...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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...UNDERSTANDING ADULT ADHD ALENE CAMP UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY Orisade Awodola, M.A., Ph.D 06/04/2013 UNDERSTANDING ADULT ADHD TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………….…………………………3 DEFINITION OF ADHD…………………………………………………………………………4 SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF ADULT ADHD………………….………………………4 TREATMENT OF ADULT ADHD………………………………………………………………7 RECENT CHANGES AS DEFINED IN DSM V…………………………………….………….7 SUMMARY……………………………………………………………………………………….9 REFERENCES……………………..……………………………………………………………11 ABSTRACT Childhood ADHD receives a lot of media attention. From opinions of faulty diagnoses to general disagreements regarding types and amounts of medication used to treat the symptoms, there is a running dialogue in the media and annals of schools and homes. However, little is known about adult ADHD. This paper will analyze current research to glean a clear idea of what exactly is Adult ADHD, symptoms and prescribed treatments and will discuss current trends and changes in the field of psychology as it relates to ADHD. UNDERSTANDING ADULT ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a topic of media, parents, educators and the community for years. Debates range from those curious about the actual definition of ADHD to those concerned with medications prescribed for its treatment. Primarily seen as a disorder that affects school aged children, little is known about ADHD as it progresses into...
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...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 30 6.0 Acknowledgements 31 7.0 References and Bibliography 32 7.1 Primary References 32 7.2 Secondary References 34 7.3 Bibliography 35 8.0 Appendix 36 8.1 Glossary 36 Abstract Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a...
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...Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been a controversial topic due to its’ causes, diagnosis, as well as the treatments. Some critics of this controversy deny the very existence of ADHD as a mental disorder and believe that the physicians along with pharmaceutical industry are conspired with one another just to fill their pockets. While others believe that not only ADHD is a genetic mental disorder but also a disorder that may be caused by the environmental factors like geographical location, parenting and diet. Furthermore, many studies show that ADHD is in fact a mental disorder that affects many children and adults. ADHD is not over diagnosed and needs to be treated, however the treatment should not consist...
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...Chris Phillips Professor Daniel Wesley English Composition II 1302-062 10 December 2012 ADD/ADHD: A Proposal I’m hesitant to write about ADD/ADHD. It just seems like two-faced ground. Judging by the comments I’ve read online, in magazines, and my own experience, expressing an opinion about this identification or anything dealing in child psychiatry will be met with censure from both sides. I was reading an article “Ritalin Gone Wild” in the New York Times, and I felt obliged to write. If you have not read “Ritalin Gone Wild”, I persuade you to do so. In my opinion, I agree with the article except for the mention about “children born into poverty therefore [being] more vulnerable to behavior problems”. Unsurprisingly, the article has fascinated many online detectors. Let us check out this response from the NYT, accusing Dr Sroufe for “blaming parents” for ADD/ADHD. When I read the original article, Dr Sroufe did not do that. Instead, he noted that ADD/ADHD symptoms may not or at all come from a congenital neurological defect or “chemical imbalance”, but that ecological influences may be more significant. He also says that, ADD/ADHD drugs do work; children and adults do perform better on meds, but the successes do fail over time, perhaps a drug answer does not change ecological situation in the first place. I could not agree more. I think this statement is true for much of what is treated in psychiatry; it is predominantly related to children and adolescents. Children...
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...ADHD is not a new condition, but appears to have been around for centuries. In 1798 hyperactivity was described by Sir Alexander Crichton as “mental restlessness” (Hartmann, 2003). Although opponents suggest that stimulant medication has not been shown to be safe for treating ADHD these medications have been used for nearly a century. Stimulant medications were first reported to be used to treat ADHD in 1937 (Hartmann, 2003). The confusion may be fueled by the frequent changes in the diagnostic labeling of the disorder. ADHD has been termed to be “minimal brain damage”, “minimal brain dysfunction”, ”learning/behavioral disabilities”, a “hyperactivity”. It first appeared in the DSM-II in 1968 as ”Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood” (Hartmann, 2003). The DSM III referred to the condition as “ADD with or without hyperactivity” (Hartmann, 2003). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurobehavioral developmental condition effecting both children and adults marked by the presence of inattention and/or increased activity (VanCleave & Leslie, 2008). Delays in impulse control are also present. The condition appears to impact brain areas involved in problem solving, planning, and comprehension. The condition is thought to impact 3-5% of school age children (Greenhill, Posner, Vaughan, & Kratochvil, 2008). This condition was previously thought to be a psychiatric condition limited to childhood, but neurological evidence has been found for the condition being present in adults...
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...Disorder AbstractThe DSM-IV is widely used in the mental health field. Some of its many uses include providinga common language among professionals about psychopathology and delineating criteria for diagnosing individuals with mental disorders. This paper explores the purpose, history, andlimitations of the DSM diagnostic approach. A case study is provided and the DSM-IV-TR isused to diagnosis borderline personality disorder. The disorder is described and an empirically- based treatment plan is offered.2 Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder: DSM Diagnosing and Empirically-Based TreatmentThe APA (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is widelyused by mental health professionals. It provides a common language about psychopathologyamong clinicians, researchers, students, and other mental health professionals. Since its inceptioninto the field of mental health, it has made a huge impact on clinical practice, research, andeducation. Although it has advanced the field of mental health, there is still criticism of theDSM classification system. Despite its limitations, it continues to be considered an importantreference for mental health professionals. This paper will explore the DSM’s use within the fieldof psychopathology. Then it will be applied to a case study of a 15 year-old girl with mentalhealth concerns including a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Her symptoms will bedescribed, criteria for diagnosis will...
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...with ADD/ADHD are made. Over the past years, ADD/ADHD has received a lot of attention from parents, professionals, and policymakers from around the country. Now, almost everyone knows about ADD. The official name for ADD is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The disorder name has been changed before due to scientific advances and the findings of careful field trials. Now strong evidence supporting the idea that ADHD is not one specific disorder with different variations. AD/HD is a chronic condition that includes difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It is a neurologically-based developmental disability. There are...
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...PL3236 - Abnormal Unit 3 Notes – Assessment and Diagnosis Term | Info | Intro | * Clinical Assessment - the process of gathering information about a person and his or her environment to make decisions about the nature, status, and treatment of psychological problems * Typically begins with a set of Referral Questions developed in response to a request for help * Determine the goals of the assessment and select appropriate psych tests or measures | Goals of Assessment | * What procedures and instruments to use – age, med condition, and symptoms influence tools – psychologist’s theoretical perspective also affects scope. * Integrate findings to develop preliminary answers – shares this – process sometimes has therapeutic effect – feedback | Screening | * Screening - an assessment process that attempts to identify psychological problems or predict the risk of future problems among people who are not referred for clinical assessment * All members of group are given a brief measure for which some identified cutoff score indicates the possibility of significant problems, e.g. Centre for Epidemiological Studies-D (CES-D) – possibility of depression. * General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) – broad-based – indicates if more thorough evaluation is needed. * AUDIT test – 10-item screen to identify substance abuse * To evaluate usefulness of screening, they must have: * Sensitivity – ability of the screener/instrument to identify a problem that actually exists...
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...substance abuse is defined or understood can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the person or situation it may be related to. In simple terms, abuse is determined when there is a level of dysfunction related to the person's use of drugs or alcohol. One standard definition, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [HHS/SAMHSA], 1994, describes abuse as "the use of a psychoactive drug to such an extent that its effects seriously interfere with health or occupational and social functioning." The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) is standard in the medical and mental health fields for diagnosing both substance abuse and behavioral health disorders. According to the DSM-IV, substance abuse is "a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by" a variety of possible symptoms of impairment (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Social attitudes as well as political and legal regulations related to alcohol and illicit drug use make substance abuse a challenging public health issue to manage. There continues to be an ongoing debate between social ignorance, whereas some believe substance abusers can simply choose to stop, and the science that substance abuse is a disease that can be explained by a...
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...Republic of the Philippines Laguna State Polytechnic University San Pablo City Campus College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Science in Psychology Submitted to: Ms. Evangeline Dia Understanding Aggression Handed on February 5, 2014 By: Camille L. Quicho Student no. 11-00131 Psychology (BS), 2nd semester CONTENTS 1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………1 2 What is Aggression………………………………………………………………2 3 Disorders linked from Aggression……………………………………….. ~1~ 1- INTRODUCTION Psychologists classify aggression as instrumental and hostile. Instrumental aggression is aggressive behavior intended to achieve a goal. It is not necessarily intended to hurt another person. For example, a soccer player who knocks a teammate down as they both run to stop the ball from reaching the opposing team's goalpost is not trying to hurt the teammate. Hostile aggression, onthe other hand, is aggressive behavior whose only purpose is to hurt someone.Hostile aggression includes physical or verbal assault and other antisocialbehaviors. Most studies of aggression are geared toward hostile aggression. There are several forms of self-control training, which teaches people to control their own anger and aggression by making verbal statements in which the person tells him/herself to respond to anger and arousal by thinking first and then using less aggressive behavior. Self-control training includes rational restructuring, cognitive self-instruction, and stress inoculation. Self-control...
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...Differences and Similarities in Generalized Characteristic Traits among Genders: The Sociopath and Psychopath by Evelyn J. Dotson MS, University of Phoenix, 2015 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science Psychology University of Phoenix March, 2015 Abstract Psychopathic and sociopathic general characteristic traits are found in both genders in various populations. More research on the general characteristic traits of females is needed. Research for the female populations will give professionals information about the differences displayed between genders. Different applied sciences will also further their knowledge in treatment options for either tendency. The study used explored if any differences existed between genders with intensified levels of psychopathic traits in regard to psychopathy factor scores. The sample consisted of 2,500 people of both genders (52.6% women) (M=22.15; SD=1.38) from the generalized population, aged 20-24. Results displayed women with psychopathic personality traits had significantly higher levels of behavioral tendencies than men of the same. The genders did display a difference in aggressive behavior. The men showed a significant amount of aggressive behaviors compared to the women. The gender differences displayed in the seven psychopathic features show the variations needed for treatment options. Differences and Similarities in Generalized Characteristic Traits among...
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...be impulsive, hard to control, and not concerned about the feelings of other people. Symptoms may include: * Breaking rules without obvious reason * Cruel or aggressive behavior toward people or animals (for example: bullying, fighting, using dangerous weapons, forcing sexual activity, and stealing) * Failure to attend school (truancy -- beginning before age 13) * Heavy drinking and/or heavy illicit drug use * Intentionally setting fires * Lying to get a favor or avoid things they have to do * Running away * Vandalizing or destroying property These children often make no effort to hide their aggressive behaviors. They may have a hard time making real friends. Exams and Tests There is no real test for diagnosing conduct disorder. The diagnosis is made...
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...Introduction It has been hailed as perhaps the most important invention of the 20th century. The Internet has revolutionized the information and communication flow of people, changing the way we interact with others, gather and disseminate information, do business, express and entertain ourselves. Yet, for all its benefits, the Internet has also been identified as an accessory to issues including extra-marital affairs, pornography, and gambling. There also appears to be a growing concern, especially in Asia, for what has been labeled “Internet addiction.” In particular, certain Asian countries report it as a serious public health issue. Liu Guiming, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Society of Juvenile Delinquency Research, has been quoted as saying "the growing number of youth infatuated with unhealthy Web sites and campus violence has become an urgent social problem.” A leading Beijing judge, Shan Xiuyun, also declared that 90 per cent of juvenile crime in the city was Internet-related” (Sebag-Montefiore, 2005).As a result of these concerns, governments in South Korea, Japan and China have set up boot camps, which provide therapy to deal with Internet addiction (Ransom, 2007). China has also issued a ban on new Internet cafes to clamp down on Internet addiction (Watts, 2007). Yet, there are those who doubt whether this outcry is justified or even valid. An article in the American Psychological Association newsletter suggests that there is little empirical evidence...
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...movements. Also discussed are the effects ADHD and ODD can have on teachers who are observing children involved in a scripted act, unknown to the teachers, and how the halo effect might cloud their review of the child being observed and graded on their behavior. Introduction The effects of what is called the “halo effect” and how it relates to grading of student projects and ratings of their disruptive disorders can have dramatic effects on the finding of research project and diagnosis’ of patients. Halo effect is properly defined as: The halo effect is the systematic bias that the rater introduces by carrying over a generalized impression of the subject from one rating to another. An instructor expects the student who does well on the first question of an examination to do well on the second. You conclude a report is good because you like its form, or you believe someone is intelligent because you agree with him or her. Halo is especially difficult to avoid when the property being studied is not clearly defined, is not easily observed, is not frequently discussed, involves reactions with others, or is a trait of high moral importance. (Cooper & Schindler, 2010, p. 298) This literary review discusses the halo effect in the education environment. Twelve articles have been reviewed and discussed on the subjects of 1) teachers rating students, 2) students rating teachers, 3) the perception of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD),...
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