problems. About 3%-5% of all the children in America are affected by ADHD (NINDS Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Information Page, 2011). The disorder is characterized by inability to concentrate or focus on a task and exercise behavioural inhibition that is normally related to age. There are several warning signs which can indicate the possibility that a child may be affected by the disorder. These include difficulties adhering to instructions,

Research shows that there are three characteristics of this disorder. The first one is Inattentive. According to Healthline.com Inattentive is what a person is typically referred to when they use the term ADD which they can show enough symptoms of inattention but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive. The second characteristic is Hyperactive-Impulsive which can occur when a child has symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity but not inattention. The third stage is symptoms of both Inattentive as well as Hyperactive-Impulsive which makes up the term ADHD. Every child can be fidgety and/or have trouble paying attention, however a child who has ADHD has the intensity, persistence and patterning to an extent that he/she

The manifestations may be numerous or few, mild, or severe, and vary with the child’s developmental level (Hockenberry et al., 2017). Most behavioral manifestations are apparent at an early age, but the learning disabilities may not become evident until the child enters school (Hockenberry et al., 2017). It can be detected as early as preschool and can continue throughout life. The most obvious manifestation is the difficulty to maintain focus. As talked about in the beginning of the paper, there are three different degrees of ADHD. They are combined, predominantly inattentive, and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive. The combine type is when a child has six (or more) symptoms of inattention and six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months (Hockenberry et al., 2017). The predominantly inattentive type is when a child has six (or more symptoms of inattention (but fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity) have persisted for at least 6 months (Hockenberry et al., 2017). The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type is when the child has six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (but fewer than six symptoms of inattention) have persisted for at least 6 months (Hockenberry et al., 2017). During a nursing assessment of the child, the nurse would notice the

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

There are three main types of ADHD. They are the primarily inattentive type, primarily hyperactive-impulsive type and the combined type. A child with the inattentive type fails to pay attention to details and gets easily distracted and tends to daydream on a day to day basis. On the other hand the hyperactive-impulsive type makes it hard for the child to stay still for long. Mostly this child would jump or climb things in inappropriate occasions. The most common type of ADHD is the combined type. This type is characterized by both impulsive behavior and hyperactivity, and inattention and distraction.