...Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder John Mooney 412 Psychology Dr. Jim Spencer West Virginia State University 4 May 2012 Abstract Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a developmental disorder that is believed to affect about 3 to 5 percent of children globally and diagnosed in about 2 to 16 percent of school aged children (National Institute of Mental Health). Also, 30 to 50 percent of those diagnosed will continue having symptoms into adulthood and it is estimated that 4.7 percent of American adults live with AD/HD (NIMH). Although most healthcare providers accept AD/HD as a genuine disorder, there still remains controversy regarding diagnosis and treatment which is being debated in the scientific community. Although it found controversy in the lack of sufficient data on long-term use of medications, the US National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) supports the validity of the AD/HD diagnosis and the efficacy of stimulant treatment. Introduction Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is becoming the highlight of many controversial debates. Each year more children as well as adults are being diagnosed with these medical conditions. Despite the fact that many doctors question the authenticity behind its diagnoses, AD/HD can have a negative effect not only on the patients themselves, but to the families and loved ones who have to endure the behavior produced by the patients. According to the Diagnostic and statistical manual...
Words: 2555 - Pages: 11
...1. Disorder Attention – deficit hyperactivity disorder Demonica Felton PSY 350: Physiological Psychology Instructor: Julie Bruno May 28, 2012 2. Disorder Attention – deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that is developed during childhood. ADHD is referred to as a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. Individuals who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their physical activity and can also affect their relationship with family and friends. A child often times have attention problems but doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a sign of ADHD. Major research has been conducted to treat individuals who suffer from the disorder. Predominantly hyperactive – impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combined form of the disorder is the three known types of ADHD. Many characteristics are recognized in children with ADHD. All parents and teachers should educate themselves about the symptoms and behaviors problems associated with the disorders. Parents have a very difficult time making an informed decision whether or not to give their child medication, because of the concerns involving some side effects (Dillon, 2012). Medical attention is needed if signs of ADHD is noticed because if left untreated can cause serious problems. It’s important to remember that characteristics of ADHD are severe behaviors, and often noticed before the age of seven. Every parent must always notify the school if a child is diagnose with ADHD. There...
Words: 600 - Pages: 3
...Feeley Comp299 Disabilities Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD is a disorder that deals with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity or a combination of the three. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children with 3-5% of school aged children being affected. Young boys are much more prone to being diagnosed with ADHD than girls are. Although it is not officially clear what causes ADHD may be handed down from your parents. ADHD is sometimes confused with depression, lack of sleep, learning disabilities, tic disorders and behavior problems. In most cases there are at least one other behavioral or developmental problem that goes along with a child’s ADHD. Symptoms The symptoms of ADHD are inattentiveness, over-activity and impulsivity but there are symptoms that go with each of those are well. Inattentive symptoms include failing to give close to details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork, having difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play, not listening when being spoken to directly, not following through on instruction and failing to finish schoolwork, chores or other responsibilities. Also, avoiding tasks that require constant mental effort, becoming easily distracted, forgetting daily activities and frequently losing toys, assignments, pencils, books, or other materials needed for daily tasks and activities. Hyperactivity symptoms include constantly...
Words: 927 - Pages: 4
...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Many people remembered that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was once called hyperkinesis. This disorder is one of the most common mental disorders among children. Seen through a child’s eyes with ADHD is much more than distracting ,with sounds, images and thoughts that are constantly turning, than that of a child’s without this disorder. Every person has experienced some of these symptoms once in their life, just not on a daily basis. This does not only affect the person with the disorder but the people around them whether it is their mom and dad, teacher, friends, or siblings. “Additionally, there are now brain studies that show that when someone with ADHD is told to “just try harder” and does, the result can be anxiety and a brain that actually starts to shut down it’s primary executive functions (Booth).” For a while now scientists have come up with many different theories about ADHD. Some theories have ended up short and some have opened up new and exciting doors of investigation. One theory was that anyone with ADHD has had some minor head injuries or undetectable damage to the brain. For a long time this disorder was called “minimal brain damage” or “minimal brain dysfunction.” But as researchers found out that only certain types of head injuries can explain some cases of attention disorder. In knowing that the theory was excluded. Because children with ADHD often struggle in their schoolwork, peer...
Words: 1758 - Pages: 8
...Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Ronda Real RES/110 Introduction to Research and Information Utilization March 31, 2010 Don Hull Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Ever been in a restaurant, in a classroom, or in church and seen a child who cannot sit still, concentrate, or talks constantly and wonder what is wrong with the child? The child may have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Within this paper the following questions will be answered, the definition of ADHD, the cause of ADHD, the symptoms of ADHD and if the symptoms differ in boys and girls, the different treatments for ADHD. Definition of ADHD If one has seen the children who cannot sit still, concentrate, or talks constantly and wonders if the child has ADHD then one needs to know the definition of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. According to Mayo Clinic (2009), the definition of "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. Problems associated with ADHD include inattention and hyperactive, impulsive behavior. Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school" (Definition, para. 1). Within this clinics definition of ADHD there is an estimated three percent to five percent of children who are affected in the United States...
Words: 1441 - Pages: 6
...Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of childhood. In fact, having a child with ADHD is correlated with significant increases in the amount of stress that parents experience. It was hypothesized that coping strategies would be different between mothers of children with/without ADHD. The purpose of this study was to determine whether coping strategies differ in the two mother groups. Fifty Iranian mothers of children aged between 6 to 12 participated in this study (25 mothers of children with ADHD and 25 mothers of children without ADHD). For assessing coping strategies, ways of coping questionnaire (WOCQ) by Folkman and Lazarus (1988) was administered on subjects. T. test was used for analyzing data. Our data show only one of the coping strategies- problem solving- employed were significantly different between two groups. This strategy was more commonly used among mothers of children without ADHD. Key words: ADHD, Coping Strategies, Mothers. INTRODUCTION Attention- Deficit/ hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 3-5% of children before age 7 and is characterized by difficulties in controlling impulsive and hyperactive behaviors and/ or paying attention (Mitchell, 2006). This constellation of symptoms not only has a negative impact on the child’s life by creating difficulties in school and peer relations, but also is associated with difficulties within the home. In fact, having a child with ADHD is correlated with significant...
Words: 1675 - Pages: 7
...Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present with a number of behavioral, social, and academic challenges. However, the importance of understanding the strengths and abilities of these children should not be overlooked, particularly in the school environment. First, it is important to understand common areas of strength in children with ADHD. In what areas are these children successful, and how are parents and educators able to support their growth and development in both areas of strength and need? Identifying areas of potential strength across children with ADHD will serve to provide a broad understanding of the unique capabilities of this population. Recent research examining strengths in children with ADHD has begun to identify a number of areas in which these children are no different from those without ADHD. Children with ADHD have been found to demonstrate cognitive strengths in the areas of logical thinking and reasoning, emotional intelligence, and creativity. There is a need to continue this avenue of research so as to better understand areas of ability and how they can be used to support success. Second, it is important to understand what protective factors may be most influential for children with ADHD. Protective factors are those that serve to shield children with ADHD against further negative outcomes, such as the development of comorbid conditions, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder. These protective factors, both internal...
Words: 654 - Pages: 3
...Over the past several decades, highly skilled professionals have attempted to address several issues regarding antipsychotic drugs used to treat school-aged children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The distribution of these ADHD medications have steadily increased over the years, which has, on one hand, presented a possible solution to the escalating diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and on the latter, brought into question the ethics and effectiveness of these medications. Health officials, parents, and the children themselves struggle to come to an agreement when deciding whether or not medication is the best solution. The Debate Over Medicating Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In the spring of 2004, Jacqueline A. Sparks, an associate professor of family therapy at the University of Rhode Island, and Barry L. Duncan, a cofounder of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, investigated the ethics and effectiveness behind the distribution of ADHD medications as a modern treatment method for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Even though, “appropriate identification and treatment of symptoms for psychiatric illnesses (such as ADHD) during childhood and adolescence is critical” (ScienceDaily). Sparks and Duncan note that, “ADHD is arguably the most controversial topic in recent mental health history. The ADHD diagnosis is not defined by a biological marker (Leo & Cohen, 33), but is...
Words: 2880 - Pages: 12
...Neuroanatomical Differences in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Influence of Stimulant Medication Administration Zach Grice-Patil University of Minnesota Neuroanatomical Differences in ADHD Abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common psychological disorder with a pathophysiology that is not well understood. The choice treatment is with strong psychoactive stimulants (methylphenidate), which has helped to establish much of the known pathophysiology of the disorder. Medication administration to young children is becoming exceedingly common and it is suspected here that methylphenidate has effects on neurodevelopmental processes. Much of the imaging data which suggest neuroanatomical differences observed in ADHD are confounded by the inability to control for lifetime-medication use in the sample. Animal data have demonstrated that acute methylphenidate administration can cause significant changes in juveniles. A 2 multi-level analysis of the current literature assessing the structural differences in ADHD with respect to methylphenidate administration is the focus for this review. Methods include: MR structural, MR diffusion, MR spectroscopy, Positron Emission Tomography, and Histology. Based upon this review, the current administration of methylphenidate to young ADHD patients should be reevaluated to account for the uncertainty in medication-induced neurodevelopment. Neuroanatomical Differences in ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common...
Words: 6112 - Pages: 25
...Can essential fatty acid supplementation play a role in the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? For submission 22nd April 2006 Dissertation, 3rd Year ION Contents Abstract 3 1.0 Introduction 4 1.1 Prevalence 4 1.2 Diagnosis 4 DSM-IV Checklist for Diagnosing ADHD 6 Figure 1. DSM-IV Checklist for Diagnosing ADHD 6 1.3 Associated Conditions 7 1.4 Prognosis 7 1.5 Aetiology 7 1.5.1 Genetics 8 1.5.2 Environmental Influences 8 1.5.3 Essential Fatty Acids 8 1.5.4 Food Sensitivities 9 1.5.5 Heavy Metal Toxicity 9 1.5.6 Nutrient deficiencies 9 1.5.7 Pregnancy/birth trauma 10 1.5.8 Hypoglycaemia 10 1.5.9 Digestive 10 1.5.10 Thyroid 11 1.6 Clinical Management 11 1.7 Understanding the Role of Essential Fatty Acids 12 1.7.1 What are Essential Fatty Acids? 12 Figure 2. Major Food Sources of Essential Fatty Acids 12 Figure 3. Omega-3 and Omega-6 metabolic pathways 13 1.7.2 Essential Fatty Acids and Brain Function 13 1.7.3 Physical Signs of Fatty Acid Deficiency 14 2.0 Literature Review 15 2.1 DHA Supplementation 15 2.2 Combined DHA, EPA, GLA Supplementation 18 2.3 Combined EPA, DHA, ALA Supplementation 19 2.4 ALA Supplementation 22 2.5 Summary of studies reviewed 23 Figure 4. Summary of Studies Reviewed 23 3.0 Discussion 24 3.1 Future Research 27 4.0 Conclusion 28 5.0 Nutritional Strategy 29 5.1 Benchmarking 29 5.2 Dietary Strategy 29 5.3 Lifestyle Strategy 29 5.4 General Supplement programme...
Words: 9455 - Pages: 38
...Abstract This paper explores the communication surrounding the Attention deficit 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...
Words: 3452 - Pages: 14
...ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AMBER BOLIN HCA/240 03/20/2016 ISMAILA RAMON ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER Ever been somewhere and there’s that one child who is out of control? Bad parenting may not be the cause of the behavior. There are a lot of misconceptions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder some believe that the child is just misbehaving and it’s a discipline issue this is caused from a lack of knowledge of the disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been around for a long time but was misdiagnosed or fell under a different name in the Manual of Mental Disorder. What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder formally known as Hyperkinetic is a mental disorder commonly found in children. The brain uses chemical substances for operation and communication these chemicals are known as neurotransmitters and serve various functions. Two transmitters Dopamine and Norepinephrine are used to stimulate and repress stimulation in the brain cells. Inattention and distractibility are linked to Norepinephrine while impulse and behavioral problems are linked to low levels of Dopamine. So Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chemical imbalance and in no way liked to brain structure or brain damage. In 1902 a British pediatrician Sir George Still considered children with behavioral problems as “abnormal defect of moral control” and encouraged discipline...
Words: 751 - Pages: 4
...Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that affects 1 in 20 children in the United States. (Faraone, Sergeant, Gillberg, Biederman 2003). ADHD is a relatively new disorder only recently being categorized as legitimate, and recognized among medical professionals. While it is a highly discussed behavioral topic today, there exists many differing opinions regarding its cause. Professionals debate what factors could influence the cause of this disorder, and based upon my research there may be many. These span throughout the spectrums of biological, cognitive, and/or socio-cultural factors. Because of the disorder’s high prevalence in western cultures, especially the United States, there has become an increased...
Words: 1312 - Pages: 6
...Research Paper Outline Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder I. Introduction a. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADD, or ADHD to others is defined as a chronic condition b. which includes: attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. c. Clinically illustrated, ADD is present in more than 3 million US cases per year. II. History a. (ADD vs. ADHD, compare amount of cases per year, b. when it was recognized as a mental disorder, types of ADD c. Sir Alexander Crichton III. Epidemiology a. (Who is at risk?) ADD is a childhood-onset, clinically heterogenous disorder of inattention hyperactivity and impulsivity. b. (How many are affected?) 3-5 of school age population c. Ethnicity involvement IV. Where a. Where is it found? b....
Words: 344 - Pages: 2
...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Many children are treated with medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The study of alternative methods of behavior modification and treatment must be seriously considered because all medications prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have cumulative and damaging side effects. Many of these side effects are terribly dangerous for a child’s physical and mental health. Parents with children who are diagnosed with ADHD should reconsider the use of administering medication to their children. The steps to medicate a child for ADHD should be carefully researched, studied, and given great thought. Parents should not yield so easily to the pressures of physicians and educators to medicate their children. Based upon a minimal amount of historical studies, the psychiatric and mental health fields of medicine and the National Institute of Mental Health decided in 1998 that ADHD was a legitimate condition. Historical information was supported by studies at the Mayo Clinic and recently published on that web site. Studies reveal that very little is known about the causes of ADHD and that symptoms fall into the two broad categories of inattention and hyperactivity with impulsive behavior (Mayo Clinic). Symptoms that are most universally used when describing the behavior of a school-aged child suspected of having ADHD include: - Doesn’t maintain attention as well as most classmates -...
Words: 1497 - Pages: 6
