...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a highly prevalent, neurobiological disorder which generally has an early onset of symptoms (Biederman, 2005). Children of both genders are affected and symptoms often persist into adolescence and adulthood. It often includes varying degrees of age-inappropriate behaviors such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity (Barkley, 2002). These behavior traits must be prominent enough to cause impairment in the individual’s functioning. ADHD is considered a developmentally relative deficit. This means that diagnosable ADHD cases are often the extreme cases of normal traits, or result from an abnormal delay in normal traits. Evidence exists that the disorder runs in families, and it is assumed to be heritable (Biederman, 2005). Polanczyk, Silva de Lima, Horta, Biederman, & Rohde (2007) point out that this disorder has become a major public health concern because of its prevalence, early onset, and the serious financial burden for both families and society, that is often associated with it. Common predicaments with ADHD include overdiagnosis, stimulant medications as treatment, and the issue regarding worldwide prevalence, namely, whether or not it is more common in the United States. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been studied extensively, often with controversial findings, which implies that much more research is necessary. ADHD appears quite diverse over varying cases, but the general signs and symptoms are...
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...ADHD is over Diagnosed A simple way to describe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is that it is a brain based condition where there is an imbalance of the brains chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline, these chemicals being responsible for self-control and slowing down of impulses. Because of the slight imbalance of these important chemicals, people with ADHD will experience impulsive, hyperactive behavior as well as inattentiveness with short term memory and in some cases, learning difficulties. Although doctors and scientists have more information about the causes and treatment of ADHD today, there is an interesting history around this disorder which had many different theories and beliefs. Discovered over one hundred years ago, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a recent medical discovery. It was first described in about 1902 by George Still, an English pediatrician, who had observed a group of patients and recognized them as being inattentive, over active and suffering from a "lack of moral control". After George Still's discovery, many controversies followed. It was believed that ADHD was a result of brain damage, but when doctors realized that most children with ADHD had no brain damage, that idea was discarded. ADHD was then called Hyperactive Child Syndrome, where all the focus was on hyperactivity. In addition to this, Dr Ben Feingold researched a link between ones diet and hyperactivity, but this controversy was soon proven to not have much effect...
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...Overexposure and ADHD: Is there a connection? It is an urban myth that an overexposure to watching television may cause people to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). My purpose is to study this theory to discover if it is accurate. I am also interested in discovering how ADHD plays a role in education. Before I can begin I have to start by researching what ADHD is. ADHD is a disorder among people that is associated with three main symptoms which are poor sustained attention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Along with these three main topics, three subtypes have also been identified in the forms of being predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types (Barkley). Where does ADHD occur? Out of the childhood population 4-12% have ADHD (Clayton). Along with that percentage boys can be found outweighing girls in a ratio of 3:1. ADHD can continue on into a person’s adolescence stage in 50-80% of clinically diagnosed case and into adulthood in 30-50% of these same cases (Barkley). How can someone determine if their child or children have ADHD? ADHD is most likely evaluated through diagnostic interviews with the child, their parents, and the child’s tearcher(s). Other evaluations are behavior rating scales completed by the parents and the teacher(s), direct observations of the students’ school behavior, and clinic based testing (Anastopoulos). There are many different methods as to how ADHD is treated. Some...
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...Over-prescribing of ADHD Medication to Children Lesley M. Thomas University of Houston- Clear Lake What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? According to the National Library of Medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is defined as, “a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able to control behavior, or a combination of these.” (www.nlm.nih.gov) For a diagnosis of this disorder, generally referred to simply as ADHD, these issues must be out of the normal range for a person’s age and development. Although the majority of diagnoses are given to children and adolescents, there are also a vast number of ADHD cases diagnosed for adults. The purpose of my research paper is to offer background on this disorder, discuss the psychopharmacology of its treatment options, and to discuss whether ADHD medication is over-prescribed to children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) states that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity has three different subtypes. Those subtypes are Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and a combination of the two. In order for the Predominantly Inattentive subtype to be used, at least six or more symptoms of inattention must be both present and persistent for at least six months. However, there must be fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. For usage of the Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subtype to be used, there must be a persistent presence of at least six...
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...------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Faculty Use Only ------------------------------------------------- <Faculty comments here> Impact of Psychological Illness on Nutrition Healthy nutrition is often a reflection of healthy living in general. Psychosocial behaviors, psychological illness, cognitive deficiencies, and body image are among the many behavioral and psychosocial factors that can have an impact on nutrition. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is amongst the most common neurobehavioral disorders in children, with a prevalence rate as high as four percent to twelve percent in school-aged children (Juneja, Jain, Singh, & Mallika, 2010). It has been estimated for school aged boys to be three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than school age girls; no explanation for this disproportional rate has yet to be provided This mental disorder is usually accompanied by depression, mood disorders,...
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...hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), from public concept, popular media, and personal stories, in order to understand how the disorder is perceived within American culture. The discussion approaches public misgivings and beliefs about ADHD, metaphors surrounding the disorder, and narratives from patients themselves. These topics will assist to analyze the implications of messages surrounding ADHD. Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders, present in 6% to 9% of all children (Cassels, 2013). For several decades, ADHD was mostly considered a childhood disorder. Symptoms of ADHD in children, however, continue into adulthood in approximately half of all cases, and current estimates of adults with ADHD indicate an incidence rate of 4% to 5% among adults (Kessler et al., 2006). Studies show that the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD is increasing, but it is unclear why. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age (Park, 2013). Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. Like many other illnesses, ADHD probably results...
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...Diagnosis of ADHD in Youth Brent Townes COM/172 November 10, 2014 Crystal Hicks Diagnosis of ADHD in Youth There have been a lot of studies done on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the school aged children of today. The Center for Dieses Control and Prevention has completed a mass survey that states 1 and 5 school aged boys has been diagnosed with ADHD, and 11 percent of school aged children overall (ages 4-17 years old). Approximately 6.4 million have been diagnosed as of 2011. This number has increased from 7.8% in 2003 to 11% in 2011. Boys are 13.2% more likely than girls at 5.6% to ever be diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is a real disorder that needs to be addressed, but does not always need medication to treat it. Diagnosis of ADHD For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD there is certain criteria that is supposed to be met. There are several steps to the process in being diagnosed with ADHD, however, there is not one test alone that can diagnosis it. There are many other issues such as anxiety, depression, and other learning disabilities that have similar symptoms as ADHD. There was recently a new manual printed for medical professionals called DSM-5 to diagnosis ADHD. There was a few changes to the DSM-5 such as: symptoms can occur by age 12 rather than by age 6; and adults and children 17 and older are only required to have 5 symptoms rather than the 6 symptoms for children 16 and younger. Here are a few examples...
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...assess the impact of treatment for ADHD in children’s classroom behavior in correlation to academic performance. Some think medication is the way to go while others believe behavioral therapy and counseling should be taken into consideration. According to the Mayo Clinic, 2015, “Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, education, training and counseling. These treatments can relieve many of the symptoms of ADHD, but they don't cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child.” It is not necessarily the way in which ADHD is diagnosed that leaves one stumped but to what degree the symptoms can be helped in a child’s progression throughout an academic career. It has been well established that children with ADHD do face difficulties in daily life functioning including academic underperformance (Kuriyan et al., 2013). Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are all common symptoms of ADHD that have an effect on underperformance; it is also these symptoms that have caused a negative effect on a child’s performance in school. The inability to pay attention manifests in the academic area of a child’s schooling. Students usually are identified with ADHD only after consistently demonstrating a failure to understand or follow rules or to complete required tasks. “The majority of research on the relationship between ADHD and academia performance is concentrated on school-age children, as ADHD is traditionally viewed as a childhood...
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...ADHD Patients and Criminal Activity American Military University CMRJ303 Criminology January 15, 2013 Abstract Utilizing the research of Gudjonsson, Sigurdsson, Newton and Einarsson (2008), NIMH, (2008), Fletcher & Wolfe (2012), Babinski, Hartsouch, Lambert (1999), Jill and Page (2005) and Belluck (2012) this paper reflects the understanding of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how it can be a contributing factor to crime. Keywords: ADHD, crime, criminal behavior, treatments, Crimes That Involve ADHD Patients Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is generally displayed through behavioral inhibitions. ADHD is an ever-growing problem within the United States and across the globe. Often time’s people don’t understand ADHD and how such a disorder can lead to criminal activity. Through understanding how ADHD consumes a persons life will demonstrate how this disorder plays a role in the minds of those that have committed crimes. ADHD is most often discovered in children and can continue into adolescence and adulthood. The main symptoms include difficulty maintaining a focused mindset and paying attention to specific tasks. Behavioral issues are often affected due to the difficulty controlling ones behavior. All these symptoms are then topped off with hyperactivity, or being over-active (NIMH, 2008). There are three known subtypes to ADHD. The subtypes are referred to as the following: Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive...
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...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Page 4 Possible Symptoms of ADHD Page 5-6 Possible Causes of ADHD Page 7-10 Possible Treatments for ADHD Page 11-12 Medication for ADHD Page 13 Evaluation Page 14 Conclusion Page 15 Bibliography Page 16-17 Introduction As part of the assessment in my Psychology module, my tutor has asked me to select an illness for my second assignment. The assignment must be informative and well researched. I am expected to cover the basics of the illness. I have decided to do my assignment on (ADHD) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, I have chosen this disorder as I have not got much knowledge or proper understanding of it and would like to educate myself more and file it in my brain with all the other illnesses/disorders I do know about. ADHD is a well known disorder yet there seems to be a lot of confusion on the topic also. Within the assignment I plan to research the topic to the best of my ability through media, books, magazine, internet and organisations where it is possible. I will cover the causes, symptoms, treatments, look into help groups and centres, my aim is to get a clearer understanding of how the disorder comes about basically live the life of an ADHD patient and see how life is through their eyes. I will finish my assignment with...
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...ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, the American Health Institute states “Approximately 3-7% of school-aged children have the disorder. Larger cities may have rates as high as 10-15%. About 4 million children are affected nation wide. “ The earliest your child can get tested is 3 years old, so if you see any symptoms in your child your child should be tested because they may have adhd. Psych Central states “ About 20 to 30 percent of children with ADHD also have a learning disability (LD). This is a problem that is unexpected given the child’s general intelligence In preschool children, this often appears as a difficulty understanding certain sounds or words and/or difficulty in expressing oneself in words. In school age...
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...members in my family with ADHD, I have always been curious as to the different causes of ADHD such as genetics compared to the environment. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is “one of the most common childhood-onset psychiatric disorders; it afflicts some 5% to 10% of children and adolescents” (Susan). After numerous studies, results verified, “children of parents with ADHD are at high risk for meeting diagnostic criteria for the disorder” and that childhood cases of ADHD “continue through adolescence and adulthood have an especially strong familial component” (Joseph). For background statistics on ADHD, ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence...
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...PAPER ON ADHD Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral development disorder among children. In the United States there are at least 2 million grade school children that are diagnosed with the disorder (Dupper, 2003). ADHD is determined to be one of the most common development disorders in children (Barlow & Durand, 2009). This paper will discuss the different aspects of ADHD, its symptoms, common traits, and the known treatments being used by clinicians. Moreover, the paper will also touch on the important things to consider when dealing with ADHD, particularly in the area of social work. By doing so, it will determine why social work should be an integral part of the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVE DISORDER (ADHD) Dr. George Still was the first to diagnose ADHD in 1902 (Rafalovich, 2001). He detected the disorder in 20 children who all had impaired concentration and over-activity. However it was only after the encephalitis outbreak in the United States from 1917- 1918 that serious study of the disorder took place (Rafalovich, 2001). Clinically called encephalitis luthargica was identified as a specific disease category of children demonstrating unconventional behavior (Rafalovich, 2001). The study of encephalitis luthargica paved the way for research modality in psychiatry that became the neurological basis for childhood deviance, exemplified by modern study of ADHD (Rafalovich, 2001). Today ADHD holds the...
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...MENTAL ILNESS (ADHD) Terricka Atkins HCA/240 NOVEMBER 17, 2013 BRUCE GOULD ADHD was recognize as ADD and eventually as ADHD. A pediatrician in 1902, describe a group of as children as disobedient, emotional, and uninhibited. He said their actions were based on biology. He also believed that some of the children had other family members with the same disorder. Early theories were that these children were the victims of poor parenting, and more discipline was the best treatment. Years later ADHD was recognized as a mental disorder. According to ncbi,“ Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able control behavior, or a combination of these. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for a person's age and development.” ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. “It is not clear what causes ADHD. A combination of genes and environmental factors likely plays a role in the development of the condition. Imaging studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of children without ADHD.” There are many myths that are connected to ADHD. The myths that are mostly told is that ADHD is caused from poor parenting and ADHD affects school performance. ADHD is not caused by anything parents do, although symptoms can be exacerbated...
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...Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental condition that affects ~5-10% of children with symptoms such as inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. While both children and adults can have ADHD, it is typically diagnosed in children around the age of seven. Along with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, ADHD is also thought to lead to other behavioral issues including substances use/abuse and addiction. Since ADHD can continue through adolescence and into adulthood, it is important to learn if this disorder puts individuals at risk substance use. The object of one study conducted by Brooke S.G. Molina and William E. Pelham, Jr. was to clarify the magnitude of risk for early substance use and SUD in clinic-referred children with ADHD compared to children without ADHD. Their results were published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2003, Vol.112, No.3, in their paper titled, “Childhood Predictors of Adolescent Substance use in a Longitudinal Study of Children with ADHD”. The research was performed by two distinguished psychologists, Dr. Molina and her mentor, Dr. Pelham, both of whom have significant experience in studying ADHD in children. The article reference section was lengthy and covered numerous topics of children behavior specific to ADHA issues. The authors themselves had several other publications included in the References. The longitudinal study followed two sets of children: one set of 142 clinical-referred children with ADHD and one set of 100...
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