Abstract This paper examines the myths and the true facts about the Attentionattentiondeficitdisorder. The author provides an overview of the causes for and the symptoms of the disorder. Then, he introduces behavioral and drug therapies available to patients today.
From the Paper "Before we turn to a discussion of the ways in which ADD may be treated we must first define what exactly we mean by this term, which is used by the lay public to refer to a wide range of behaviors. The condition that is now referred to as ADD (and which is also rather confusingly called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was until quite recently usually called hyperactivity. It was also believed to be found only in children who exhibited its typical symptoms of being easily distracted, often restless and often irritable, as well as impulsive and easily upset and excited. It was also believed that such symptoms reflected a history of abusive behavior towards the child or consistent poor parenting, Now scientists believe that ADD is a lifetime condition rather than something that affects children alone and that its basis is biochemical and genetic rather than an expression of psychological trauma. "
Abstract This paper presents an examination of attentiondeficitdisorder (ADD) and the argument that it is over-diagnosed. The writer explores the disorder and discusses its manifestations, medications and why there are experts who believe it is being diagnosed at random.
Outline:
Introduction
The Causes of ADD
Misdiagnosis
Analysis
From the Paper "The science of ADD is becoming more clear but as of today, there still is not a definitive way to diagnosis whether or not a child has ADD. Medical research has linked the possibility of genetics to the disorder, however, there is also a school of thought that a chaotic home environment contributes to many cases being diagnosed. While it has been demonstrated that there probably is a disorder that is ADD and the symptoms are common to those who have it, the time has come to step back and ask society whether or not the children of America are being over diagnosed and over medicated. "
Abstract This paper discusses what is has been like living with attentiondeficitdisorder (ADD) from the point of view the uncle of this paper's author. The paper explains that the uncle was not diagnosed with ADD until he was an adult, but that the diagnosis explains a lot of the uncle's past and present behavior. The paper also explains that, overall, being diagnosed has been beneficial for the uncle and also points out that not all characteristics associated with ADD are necessarily negative and some, in fact, are quite positive.
From the Paper "I chose to write about Attention Deficit Disorder because an uncle of mine (I will call him "Uncle Bill") was recently diagnosed with it. Uncle Bill is about 40 years old and admits he has had a hard time living a normal adult life. He is glad he was diagnosed but also a little confused. According to the research I have found, it is called "ADD" or "ADHD" or "AD/HD," the abbreviation used in DSM-IV. Sources say that it has to begin in childhood but often lasts throughout life, making problems for the person as an adult as well as during childhood (Arcus, 2001). According to Uncle Bill, who was willing to talk to me quite freely about this, his would have been diagnosed in childhood except that when he was a child, his doctor tells him, it was often overlooked. Research I found say that from 3% - 9% of children may have AD/HD. (Smucker & Hedayat, 2001)."
This paper discusses attentiondeficitdisorder/attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) and looks at the effects it has on high school students.
Abstract In this article, the writer first provides a definition for AD and HD disorders. The writer explains that both attentiondeficitdisorder and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD) are neuro chemical disorders that are diagnosed by medical doctors and psychologists. The writer points out that the main symptoms of these disorders are inattention, impulsiveness and sometimes hyperactivity. The writer then discusses these disorders with relation to high school children. The writer examines the effects these disorders have on the school lives of such children.
Outline:
Introduction
Traits of Students with AD/HD
Teaching Strategies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Problems with AD/HD can become more severe in junior high and high school because students are expected to be more organized, while the school is less organized. The students have different teachers for each subject. They must go to their lockers, accurately choose what they need in a short period of time, and travel between classes. Their teachers do not know them as well because they don't have the student for the entire day. The student's strengths may not be noticed in those short periods of time. The student has to keep assignments straight from many teachers and once again make sure he takes the right materials home. Students with AD/HD often have marked difficulty with organization, and all these factors can aggravate that problem."
Abstract The paper explores attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by considering its history, symptoms, and the way in which children are assessed. The paper then devotes time to discussing the cognitive ablilities of children with ADHD, including memory skills, and concludes with a brief discussion on future issues facing children with the disorder.
Outline:
Introduction
Historical Overview
"The Story of Fidigty Philip"
Assessment of Children with ADHD
Cognitive Abilities of Children with ADHD
ADHD Children and Memory
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although ADHD was not discovered by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman, a physican who published a number of books pertaining to psychiatry and medicine, his book "The Story of Fidigty Philip" (1863) clearly portrays a child with ADHD. Nevertheless, it was not until 1902 that Sir George F. Still described a condition which he entitled "Morbid Defect of Moral Control," and which he ascribed to a genetic disorder rather than that of poor parenting. His work described a group of children with significant behavioral problems, including high levels of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, thus referring to what is now termed ADHD."
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 attentiondeficitdisorder 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."
Abstract This paper is a discussion on AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a pattern of inattention and impulsive behavior with or without symptoms of hyperactivity. The author examines how children affected by ADHD react to the drug Ritalin, how it is proven effective on a short term basis, but not long term.
From the Paper "According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by a pattern of inattention and impulsivity with or without symptoms of hyperactivity. A diagnosis of AD/HD requires that symptoms appear before the child is seven years old and persist for at least six months. It is estimated that between 3% and 5% of school-aged children have AD/HD with boys being affected more often than girls. Children with AD/HD are more subject to poor self-esteem, learning disabilities, and conduct problems. They fail to complete assignments, lose their work and tend to be disorganized."
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth discussion on three disorders that affect childhood and adolescents. Anorexia nervosa, attentiondeficitdisorder and depression are disorders that can affect childhood. The author of this paper takes us on a tour of the disorders and the impact they have on childhood, adolescence and their families.
Abstract The paper explains that attentiondeficitdisorder (ADD) is classified as a biological disorder for which prescription medications have been proven effective in treating it. These currently include Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. The paper relates that the disorder affects mostly children and many are concerned with the fact that children are being medicated by strong prescription drugs. The paper discusses how doctors believe that medication may be the best treatment for the disorder due to its high success rate. The paper contends that the main critics of these medications and their use in children are people who do not fully understand what ADD is. Thus, their objections can not be given credibility.
From the Paper "Because widespread knowledge of ADD is recent and also because the disorder affects mostly children, many are concerned with the fact they these children are being medicated by strong prescription drugs. Many even feel that these children are being overmedicated when there are other less potent treatments which doctors could consider for the treatment of the disorder. Furthermore, some even argue that the drugs which are prescribed for these children have not been studied long enough to assess the long term effect they will have on their growing bodies. However, the affects of these drugs have been studied and these medications may be the best treatment for people suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder."
This paper discusses attentiondeficitdisorder and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder and looks at how the lives of adolescents are being affected.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that more and more children are being referred to mental health professionals to seek help for behaviors that are no longer being seen as just part of growing up. The writer notes that loss of attention span, impulsivity, hyperactivity and becoming easily bored are now being seen as symptoms to diagnose attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attentiondeficitdisorder (ADD) in both boys and girls. The writer maintains that although ADD and ADHD are recognized to be real behavioral disorders, both of these disorders are being over diagnosed and overmedicated in children and adolescents. The writer discusses the alternative treatments for ADD/ADHD that do not require medication. The writer concludes that individuals and their families need to realize that if they truly believe that they are afflicted with such a disorder then there are ways to deal with it that are not mainstream. Research and knowledge are the way to go when trying to find the most successful therapy around.
From the Paper "Next, are the girls labeled with the hyper-social form of ADHD. These girls talk at breakneck speed about anything and everything; they jump from topic to topic and interrupt frequently. This description sounds like the greater part of girls in this age population due to the fact that girls are just social creatures. The next group includes girls that engage in various dangerous behaviors. This type is most readily diagnosed because it's easy to spot and fits the traditional profile of a child with ADHD. Symptoms include; impulsivity, risk-taking behavior, hyperactivity, engaging in dangerous behaviors such as climbing or throwing things, or lashing out. Once again this simply sounds like a girl that probably has brothers and wants to be one of the guys. This definition is basically saying that girls who are tomboys or do not fit into the traditional role of what it means to be female, obviously have something wrong with them and need to be medicated."
Abstract This paper discusses attentiondeficitdisorder, or ADD, and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and states that they are increasingly frequent problems occurring among today's youth. The paper then discusses how individuals with ADD or ADHD face elevated risks of drug and alcohol abuse because of not only their behavioral problems, but also the physical and psychological conditions associated with the attentiondisorders themselves. In addition, the paper describes the aspects of ADD and ADHDH that promote conflict and enhance the situations that can lead to substance abuse.
From the Paper "Interestingly, the various profiles associated with attention deficit disorders seem each in its own way to produce the same result of increased risk of substance abuse in adolescence and adulthood. Those diagnosed with ADHD-IA are characterized largely by the sluggish processing of information, a behavioral and cognitive realty that leads directly to academic problems and difficulties with peers. In contrast, those diagnosed with ADHD-HI and ADHD-C will make careless mistakes, impulsively break rules, or do other things which may bring them into direct conflict with authority figures and peers. Each of these difficulties can be seen as a potential for future substance abuse because each one in some way relates to the idea of excess stress, or possible feelings of helplessness or persecution."
Abstract The paper defines and describes attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in order to research the side effects of psychotropic medication in children when compared with herbal remedies. The paper also examines behavior modification implemented in the classroom. The paper then shows how each of these treatments has advantages and disadvantages and concludes that more research is needed.
Outline:
Introduction
AttentionDeficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatments for ADHD
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the National Institutes of Health, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder was first brought to the attention of the medical and psychological communities in 1902 when Sir George Still published lectures that were given to the Royal College of Physicians in England. The lectures discussed children displaying impulsive behavior as a result of a genetic dysfunction. The symptoms associated with ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder"; Barondes, 2003)."
Abstract The paper discusses the definition and symptoms of both attentiondeficitdisorder (ADD) and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The paper discusses the treatment of children with ADHD and ADD that includes stimulants, anti-depressant medications and behavior training. The paper points out that effective treatment is hampered by the fact that ADHD symptoms are difficult to diagnose.
Outline:
Symptoms
Treatment
From the Paper "ADD and ADHD are related disorders with many common symptoms. Both ADD and ADHD sufferers, for example, can exhibit two main symptoms. The most common symptom is inattention. People with ADHD can exhibit trouble focusing on specific tasks and often find it difficult to remember and organize their work (Greer).
"The next group of symptoms falls under impulsiveness. ADHD sufferers can be prone to rash actions because they have difficulty concentrating long enough to solve a problem. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that ADHD sufferers also find it hard to maintain strong personal relationships (Greer). As a result, they have no one to turn to for help in making well-informed decisions."
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the behavioral disorder known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), providing first a general definition of the disorder, a description of typical symptoms associated with ADHD, and an explanation of why it is difficult to understand the etiology of ADHD. It then describes the difficulty in assessing and diagnosing children with ADHD, discusses what is known about the etiology of the disorder, and looks at treatment options available for ADHD. The paper also briefly discusses what is known about ADHD in adults and concludes by noting that additional areas of study are required in order to obtain a better understanding of ADHD.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Etiology
Treatment
Comorbidity
ADHD in Adults
From the Paper "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very controversial disorder, and its diagnosis, unfortunately, is only empirical. ADHD is a "very loosely defined assemblage of neuropsychiatric clusters appearing in childhood and often persisting into adolescence and even adulthood" (Kidd, 2000). The most common symptoms of ADHD include age-inappropriate inattention/inability to stay focused, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, other symptoms may often include things such as restlessness, mood swings, temper tantrums, problems completing tasks, disorganization, and an inability to cope with stress (Kidd, 2000)."
Abstract This paper discusses attentiondeficit hyperactivity, covering the history behind the diagnosis, current opinions and methods of treatment. The paper also provides data from studies carried out that have discovered that children experiencing traits resembling today's ADHD usually had someone else in the family also afflicted, that is that this problem runs in families. The paper includes some figures, diagrams and sample assessments charts as well as guidelines as set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the diagnosis and evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder.
Outline:
Students Like C.J.
A Diagnostic Label
More than 100 Years Ago
In time
Contemporary Consensus Regarding Diagnosis of ADHD
American Academy of Pediatrics: Guidelines for ADHD Assessment
Diagnosis of ADHD DSM-IV- TR Criteria
Treatment Tactics
Medication With Therapy
Six-Session Study
The MTA Study
Answers from Research Stimulates New Question
From the Paper "ADHD, as conceptualized today, does not constitute a new condition. More than 100 years ago, in three consecutive issues in The Lancet in 1902, Dr. Still described children displaying syndrome symptom, similar to the way researchers identify ADHD today. When Dr. Still lectured to the Royal College of Physicians, he described children who "had an inhibition of the will....were not able to control themselves...not able to partake effectively as members of a group...seemed to have a moral defect and their defect...could not conform and be a contributing, supportive part of the group effort." (Prince, 1994-2008) Although the symptoms these children displayed, resembled challenges children with obvious brain injuries portrayed, neither the children nor the families of these children came from families with no apparent brain injuries. Consequently, two initial terminologies, "minimal brain disease" and "minimal brain dysfunction" evolved."
