Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The writer points out that the most common behaviors fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. However, not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has an attention disorder. The writer discusses that to assess whether a person has ADHD, specialists consider whether these behaviors are excessive, long-term, and pervasive. The writer also discusses that there are medications used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. The writer maintains that for lasting improvement, however, numerous clinicians believe that the most significant, long-lasting gains appear when medication is combined with behavioral therapy, emotional counseling, dietary control, and practical support.

Outline:
Abstract
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Assessing ADHD
Can other disorders accompany ADHD?
What causes ADHD?
Treatment Options

From the Paper:

"Also, ADHD shares many symptoms and some common genetic basis with bipolar illness, so the two can be difficult to distinguish. This is especially the case for children under the age of ten, since there is more symptom overlap in that age group. Children with ADHD and bipolar illness are probably often mistaken for each other. In both disorders, the child may be irritable, hyperactive, impulsive, and distractible. The diagnosis is complicated by the fact that children can and often do suffer from both ADHD and bipolar disorder. Some researchers have suggested the symptoms of ADHD and bipolar illness overlap because they are not two separate disorders, but, rather, somewhat different manifestations of the same underlying disease process. ADHD is four to seven times more common in boys than in girls. Bipolar illness affects equal numbers of boys and girls."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Native Remedies, LLC (1997-2003). ADHD Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management. Page 1-10.
• Brain P. Quinn, C.S.W., Ph.D. (1997, 1998). The Depression Sourcebook. Page 83-84.
• If Your Child Is Hyperactive, Inattentive, Impulsive, Distractible... Page 200-201 & 213-214.

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