...diagnosed with ADHD) James C. Whear Metropolitan State University Instructor: Deborah Matthias-Anderson NURS 407-01 Family Health Nursing December 7, 2012 Objectives Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The 3 types of ADHD are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Diagnosis is made by clinical criteria. Treatment usually includes drug therapy with stimulant drugs, behavioral therapy, and educational interventions. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ADHD has been classified as a developmental disorder, although increasingly it is considered a disruptive behavior disorder. ADHD affects an estimated 5 to 15% of school-aged children. However, many experts think ADHD is over diagnosed, largely because criteria are applied inaccurately. According to Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2012 “The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type occurs 2 to 9 times more frequently in boys; the predominantly inattentive type occurs with about equal frequency in both sexes. ADHD tends to run in families.” ADHD has no known single specific cause. CDC (2012) indicates that potential causes include: genetic, biochemical, sensorimotor, physiologic, and behavioral factors. Some risk factors include birth weight < 1000 g, head trauma, and lead exposure, as well as prenatal exposures to alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine. Fewer than 5% of children with ADHD have other...
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...ADHD PSYCH 575 November 5, 2012 Dr. Rex Philpot PhD. ADHD During, childhood one of the most common neuropsychological and behavioral disorders affecting behaviors emerges in children and adults pertains to ADHD (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, pp. 64-65). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder disrupts the process of learning in children as well as others in the classroom, home, and the workplace. Often, children demonstrating these behaviors are impetuous and reckless thereby disruptive in activities at home, school, and play whereby hindering the child’s or adult’s abilities to learn and perform. This paper will provide an explication of ADHD and the common symptoms along with the rates of managing, and reducing the symptoms implemented in three treatments in methods selected in treating the disorder. Furthermore, an analysis will explicate the neurophysiological underpinnings, and contemporary attitudes of the selected interventions video games, family therapy, and Ritalin. Cause and characteristics of ADHD The symptoms of ADHD affect three to five percent of children in the United States that serves as the leading cause of underachievement as well as school failures (Parksepp, 1998). In the past the disorder incurred numerous labels “such as,” hyperkinetic reaction, hyperactive syndrome, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, and a minimal dysfunction of the brain. Males “in contrast,” to females because of underdiagnosing are more likely to endure...
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...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...
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...The Harmful Effects of ADHD Medication in Children Mellanie Cadwell Abstract The medications and treatments for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were researched to expose the risks of pharmaceuticals and their side effects on young children. The medical risks of medications commonly used to treat children with ADHD were examined using published research and findings from pediatricians, physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals, as well as alternative treatments for the disorder. The research showed that the ADHD pharmaceutical treatment plans have serious short and long term side effects on young children, with no evidence of long term efficacy. Whereas, alternative treatment plans pose no harmful physical side effects and are still effective. The Harmful Effects of ADHD Medication in Children Abigail first started exhibiting signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in preschool. Her preschool teachers complained to her parents that during story time she disturbed the other children with her fidgeting. Her parents took her to a developmental pediatrician who, after many tests, diagnosed her with ADHD. The pediatrician prescribed different medications that made her seriously ill and drastically altered her personality. After trying several different medications, her parents decided to abstain...
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...Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder By Lakisha Mitchell Nash Community College Learning with Behavior Disorders Catherine Jancso EDU 222 10-22-11 Abstract This paper explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that can affect children and adults. ADHD in children can cause trouble with focus, patience, and over activity. ADHD is the most common childhood disorder and usually appear early in life often between the ages of 3 and 6. Children that are diagnosed with ADHD usually have problems at home, school and in their social life. ADHD symptoms fall into three categories: inattentive, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines to help diagnose ADHD. The child’s pediatrician may suggest a combination of medication and behavioral therapy as part of a total treatment. Education of the child’s family is an essential component of any treatment plan, which includes special education programs, psychological intervention and drug treatment. Diagnoses, treatment, keeping track of progress are the three phases of managing ADHD. Studies show that long-term treatment with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy is far superior to just medication treatment. ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or talent. Many children with ADHD...
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...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 rather subjective and not...
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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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...Alternative Treatments The most successful ADHD treatments involves the child’s environment. Even with the help of pharmaceuticals, the more significant progresses occur with the help and support of family, teachers, psychologists and physicians. These are at the source of two important alternative treatment options: diet and nutrition, and behavior modification therapy (Millichap, 2010). Diet and Nutrition According to Millichap (2010), “of all the alternative therapies proposed for the treatment of ADHD, diet and dietary supplements have demanded the most attention and invoked frequent controversy” (p. 144) . The controversy is largely due to the fact that there is minimal scientific studies around this type of ADHD intervention. However,...
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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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...Medicine & Therapy Abstract Attention deficient hyperactive disorder is a growing diagnosis among adolescents. Two main treatments are medication and behavioral therapy, or a combined treatment is also an option. Naturally there are debates on which treatment is more effective on treating the effects of ADHD. This report provides you with background information about ADHD, the types it’s broken down into, whom it affects, the percentage of adolescents taking medication. Also information on what behavioral therapy is provided. Two studies that have tested a group of children, affected by ADHD, and the types of treatments in order to find out which treatment provides the best results on reducing the effects of ADHD. Introduction Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder is a growing behavioral disorder among America’s adolescents. ADHD is a growing mainly among children from ages 4 through 17. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 9.5 percent of children ages 4 through 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD as of the year 2007. The CDC also reports that on average the rate of ADHD diagnoses has increased 5.5 percent per year from 2003 to 2007. Boys are about twice as likely to have been diagnosed with ADHD than girls according to the CDC, and diagnoses increase among older teens than among children. ADHD was formerly referred to as Attention Deficient Disorder, ADD, but in 1994 the disorder was classified into three subtypes based on different behavioral...
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...Glennis Gilmore McCray ENG-105 April 14, 2016 Priscilla Bamba Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is defined as Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Merriam Webster defines medication as a substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug. Consequently psychotropic medication is defined as any medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. Some medications such as lithium, which may be used to treat depression, are psychotropic. Also called a psychodynamic medication. When ADHD and medication are paired together the results can be amazing. However for every action there is a reaction. This reaction can sometimes overshadow the good that has been done. The trend of hidden dangers of ADHD medication, the effects of taking ADHD medication and making the right choices for your family. The hidden dangers of taking ADHD medication are discussed very often. The Harvard Medical School has stated that “Medications — chiefly the stimulants dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate — are the only proven treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with its symptoms of distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. But the benefits of stimulants last only as long as patients continue to take them, and worries about the risks of long-term use are again in the news...
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...speak out of turn and have emotional outbursts. I realized early on that "sorry" was the most common word spoken by Brandon as he was constantly apologizing for not following simple directions. I didn’t fully understand how severe his behavior was until he was in the second grade. At the time, he was enrolled at Ridge Lawn School and I was asked to attend a meeting with a social worker, Brandon’s teacher, principal, and the school nurse. At the meeting, I was informed by this group they believed Brandon was suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and needed medication. Initially, I was upset and baffled. My heart sank at the thought of my son’s actions being controlled by pills. They asked me to complete a questionnaire about Brandon’s behavior at home and after they had assessed Brandon’s behavior in school. After completing this form, I was asked to take Brandon to his pediatrician who they insisted would confirm their ADHD diagnosis and agree prescription medication was the proper course of action. I knew something was wrong with my son, but I never thought such extreme treatment would be suggested. Not convinced that I should go along with their recommendation, I decided...
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...Mental Illness Paper Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder By: Michelle Sorg I have chosen this topic because I have a nephew with this disorder and I have a hard time understanding how it is treated and diagnosed. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders in childhood and can remain until adult hood (para.1). Children with this disorder have problem concentrating and they act out in class. But do not all children do this. So how can (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder be treated and diagnosed. The National Library of Medicine stated that “It affects about three- five percent of school aged children and mostly boys” (para.2). I reviewed two different sources of this disorder and the side effects such as: paying close attention to details and making mistakes in school work. Every child I know makes mistakes in school work even college students. Daydreaming in class is another one what child does not day dream in school about they are going to do when school is out. Interrupting others when talking, they are children they do that. (NLM) National Library of Medicine says that children with (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have depression or bipolar disorders and that it is inherited from parents (para.5). I do not believe that my nephew is an honor student and makes good grades and has no sign of depression they was told that it...
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...Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or more commonly known as ADHD is a disorder that is common in childhood that continues into adolescence. ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects how the brain receives, processes and responds to information (The National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2014). The main symptoms of ADHD include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (Brady). Many children suffer from ADHD without being diagnosed because the symptoms are different from child to child. There are three different categories of ADHD. These include predominantly hyperactive impulses, predominantly inattentive, and combined hyperactive-impulses and inattention (Brady). A child can be diagnosed with one of these three categories of ADHD depending on their specific symptoms but most children have a combination of hyperactive-impulses and inattention. The cause of ADHD is unknown but researchers are continually searching for answers. There are many different indications as to what causes ADHD such as genes, environmental factors and possibly the central nervous system (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2013). Several environmental factors have been identified as supposed risk factors for ADHD. In utero events such as maternal stress during pregnancy (Talge, Neal, & Glover, 2007), prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs/environmental toxins, (Ribas-Fitó et al., 2006) (Pineda et a., 2007), pregnancy/birth complications...
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...Children with the symptoms of ADHD, commonly called (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) often have experiences that are closely linked to one another. Children who suffer from ADHD may have extreme difficulty focusing attention, and going from one task to another in which they are basically going in all directions (Comer R. J. 2016) p. 480 Ch. 14. One of the treatments for children with ADHD is what clinicians refer to as the medication (Ritalin). Medication Pros: This type of medication can cause the child to be in a calm state and foster in them to be focused. In many situations the child may perform better in a social setting among peers and other people. Ritalin has a good success rate treating children who suffer from ADHD however; there are some long term effects that draw concern. Cons: Ritalin poses a health threat due to weight loss, head aces, fatigue; sleep deprivation which can cause the onset of sleep disorder. Other symptoms include decreased appetite and heart palpitations. Behavioral...
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