The Importance Of ADHD In The Classroom

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

In this day and age, drugs are being prescribed without hesitation. In fact, many of these drugs are being prescribed for children with various disorders. One of these disorders is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). An estimated five to ten percent of children are diagnosed with this syndrome (Taylor 11). One of the methods to treat this disorder is to use stimulants, specifically Ritalin. This method is controversial because it has many side effects and its long-term effects are unknown. It can also lead to addiction. Approximately two to three percent of elementary school children are taking some kind of stimulant to treat ADHD (Taylor 64). Since so many children are taking this medication, new problems have arisen.

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

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.

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.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, has become a well-known disorder that our ears hear lightly and many don’t think twice about. Although, ADHD is presented in over 11,000,000 people that are living in the United States (Frank, 2017). ADHD is prevalent in both women and men of all various ages. Once one has this disorder, it stays with them forever. However, many therapists as well as psychologist believe that this disorder is over diagnosed and leads into false and inaccurate prescriptions. Due to ADHD being primarily diagnosed at the age of 7 (Holland, 2014), the main symptoms leading into the identity of ADHD are hyper activity, being easily distracted, acting out, daydreaming, physical aggression, and a lack

Participants, ages 11-13, will be chosen through a process of selection by teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, and students themselves, who are interested in finding an alternative to traditional treatments for ADHD including medication, psychological treatment or a combination of the two. The total number of participants is expected to be between 75 to 100 of nearly 600 students who will be divided into four participating classrooms. Consequently, an

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, has become a well-known disorder that our ears hear lightly and many don’t think twice about. Although, ADHD is presented in over 11,000,000 people that are living in the United States (Frank, 2017). ADHD is prevalent in both women and men of all various ages. Once one has this disorder, it stays with them forever. However, many therapists as well as psychologist believe that this disorder is over diagnosed and leads into false and inaccurate prescriptions. Due to ADHD being primarily diagnosed at the age of 7 (Holland, 2014), the main symptoms leading into the identity of ADHD are hyper activity, being easily distracted, acting out, daydreaming, physical

It is estimated that roughly 11% of children and 4.1% of adults are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is a 40% jump in diagnoses in the past decade. Stimulants such as amphetamines are prescribed to treat ADHD to increase focus and as college students are becoming more overwhelmed by workloads, stimulants are becoming very commonly abused to make it through an all-night study session. Because of this there are several instances of students exaggerating symptoms in order to receive the prescription they desire to improve in their classes. Many people believe that ADHD is becoming over diagnosed and in most cases it is simply kids being kids or stress-induced distractibility. This paper will address the idea presented by Dr. Richard Saul in his book ADHD Does Not Exist that Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become an easy diagnosis with an easy treatment, however ADHD is not the disorder, it is the symptom of various other physiological and psychological disorders that have been misdiagnosed.

Without a doubt, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD has become a massive debate across the United States. With the rising number of children being diagnosed and treated, unprecedented amounts of public attention have gone towards the illness. Without truly visible symptoms, the general public struggles to see the severity of the illness. The public worry, however, mostly deals with medical therapy. Drugs used to treat ADHD, such as Adderall, have become prevalent on college campuses across the nation for both those diagnosed and those not diagnosed with ADHD. However the main concern with the diagnosing and treatment is the inconsistency. Some states have percentages as low as 5.6% for number of children who have been diagnosed, while others are as high as 18.7%. The medical and behavioral therapy rates also differ by more than 10% between some states (“ADHD Throughout the Years”). Some sort of consistency is necessary in diagnosing and treating a relatively vague illness, and this sort of variance is frightening. Without any stability in these areas, the impression of ADHD becomes more and more unclear. As someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD, yet does not feel affected by the illness; I believe clarifying the mystery that is ADHD is enormously important and both the public perception and academic research play a role in this.

According to the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) resource center (2017), “combination treatment provides the best results in improving ADHD and oppositional symptoms and in other areas of functioning, such as parenting and academic outcomes.” Therefore, more and more providers are coming to believe that stimulant medications should not be the only treatment patients should be receiving for ADHD and should be combined with behavioral therapy (CHADD, 2017). It is the provider’s responsibility to ensure patients and their families are receiving the proper education regarding the recommended treatments for children diagnosed with ADHD, so they may choose the most effective treatment plan for their child. The purpose of this DNP project is to improve the education of patients and their families on the most effective treatments options for children with ADHD, with a goal to increase the use of behavioral therapy among all children with ADHD.

There are many negatives involved in ADHD, but what’s often overlooked, are the positives. One of these positives is the fact that this disorder is very manageable and treatable. We have an extended amount of knowledge from numerous studies that have been done since the disorder was discovered. From these studies we now know that this disorder can affect people in many ways and be a burden on someone if not treated properly.

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).