Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD): A Diagnostic Analysis

Introduction: People with ADHD may have difficulties focusing their attention on a single task. They may also have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. It is any range of behavioral disorders occurring primarily in children, including such symptoms as poor concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term neurobehavioral refers to “the way the brain affects emotion, behavior, and learning.”

According to the research conducted by Dr. Laura A. King, the Frederick A. Middlebush Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri, Columbia, “ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurobehavioral disorders of childhood, in which individuals show at least one of the following: impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.”

Many may ask what the causes of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorders are but the cause of ADHD is not completely understood yet. People suggest that there may be biological abnormalities, hereditary factors, and environmental factors for those who suffer from ADHD. Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorders may have biological abnormalities such as brain structure abnormalities or abnormal biochemical levels (Comer, 2016). Brain structural abnormalities tend to occur in the frontostriatal network of the brain. The frontostriatal network “involves the lateral prefrontal cortex, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and the caudate nucleus and putamen” (Curatolo, 2010). It has been shown that patients with ADHD have

(“ADD”) (Kinman). This is because children with ADHD have a lower brain volume than children who do not, especially in regions of the brain responsible for attention and emotion (Kinman). Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that help send messages between areas of brain associated with attention and motivation. The brain of a person with ADHD may have less of these chemicals available. This may explain why someone with ADHD has trouble paying attention or performing repetitive tasks. (Kinman) When people with ADHD are prescribed methylphenidate (a stimulant), it helps increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increase in the level of neurotransmitters seems to improve attentiveness and motivation. Inattentive type symptoms include daydreaming, becoming easily confused, having difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others, seeming not to listen when spoken to, and more. Hyperactive-impulsive type symptoms may include fidgeting, talking nonstop, have trouble sitting still for sustained periods of time, being very impatient and

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).

There are two groups of stimulants: methylphenidate-based medications, which include Ritalin, Concerta, and Metadate, and dextroamphetamine-based medications, which include Adderall, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine (Boorady 2). The two most popular of these groups, Ritalin and Adderall, have these similar side effects: loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, nervousness, and prone to raising blood pressure (Ogbru 1). Both of these medications are also similar in short-acting and long-acting formulations, but, according to Susan York Morris, Ritalin is highly preferred over Adderall because it reaches its performance peak much more quickly, and prevents cells from reabsorbing norepinephrines, a precursor of adrenaline (Marcovitch 476), and dopamine, a precursor of norepinephrines that conveys inhibitory in the neurological system (Marcovitch 197), keeping them active in the brain.. (Morris 2). As a child, my parents began the process of testing different medications to treat my ADHD, and they began with Ritalin because it received the majority of positive results. Unfortunately, after random spurts of aggression, irritability, and unrest, they had to try a different medication. Next, they tested Adderall, but the same results occurred, but at greater rates than the

The newest medication approved by The U.S. Food and Drug Administrations is not a stimulant. This new drug is Strattera®. Strattera® is a "selective norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter and reuptake inhibitor ("Strattera")". This differs from the

ADHD is linked to a dysregulation in the catecholaminergic systems (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the prefrontal cortex and subcortical regions, both of which are implicated in many cognitive functions such as prioritizing stimuli, impulsivity and attention [3]. Seeing as amphetamines are involved in these same systems, one can see why they can be used to treat problems involving those regions. Amphetamines have a high affinity for catecholamine transporters, especially VMAT2, which a vesicular monoamine transporter that carries newly synthesized monoamines in the cytosol into vesicles at the nerve terminal for storage until they are to be released following an action potential. It competes with endogenous monoamines for transport, and as a result, the cytosol remains full of monoamines because their translocation into vesicles is inhibited. In addition, amphetamines also inhibit monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that metabolizes intracellular monoamines, further increasing the level of free monoamines which spurs the VMAT2 to mobilize the monoamines from the cytosol and release them into the synapse, a process called reverse transport [1]. As a result, people with ADHD can function without their usual cognitive impairments. New studies have recently shown that

Therapy of some sort can be another good benefit. But, and I can’t stress this enough, find a doctor, or therapist that really understands the condition. All too often we can find ourselves thrust into a medicated state, when all we needed at the time was some help structuring our daily lives. In making that statement, does it mean that I’m anti-medication? No, but I’ll talk about medication later on in this paper. Finding a person, whether it be a Doctor or Therapist that truly understands the condition can be a very uplifting event. Knowing that someone understands what you’re feeling and understands your frustrations and is willing to help, can pull the struggling ADHD adult up from the chaotic, frustrating, and overwhelming “floor” that they may currently be on their mind.

According to the Surgeon General website, “Because the symptoms of ADHD respond well to treatment with stimulants, and because stimulants increase the availability of the neurotransmitter dopamine, the “dopamine hypothesis” has gained a wide following. The dopamine hypothesis posits that ADHD is due to inadequate availability of dopamine in the central nervous system. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a key role in initiating purposive movement, increasing motivation and alertness, reducing appetite, and inducing insomnia, effects that are often seen when a child responds well to methylphenidate. The dopamine hypothesis has thus driven much of the recent research into the causes of ADHD.” (Surgeon General website). It does make sense that neurotransmitters are involved, since the mechanism of medications that seem to effectively reduce the symptoms of ADHD impacts the neurotransmitters. This may explain why these medications are effective for many people

ADHD is currently recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a neural biological disorder that affects behavioral, emotional, educational, and cognitive aspects of a person’s life and can impair functioning and quality of life. The 5th edition of the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines ADHD as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that interferes with functioning or development, and has symptoms presenting in two or more settings (home, work, school, etc.) negatively impacting social, academic, or occupational functioning (2013). The diagnosis of ADHD is divided into three subcategories: 1) predominantly inattentive, 2) predominately hyperactive-impulsive, and 3) ADHD combined.

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

The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to

“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition affecting children and adults that is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and overactivity” (CHADD). “It is a neurobiological disorder that affect 3-7 percent of school age children and may be seen as before the age of 7. The current diagnostic label is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, however, in the past several other names have been used, such as brain-damaged, minimal brain dysfunction, hyperkinetic impulsive disorder, and attention deficit disorder (CHADD). ADHD is a controversial disorder. Some understand it to be a true disability, while others believe “good teaching and discipline at home resolve the problems” (Kauffman 2005).

ADHD individuals have deficits involved with the functions of executive control within the brain. This control center affects concentration, hyperactivity, and learning.