Television 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 examples are couneling and behavior management training for the parents, family, and teacher. The are also special education resources available in order to help children with ADHD. Another alternative for parents is to have a professional prescribe psychoactive medications for their child or children to improve their behavior (Barkley). The most effective type of medication found for