Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

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Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

• Megan DeahrNSA 2004

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ADHD

• Recognized in a child (sometimes adults) who have
  trouble holding concentration, staying on task,
  and/or is often hyperactive.
• Affects 3-5 percent of American children or 2
  million children in the United States.
• There are different subtypes of ADHD including
  the following predominantly inattentive,
  predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and a
  combined type.

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Symptoms

• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Failure to listen to instructions
• Inability to organize
• Talking too much
• Leaving projects unfinished
• Fidgeting with hands and feet
• Difficulty paying attention

• Many of these symptoms are normal behavior for
  children without a disorder. It is important that
  a child is thoroughly checked by a doctor and
  diagnosed.

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Causes

• The causes of ADHD seem to arise from
  neurobiology and genetics although the exact
  causes are not yet known. However, many theories
  exist. These include
• Environmental Factors (drugs and alcohol in
  pregnancy, lead)
• Brain Injury
• Genetics

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Treatments

• A variety of medications are often used in the
  treatment of ADHD. A common medication is
  Ritalin.
• Psychotherapy
• Behavioral Therapy
• Social Skills Training

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Diagnosis

• One must get a proper diagnosis of ADHD from a
  doctor since many children have these traits.
  These traits must be exhibited often and at a
  certain level in order to diagnosis a person with
  ADHD.

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Adults with ADHD

• Between thirty and seventy percent of children
  with ADHD still exhibit symptoms into their adult
  years. Many adults with the disorder are never
  diagnosed and do not feel that they have a
  disorder. They often find it hard to get
  organized, get to work on time, get up and get
  ready in the morning, and to be productive at
  work. Some adults are diagnosed when they
  recognize their childs symptoms in themselves.
  Others are seeking help for depression and
  anxiety and discover that the real cause is ADHD.
  Adults are also treated with medication but
  special considerations must be made. Medications
  may have different half-lives or effects on
  adults rather than children.

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Recent Studies

• One recent study shows that those diagnosed with
  ADHD often have smaller brains. However, this can
  not be used to determine whether or not a person
  will develop ADHD.
• Other research is being done to help in the
  treatment of patients with ADHD as well as better
  ways of identifying the disorder.

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Summary

• ADHD has no specific known cause.
• Can be treated with therapy as well as
  medication.
• The disorder most often occurs in children, but
  symptoms often carry on to adulthood.

• ADHD has been found to be hereditary.
• Those with ADHD often find it hard to
  concentrate, finish projects, often talk too
  much, and fidget.
• No cure has been found for this disorder.

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Sources

• The National Institute of Mental Health
• http//www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
  Stroke
• http//www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disord
  ers/adhd.htm