...Choosing the Most Effective Treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Sabra Serreyn PSYCH3002 Developing a Psychological Perspective Controversies in Psychology Position Paper Capella University December, 2015 Abstract This paper discusses the most effective treatment for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Increasing research has been recommending a combination of both pharmaceutical and psychotherapy treatments. DuPaul and White (2006) state that both the disruptive behavior and genetic aspects need to be addressed, therefore recommending treatment of both medication and behavioral intervention. There has also been a spike in psychiatrists suggesting alternative options in place of medication. Block and Smith (2015) express concern for the side effects of medication and should focus on the behavioral modification aspects. With that being said, the authors do state that medication may help in conjunction with behavioral therapy. Others argue that medication is the answer to resolving symptoms of ADHD because it can repair gray matter in a certain part of the brain. The conclusion comes together stating that all symptoms and treatments need to be taken into consideration in developing a combination therapy strategy. This is the most advantageous and ethical manner of working with a diagnosis. Choosing the Most Effective Treatment for ADHD Diagnosing children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity...
Words: 1823 - Pages: 8
...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...
Words: 2705 - Pages: 11
...The Treatments of ADHD Tara Davis Wilmington University Introduction One of the most common disorders amongst children is ADHD. ADHD is defined as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Some believe the treatment of the disorder can be related to ethnicity (Jones, Epstein, Hinshaw, 2010). In some cases the teachers agree with medical treatment (Cornell-Swanson, Frankenburger, Ley, 2007). There are many medications that are given to children with ADHD as a stimulant. Although, they have the medicine to help them, are non-medical treatments just as effective? Studies have shown the effects of medical treatments, but the non-medical treatments have not received equal tending (Trout, Ortiz, Reid, 2007). This research paper will prove the effectiveness of nonmedical treatments. Many studies show the effectiveness of medical stimulants in children with ADHD. Children are either put on Adderall, Concerta, Deredrine, and Ritalin just to name a few. These medicines all help in managing the behavior in children with ADHD. When children are diagnosed with this disorder, they have to undergo a number of treatments to help them cope. Some children respond very well to the stimulant medications as long as the medicine continued, while other children are not so responsive and another form of treatment or intervention must take place (Cornell-Swanson, Frankenburger, Ley, 2007). There are many people who believe that nonmedical treatment is not effective on children...
Words: 731 - Pages: 3
...overly hyperactive. There are three different subcategories of ADHD. (Smith, and Segal) Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, mostly behavioral like acting out in class and not being able to get along with other children. Predominantly inattentive, a child could be sitting in class normally but not focusing on what is being said. Finally the combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive, is a mixture of the both. Most children have the combined category. (Attention) Children with ADHD not only suffer from inability to focus or calm down, but also it is not uncommon for low self-esteem from doing poorly in school or being bullied for their behaviors or school work. Although sometimes symptoms tend to be less severe as a person grows older, some people never grow out of it, but almost all learn how to better cope with their symptoms and how to focus and remain attentive for day to day activities. (Mayo) Often times feeling of guilt is felt by the person who has ADHD or by one of their family members. Educating people who know or have ADHD is very important to make sure that no false feelings or myths are supported either unintentionally or unknowing that the ideas are wrong. ADHD is nothing to be ashamed of and should not be kept a secret. It is a fairly normal condition and treating someone with ADHD negatively could be detrimental to their treatments, as well as their social skill development. (Attention) ADHD is treated most commonly by medicine. The medicine is instantaneous...
Words: 1304 - Pages: 6
...Understanding and Teaching Students with ADHD Evening Degree Program High Point University Understanding and Teaching Students with ADHD The stereotypes are those which we are all too familiar with: the school boy who refuses to stay in his seat for more than a few minutes at a time; instead he goes back and forth to the pencil sharpener or the trash can over and over again and is constantly tapping something when he happens to be seated. We also know of the schoolgirl who never stops staring out the window peacefully daydreaming instead of paying attention to the lesson at hand. It is now common knowledge that this type of behavior seen in the boy can usually be attributed to a neurological disorder called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Hallowell & Ratey, 1994). This diagnosis is also given to the girl in this example even though she doesn’t show signs of hyperactivity. In this case the term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is sometimes used, although it is generally agreed that both are suffering from the same problem (CHADD, 1996). Both of these scenarios pose a difficult challenge for the educator. How can teachers most effectively work with children who have ADHD? What is ADHD and how is it treated? Teachers need to understand the condition of ADHD before trying to learn how to make instructional changes for the afflicted children. ADHD symptoms were previously thought to stem from the brains inability to filter competing sensory...
Words: 2735 - Pages: 11
...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 patterns and was renamed (Kingsley). The three subtypes of ADHD include a hyperactive impulsive...
Words: 1707 - Pages: 7
...illness of ADHD (attention deficit disorder). In the first paragraph there will be a discussion on the history, including any myths or misconceptions of ADHD. In some of the other paragraph there will be a detailed discussion of the other points such as the neurotransmitters that are associated with this type of a illness. I will try to familiarize individuals as to how the environment in which they stay in will detract from a successful treatment of ADHD. In the final paragraph I will discuss how the treatments today of this illness compare to the diagnosis and treatments of the past. A list of the professionals involved in the treatment, diagnosis of ADHD will also be mentioned. Mental Illness Paper Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue on through adolescence and adulthood. Some symptoms may include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over- activity). ADHD is characterized by prominent symptoms of inattention and/ or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulty in academic, emotional, and social functioning. Studies in the United States indicate approximately 8%- 10% of children satisfy diagnostic criteria for ADHD (ADHD, medicine.net). The term ADD was once used to describe children with these symptoms, but ADD is no longer a DSM diagnosis. A misconception surrounding ADHD is: ADHD...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
...While some factors such as heritability cannot be avoided, many environmental factors associated with ADHD liked disorganized attachment between the infant and caregiver are preventable. Many associated risk factors are in fact found in segments of the population that are socially disadvantaged showing an increased prevalence of the disorder among those of lower socioeconomic status. Dr. Joel Nigg, a professor at the Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health and Science University cites a long list of preventable risk factors that may influence ADHD including, “maternal psychological stress, poor prenatal care, poor prenatal nutrition, reduced or lack of breastfeeding, poor childcare, low quality schools and housing, increased family stress,...
Words: 1702 - Pages: 7
...Vyvanse: An Investigation of the New Breed of ADHD Treatment By Craig Leopold Psychopharmacology Dr. Zoladz 9 May 2011 On April 23, 2008, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) received FDA approval for the adult population. The approval of this drug marked a new era in evolution of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder treatments. After decades of criticism on the rampant abuse and alleged overprescribing of amphetamine ADHD medications New River Pharmaceuticals responded by developing lisdexamfetamine, a compound that is inactive until converted to dextroamphetamine by the gastrointestinal tract. This means that Vyvanse is only effective when taken orally, reducing the potential for abuse. Moreover, that Vyvanse lasts much longer than typical amphetamine ADHD medications. One administration of the drug lasts throughout an entire day. Although this drug removes a few issues pertaining to amphetamine treatment of ADHD, there has been questioning as to its efficacy in treating the full range of symptoms caused by ADHD because it is broken down into dextroamphetamine alone instead of a combination of amphetamines such as Adderall. Nevertheless, Vyvanse has been established as efficacious in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. In order investigate this new breed of ADHD treatment more completely one must understand the neurobiology of ADHD, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of lisdexamfetamine, and what the empirical evidence on Vyvanse suggests. Before...
Words: 1980 - Pages: 8
...The connection of ADHD and Social Deviance Julie Alender SOC3400 Social Deviance 5386 W. Calimyrna Fresno, CA 93722 559-312-4823 email: jalender@capellauniversity.edu Instructor: Professor Jennifer Worley Over the past forty years there has been an dramatic increase in the diagnosis of ADHD and ADD in children and adults. There is a dramatic impact on children and their families once the child is diagnosised and labeled as ADHD. The medical industry and pharmaceutical companies have been benefiting from the diagnosis of child and adults with ADHD with the prescriptions of medication and overutilization. ADHD can be considered the medicalization of deviance when the diagnosis removes responsibility from society and the individual who has deviant behavior. This attitude continues the perpetual production of perpetrators of deviance. Medicalization is by definition the extension of medical jurisdiction or the expansion of medical boundaries. Medicalization studies reveal how nonmedical problems become diagnosis as medical. Current perceptions of ADHD and the treatment can be seen as the medicalization of deviance by taking away the accountability of the actions. An example of this deviant behavior is a 38 year old security guard has had 128 job since leaving college. He was diagnosed with ADHD. There is no background given on why the guard was diagnosis with ADHD, but if he didn't show up for work or was lazy that may be a reason...
Words: 2996 - Pages: 12
...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...
Words: 2126 - Pages: 9
...Behavioral therapy, alone or along with ADHD medication, can provide behavior management skills to the child or adolescent and the parent (i.e., can be an effective treatment).Behavioral therapy in children can take many forms, but it usually involves improving a particular behavior, for instance, homework and sports skills. One type of behavioral therapy involves summer treatment programs (STPs). STPs are rigorous programs that last six through nine weeks and focus on a child/adolescent’s deficient behaviors (Fabiano, Schatz, & Pelham, 2014). Because particular behaviors in their daily activities are targeted, positive results are seen in the child/adolescent (Fabiano et al., 2014). The children and adolescents are placed in groups with children...
Words: 1757 - Pages: 8
...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...
Words: 2670 - Pages: 11
...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...
Words: 3061 - Pages: 13
...Hyperactivity Disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the diagnosis for an array of continued shortfalls from attention to impulsivity and/or hyperactivity ("What Is ADHD?", "ADHD: An Overview Smart Kids"). ADHD is a mental, developmental, and behavioral disorder that most often occurs in children, however can also occur in adults ("What Is ADHD?"," Glossary of ADHD Terms"). ADHD is a persistent disorder that is attributed to neurobehavioral problems ("Key Findings: Parent-Report of Diagnosis|Features|ADHD|NCBDDD|CDC"). “About 11% of all children and adolescents in America are affected by ADHD” ("ADHD: An Overview Smart Kids"). Not all children with ADHD display the same behaviors. There are three subtypes of ADHD; inattentive type, hyperactive, and impulsive type. “Inattentive does not include hyperactivity. A child may appear “spacey” or “not all there” and often fails to pick up on some part of the information provided whether presented verbally or in writing. Hyperactive includes many of the stereotypical behaviors associated with ADHD such as a constant fidgeting, shifting or moving, difficulty staying seated in class, and the inability to stay focused on one task. Impulsive is characterized by a tendency to act before thinking about the consequences” ("ADHD: An Overview Smart Kids"). There are numerous warning signs which may indicate the possibility that a child has ADHD ("ADHD: An Overview Smart Kids"). Below is a table of difficulties such as paying...
Words: 1388 - Pages: 6
