Today, extensive research is constantly being done. However, many researchers find themselves questioning prior studies, thus rendering attention-deficit disorder without a universally accepted definition and known causes (Barkley 63). Despite these uncertainties, about 4 to 6 percent of the U.S. population has some form of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (Johnston and Leung).
There are three predominant types of ADHD. First, there is the combined type of ADHD, in which six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity are visible. Secondly, there is the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD, in which six or more symptoms of inattention and less than six symptoms of hyperactivity are apparent. Lastly, there is the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD, which is distinguished by six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and less than six symptoms of inattention (Wright 14). Despite which type of ADHD a person has, problems will always arise as a result of their condition.
One who has ADHD will encounter problems throughout their entire life. However, most of these problems will generally revolve around their education. Many students with ADHD fail to pay close attention, if at all, to detail and make careless mistakes in schoolwork. Some are easily distracted and do not complete tasks, follow directions, or appear to listen when spoken to. Others fidget with their hands, squirm in their seats, and have trouble remaining quiet. There is no doubt that such habits make it difficult for people with this condition to get good grades, get jobs, or more importantly, successfully maintain a social life.
Because of their social lives, people with ADHD are not the only ones who are affected. Their families and friends are affected almost, if not equally, as much. Simply put, a person with such habits as inattentiveness and hyperactivity is bound to cause tension in a family. These victims need special attention and care. Other family members might get jealous about that person receiving more attention, which could also cause tension.
Children with ADHD can also have an effect on teachers. Catering to the student’s needs can be overwhelming for one teacher. A classroom filled with children who all needing something different can in the long run be harmful for the students. The students who desperately need special attention may not get the help they need. However, these people can get the attention they need only if they are recognized as having ADHD.
There are many ways to tell if a person has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Those who suffer from this disorder are usually perceived as making careless mistakes, not paying attention to detail, not being able to follow directions, regularly losing things, having trouble sitting still, and being unable to complete the task at hand (Wodrich 13). However, there are significantly more symptoms to be noticed when diagnosing a person with this condition.
There is no single diagnostic test for ADHD. To reach an ADHD diagnosis, health care professionals use diagnostic criteria for the disorder published by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) and consider information from other sources (Wodrich 12). For example, interviews with the patient, the patient’s family and, in the case of children, information provided by caregivers and teachers who see the patient on a regular basis, can provide a picture of the patient’s behavior and learning styles (Ford-Martin). Laboratory tests, such as blood work and urinalysis, and possibly brain imaging tests may be ordered to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. Despite the attempts to correctly and justly diagnose ADHD, there are some controversies.
There are many controversies regarding ADHD, but the main debate involves the large number of people diagnosed as having the disorder. There has been a notice of the increase in both private and public school that children are being diagnosed with this disorder. Many parents blame the educational system or the teacher for this disorder occurring to their child. Some of these parents are convinced that the lack of teaching skills has made their child inattentive, hyperactive, and or impulsive. Yet, many teachers blame the students. Some teachers say that the students just are not applying themselves. These people also suggest that the disorder is used as a scapegoat for poor behavior and unsatisfactory grades. On the other hand, it has been said by many doctors that this handicapping condition is highly under-diagnosed. Nonetheless, with the number of people recognized as having ADHD increasing every year, different types of treatments are more widely practiced.
Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cannot cure the condition. However, treatment can help control the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Teamwork among the person with ADHD and his or her family, teachers, and health professionals is needed for the treatment to be most successful (Ford-Martin).
One way that can help the child is to be put on medication. There are four main medications that are out on the market to help with ADHD; Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderal, and Pemoline. These are the most popular prescribed drugs for school-aged children. All four of these drugs are used to help decrease restlessness and increase attention. These stimulants help the children control their hyperactivity, their inability to pay attention, and other behaviors that they might have. In about 70% of people who have ADHD, these medications improve their ADHD symptoms (Ford-Martin).
Other treatments like behavior management, social skills training, and counseling may be needed to help a person learn to recognize and change his or her behaviors. These are usually the first treatments tried in children with ADHD, and are tailored to the person's unique symptoms and problems. However, these treatments alone usually are not effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD (Johnston and Leung).
In summary, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a serious disorder which causes many problems throughout a person’s life. It not only affects them, but their family and friends. Although there is a lot of information we know about ADHD, there still more that research and experiments may one day reveal.
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