Abstract This paper discusses how ADHD and its symptoms have, to date, provided rich fodder for the media and popular culture. After the relatively recent explosion in the identification of the disorder, more and more parents are turning to self-help books to identify their children's behaviour, and more scientists and psychologists are investigating the nature of ADHD in recognition of its current popularity as a medical topic. Much is understood about ADHD, particularly the symptoms and, increasingly, means of treating the disorders. The paper further discusses how some contention still surrounds the casual factors behind ADHD. Whether it is genetic, determined by environmental factors, or both, is still not certain.
Abstract The paper explains that ADHD is a neurological condition characterized by inattention and restlessness and is commonly diagnosed in early childhood. The paper states that there is a growing belief that ADHD is growing in incidence. The paper confirms the fact that attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased in incidence over a 10-year span in school-aged children.
Outline:
Introduction
Current Status of ADHD in the United States
Conclusion
From the Paper "In November of 1998, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invited 44 experts from across the United States in psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and pediatrics to "develop a consensus statement addressing key diagnostic and treatment issues" on ADHD (NIH, p. 1). What came out of this conference was a confirmation that ADHD is a valid disorder that may be measured, that impairs "functioning caused by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity." They found a 3% to 5% incidence among school-aged children and noted a need to improve diagnosis, to enhance treatment and for better follow-up. There is a need for parents, teachers and healthcare providers to cooperate better in order to bring about the best assessment and treatment for these children. Stimulants appear to be the best treatment to relieve the symptoms of ADHD, though "the threshold of symptoms most appropriate for stimulant therapy had no consensus among the experts."
This paper explores attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from a social perspective, citing the diagnoses and treatments of school-aged children in Ireland.
Abstract This paper deals primarily with ADHD as it pertains to the child and adolescent, and discusses some of the problems that many of these individuals face when they attend school or other child and adolescent services, such as day care. The literature on the subject is reviewed. Areas of behavioral concern and other issues related to ADHD are also examined. Also presented is the methodology of the issue and how the study itself was conducted. The data analysis is explained as well. This analysis is at the heart of the study, and the hypotheses that were created are dealt with again in light of the information collected. Recommendations for future research into the area of ADHD and the child and adolescent are also provided.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale for the Study
Overview of the Study
Chapter Two
Review of Related Literature
Chapter Three
Methodology
Research Design and Approach
Population and Sample
Collection and Tabulation of Data
Data Analysis Procedure
Limitations of the Study
Reliability and Validity of the Data
Survey Instrument
Chapter Four
Analysis of the Data
Chapter Five
Summary, Recommendations, and Conclusions
Bibliography
From the Paper "The issue of ADHD is one that has been misunderstood for many years. There are individuals that study it and discuss how significant it is, and there are others that see it as some kind of made-up problem that is really not important enough to focus on. Both of these are valid points of view but, in recent years, it has generally been accepted that ADHD does exist, and that the study of it is important. Unlike standard medical problems, such as diseases that affect the body, ADHD is not something that can be 'cured,' as it is understood in the traditional sense."
Abstract This paper presents an assessment, diagnosis and treatment recommendations for an adolescent with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The paper also generally discusses the prevalence of ADHD and the difficulty in determining criteria for making a diagnosis. The paper also explores various assessment strategies such as family, medical and psychosocial history.
From the Paper "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a fairly common problem among young people. The National Mental Health Association NMHA noted that one in five children have a diagnosable mental ...."
A look at how making educational accommodations by manipulating the classroom is an effective way of teaching and including ADHD children in an inclusive elementary school classroom
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 80.95
Abstract Children with ADHD learn in a variety of ways, not just through rote memorization and a rigid curriculum. This paper discusses the technique of educational accommodation and how it allows the teacher to modify the classroom for the unique student and how he or she learns best. The paper explains that educational accommodation in the form of classroom management is an effective and efficient technique used to help children with ADHD in an inclusive elementary classroom. The facets of classroom management are easily within the teacher control.
From the Paper "Making educational accommodations, by manipulating the classroom environment, for elementary-aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a technique teachers can utilize to prevent behavioral problems in an inclusive elementary school classroom setting. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5 percent of school-age children (Glass & Wegar, 2000). As Glass (2001) notes, children with ADHD "often poses a significant problem in the classroom for students and teachers alike. Children with ADHD are at an increased risk of academic failure due to the troublesome characteristics."
Abstract This paper describes the psychological disorder of ADHD, as presenting in a six-year old child. The paper examines causes of the disorder, focusing on maternal factors -- i.e. stimuli experienced during the prenatal period. The paper discusses the child's family background and then turns to the stress and depression experienced by the mother during pregnancy.
From the Paper "Tommy is a six-year-old African American boy who has recently been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD by his first-grade teacher. Unlike his peers Tommy has difficulties attending to his designated tasks at school, as he is often distracted..."
This in-depth paper details the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, while assessing its impact on education as well as the strategies available to best manage this particular condition.
Abstract This well-researched paper discusses the primary problems and dilemmas facing teachers when dealing with students diagnosed with ADHD. This paper examines the history of ADHD, which is generally referred to as a behavioral disorder, taking it a long way from the brain-damage concept popular in the early 20th century. During the 1960s, the term hyperactive was most often applied to students currently labeled with ADHD. This paper illustrates by way of data and statistics why it is very likely that both students and teachers will share the classroom at some point with a student afflicted with ADHD. The writer emphasizes the crucial role teachers must play in properly identifying ADHD that needs to be managed and in making sure that ADHD is not simply labeled on a student who may in fact be gifted. This paper also details the various treatments and strategies available in controlling this particular disorder which include cognitive therapy as well as drugs, such as Ritalin.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
History of ADHD Mitigating the Effects of ADHD on Classroom Procedures
Purpose of Study
Conceptual Framework and Literature Review
Methodology
Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "In assessing the relevance of ADHD on education, it is necessary to discover the history of the problem and the current common wisdom regarding it. In order to do that, recent and some less recent peer-reviewed journals were consulted. It was found that reams of work has been done in various areas of ADHD management, from drugs to behavioral/cognitive theory (although less in this area than others) and teacher handling and perception of the problem. What became apparent very early and was therefore not investigated further was that the students with ADHD are severely compromised in terms of academic performance by the disorder."
This paper evaluates research reported in the "Journal of Abnormal Psychology" on February 1, 2004, in the article, "Difficulties in Comprehending Causal Relations among Children with ADHD: The Role of Cognitive Engagement," by Elizabeth Pugzles and assoc
915 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 32.95
Abstract This paper explains that the overall conclusion of this research is that children with ADHD are no less capable of comprehending information from stories presented in television shows than non-ADHD children; however, if there are distractions present, ADHD children will not pay as much attention to the television and, therefore, will not have as complete of an understanding of the story presented as non-ADHD children who did not become distracted by the toys. The author points out that one of the reasons children with ADHD, as well as adults with ADHD, do not keep their visual attention fixed in one place for as long as non-ADHD children is their inability to maintain attentional inertia, which is linked to cognitive engagement. The paper raises some questions criticizing this article: (1) who wouldn't be distracted by toys rather than watching television, and (2) does the withdrawal from the medication skew results?
From the Paper "The results show that without the toys as a distraction, ADHD and non-ADHD children have very similar test results; 90 percent visual attention is paid to the television by all children if there is not a source of distraction. These children also had similar test results when asked questions to show their understanding and recollection of the show they watched. However, when toys (distractions) were added to the experiment, there was a very measurable difference between the ADHD children and non-ADHD children in their ability to understand causal relations and understanding of factual events from the TV show."
This paper discusses Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, both behavioral illnesses that affect children and adults.
Abstract This paper explains that ADHD is no longer an illness that precludes learning because, with the proper behavior management and coping techniques, children who are diagnosed with ADHD can look forward to living normal and productive lives. The author points out that ADD and ADHD patients sufferers can exhibit two main symptoms, inattention and impulsiveness; but only ADHD patients suffer from hyperactivity. The paper stresses that, though there is no cure for ADHD, early recognition and family counseling will help a child overcome these learning obstacles.
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Effects on Learning Ability
ADHD and Motor Development
Speech and Verbal Skills
Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Skills
Social skills and Interpersonal Relationships
Summary of Effects
Treatment
Conclusion
From the Paper "Studies have shown that children as young as five years old who have ADHD can already exhibit compromised motor skills. Kalff et al (2003) observed the speed and accuracy that a control group of 126 healthy children, a group of 113 children suffering from other psychopathologies and a group of 74 children with "borderline ADHD" completed a set of motor tasks. The results showed that the ADHD group was less accurate than the healthy control group and the children with other psychopathology group. This was particularly true in the tasks classified as requiring a "high level" of controlled processing. Furthermore, the ADHD children had unstable performances with their tasks, even when they were using their preferred hand."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief review of ADHD and continues to discuss the causes of the disorder. The other also discusses its diagnosis and treatment. The author expands on the role of the school in dealing with children with ADHD and offers truths on common myths. In the conclusion, information on ADHD in adulthood is given.
Outline:
Introduction
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
ADHD and School
Myths About ADHD ADHD in Adulthood
Bibliography
From the Paper "Schools can play a helpful role in the use of medication. Very often, the effect of medication can best be observed at school, which is structured and has specific expectations. While often parents look to teachers to report back regarding how well medication is working, some think that having more trained observers might benefit the process of medication management. In one study, the researchers surveyed school psychologists to see how many of them included observation for reports of response to medication as part of their jobs. "
Abstract This paper explains that, because the clinical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is based on symptomatology and that, because there are no biological markers as yet, physicians and parents are concerned with the accurate diagnosis of children with ADHD and the quantification of the level of impairment. The author points out that, in the U.S., the incidence of the diagnosis of ADHD has skyrocketed over recent years. The paper stresses that the simple question is whether ADHD is a genuine disorder or a pathological label for normal, if frustrating, childhood behavior such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper "Although guidelines have been established, to assist physicians in the diagnosing of ADHD, many physicians are unfamiliar with these guidelines. Instead, they base their diagnosis on inaccurate methods such as in-office observation and whether or not the patient responds to stimulant prescriptions, which leads to over-diagnosis via mis-diagnosis of ADHD. This inconsistent and inaccurate testing is compounded by society's desire to see children diagnosed with ADHD."
Abstract This paper looks at the diagnostic system for evaluating ADHD and explains the causes and symptoms of ADHD. The writer also discusses the current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The paper shows that behavior therapy alone has only a limited effect on symptoms or functioning of children with ADHD, although combining behavior therapy with medication seems to improve functioning and may decrease the amount of (stimulant) medication needed.
Outline:
Introduction: Psychological Disorders
Diagnostic Systems and General Criteria: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- IV Edition (DSM-IV)
International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Manual (ICD - 10)
DSM - IV Categories of Psychological Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD Causes of ADHD Symptoms of ADHD: Inattention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity.
Current Trends in Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Current Trends in Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
From the Paper "Psychological disorders create imbalance in our mental health and cause mental illness. The term "mental illness" is used to describe the more severe types of mental health disorders. Less severe mental health problems are known as "disorders" or "syndromes" rather than "illness".
Mental disorders are considered as a major public health problem, thus, health services play an important role regarding their management. A World Health Organization (WHO) study of the global burden of disease assessed that "mental disorders make up five of the ten leading causes of disability". Since the management of these disorders takes place to a great extent in general practice and primary care settings, it is important to determine the effectiveness of current trends in diagnostic and treatment. According to Epidemiological studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH the Centers for Disease Control, CDC) in 1970s, about 15% of the population in the U.S. experience a serious psychological disorder. It further increases to 25% when milder problems with drug & alcohol abuse are considered as a part of the study."
Abstract This research paper tests the idea that the personal computer and the programs that can be designed for it can be a strong, positive tool to help ADHD clients. The paper includes a discussion on the brain's ability to work around damage caused by injury or other insult, a discussion on different types of brain damage, and a discussion on the various ways for healing, or at least softening, the effects of brain damage. The paper also discusses motor, sensory, and autonomic function; the psychiatric aspects of traumatic brain injury; schizophrenia; and cerebrovascular disorder. It includes an extended discussion on the role MRI and PET examination in discovering what really goes in the formation and development of the brain in developmental disorders, including ADHD.
Current Empirical Understanding of Central Nervous System Neuroplasty
Neurophysiology of Intercerbral Neuronal Regeneration and Repair: Intra-
cellular and Extra-cellular Mechanisms.
Neuro-pharmacological Interventions in Neuroprotection and
Rehabilitation in Traumatic Brain Injury, Congenital Central Nervous
System Conditions including ADHD and Psychostimulant Medications.
Diagnostic Techniques in Neurorehabilitation including: PET, MRI, and
Neuropsychological testing (including: Stroop Color Word Test, and
Continuous Performance Tests) applicable to ADHD Frontal Lobe Neuroplasticity in the Neurocompensation of Cognitive
Deficits in ADHD: A Focus on Executive Functions including: 1.
Response Inhibition (self-regulation); Problem-solving and Self-
monitoring; Working Memory; Planning and Organization.
The Rehabilitation of Attention using Computer Assisted Cognitive
Rehabilitation Programs including: Selective, Sustained, and Divided
Attention.
The Rehabilitation of Executive Function Using Computer Assisted
Cognitive Rehabilitation Programs including Response Inhibition (self-
regulation); Problem-solving and Self-monitoring; Working Memory;
Planning and Organization.
Review of Computer Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation as a Treatment
Modality: A. Empirical Support, B. Limitations, and C. Future
Directions.
From the Paper "Can the information gathered about how the human brain works to begin with and then repairs itself after injury be applied to helping people born with some developmental dysfunction such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder popularly known as ADHD? Children and adults with this disorder display inabilities to pay attention to the task at hand, appropriately monitor their responses to stimulus and in a range of functions called executive functions such as planning and organization. Building and ordering these functions is what such people need and the hope for the future is that our new technologies can both give us better understanding of causes and provide new, more effective ways to treat ADHD. Besides the new imaging technologies, we also have our societies? love affair with personal computers."
An analysis of ADHD in children through a review of the journal article, "Difficulties in Comprehending Causal Relations Among Children With ADHD: The Role of Cognitive Engagement," from the "Journal of Abnormal Psychology".
Abstract This paper discusses the journal article, "Difficulties in Comprehending Causal Relations Among Children With ADHD: The Role of Cognitive Engagement," from the "Journal of Abnormal Psychology". The paper claims that this article is a significant report on the condition of ADHD in children. The article opens by acknowledging the significant academic difficulties that are experienced by students with ADHD, which are well-documented in many studies. The paper explains that there has been a significant lack of research documenting the specific ways in which the comprehension and memory processes for complex, interconnected information differ between ADHD and normal children. The paper presents one of the effective methods that may be used to research these comprehension and memory processes: televised stories.
From the Paper "In order to measure visual attention levels, researchers have had both ADHD and non-ADHD children view one television program in a room with no toys, and another television program in a room with toys. With no toys in the room, both ADHD and non-ADHD children averaged over 90% visual attention to the program. With toys in the room, ADHD children had a far larger drop in the amount of visual attention paid to the program than the non-ADHD children. There was no difference in the understanding of factual events between the groups of children. The ADHD group did have a larger drop in their understanding of causal relations compared to non-ADHD children when toys distracted them from the program. The question, then, is why the ADHD children are able to maintain this understanding of factual events, but not of the causal relations. Possible causes proposed include that children with ADHD shift visual attention more frequently which disrupts the continuity of the story processing, or that ADHD children look at the television for shorter spans of time with toys present which would also impair ability to construct the story."
This paper argues against the use of prescribed medications for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and suggests alternative methods of treatment.
Abstract This paper explains that, because children with ADHD have behavioral characteristics that are disruptive in the classroom, parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may experience numerous battles with educators and administrators about the need to medicate their children. The author points out that prescribed medications, commonly given to ADHD children such as Adderall and Ritalin have many side effects. The paper urges that a consistent behavior modification program is an excellent and successful substitute for medicating these children
Table of Contents
History of ADHD and its Symptoms
Struggles of having a Child with ADHD Medications Used for the Treatment of ADHD and their Side Effects
Alternative Options for Treatment
From the Paper "Another commonly prescribed medication for the child with ADD or ADHD is Ritalin. Ritalin has historically been used for the treatment of ADD of ADHD the longest, and it has the same side effects as Adderall and all of the other medications prescribed for the treatment of ADD and ADHD. In May of 2000 in a Texas court, the law firm of Waters and Kraus brought forth a class action suit against the manufactures of Ritalin. This suit charged that the American Psychiatric Association committed fraud in conspiring to over-promote the diagnosis of ADHD and its treatment with the stimulant, Ritalin (Breggin). What many citizens do not know is that representatives of prescription drug companies visit doctors' offices on a daily basis."
