Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Research Paper Example

ADHD ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder refers to a group of neurobiological disorders that manifest in the individual’s ability to regulate activity level, inhibit behavior and to attend to tasks. These are referred to as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention respectively. These are the three sub-types of ADHD. The child may be predominantly hyperactive-impulsive; therefore little or no inattention symptoms are present. The predominantly inattentive child may not display any acting out behavior but is quietly inattentive. Most children have the combined type, hyperactive-impulsive-inattentive. ADHD was originally thought of as a disorder of attention. But as the US Office of Special Education (2003) point out it has been found to be a resulting from a developmental failure in the circuitry of the brain that is responsible for monitoring inhibition and self-control. This causes loss of self-regulation which also affects other brain functions, including maintaining attention and delaying gratification. ADHD is usually diagnosed in children, but there has been increasing diagnosis in adults, and it is one of the most debated issues in child development and education. One of the reasons for these controversial issues is because there are so many various behavioral manifestations of ADHD in children. Almost every child is different in the way they react and behave. There is also disagreement about the most effective ways to diagnose and treat ADHD in children. Added to this is the fact that the causes of ADHD are not confirmed. Several factors have been implicated, but none conclusively confirmed. Genetics have been suggested as one of the causes but the researchers have not been able to identify the culprit gene. Other factors put forward include environmental issues including exposure of the mother to smoking and alcohol during pregnancy, brain injury, and sugar and other food additives in the diet. The behaviors associated with ADHD as previously stated are categorized in the three subtypes- inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The National Institute of Mental Health (2008) presents a comprehensive list of the behaviors typically observed in children with ADHD in all three categories. Some of the behaviors associated with inattention include being easily distracted, difficulty focusing on one thing for a period of time, forgetting things, daydreaming, slower to process information. This inattentiveness is also seen in schoolwork where the child has trouble finishing assignments and seems to be always losing things needed to complete tasks such as pencils, toys, etc. The hyperactive behaviors are mainly characterized by excessive fidgeting and not being able to sit still, especially in class. The child will be excessively talkative and have trouble doing quiet activities. A hyperactive child will be seen walking around the class touching and paying with anything and anybody. Impatience is a core behavior of impulsivity. The ADHD child will blurt out inappropriate comments, have public displays of emotions and will not wait their turn. They often interrupt conversations and other children’s play. These behavioral symptoms of ADHD make it difficult for the child to function appropriately in school and they are usually seen as difficult children even at home. However the US Office of Special Education (2003) put the behavior in perspective when they state that “The high energy level and subsequent behavior are often misperceived as purposeful noncompliance when, in fact, they may be a manifestation of the disorder and require specific interventions”. The inattentive behavior can also cause the child not to pay attention to detail and to make careless mistakes. As a result of this their academic performance is interfered with and so children with ADHD are usually perceived as learning disabled. Treating ADHD is complex since the actual diagnosis is not straightforward. However the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) has set out a list of criteria for diagnosing ADHD. Treatment generally includes medication, various types of psycho­therapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments. Pharmacological treatment includes the use of psycho stimulants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Stimulants are the most common type of medication used for treating ADHD, the most popular being Ritalin. Even though they are stimulants they seem to have a calming effect on some children with ADHD. For other children non-stimulants work well. Those who believe in medication as a treatment they believe that for some children these drugs reduce the hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. This is an advantage to the children and the adults who have to deal with them as their ability to focus and their physical coordination seem to improve. Other benefits of medications include reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity thereby improving their focus so that they are better able to work and learn. Medications have even been known to improve physical coordination. (Mental Institute of Mental Health 2008). There are many different drugs that are used for treating ADHD and they come in different forms and act differently. They are available as pills or liquid and even as skin patches. The long-acting or extended-release medications are more convenient for children as they can take just one pill per day. Due to the individuality of the symptoms in each child and the variation in the responses to the drugs trying to find the right drug for a child with ADHD can be difficult and stressful on child and parents. Several of the drugs may have to be tried before the child responds positively to one. Sometimes several trials have to be carried out before the right dosage is found for a particular child. Despite the seeming popularity of medications for treating ADHD, there are side effects and other issues that cause some parents and medical personnel to oppose the use of drugs for treating ADHD. According to the US Office of Special Education, “some of the more common side effects include insomnia, nervousness, headaches, and weight loss. In fewer cases, subjects have reported slowed growth, tic disorders, and problems with thinking or with social interaction”. The National Institute of Mental Health reports additional side effects of decreased appetite, sleep problems and changes in mood. They have also had reports of stomachaches and headaches. Although the claim is that these side effects are not very serious and sometimes go away when the dosage is lowered, there have been fears raised about the safety of drug treatment for ADHD. One drug, Straterra was shown in some studies to be associated with higher incidence of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers. Other psychiatric problems were seen in patients taking drugs for ADHD. These cases led the FDA to require that patient Medication Guides be developed for all ADHD medications. Strict medical supervision is recommended for all patients using drug therapy for ADHD. Some believe that psychotherapy is a safer way to treat ADHD and others think that a combination of drug therapy and psychotherapy is the best approach. References National Institute of Mental Health. (2008). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Retrieved February 18, 2009 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity- disorder/adhd_booklet.pdf U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Special Education Programs, Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource for School and Home, Washington, D.C., 20202. Read More