Moreover, "ADHD has received more scientific scrutiny than any other childhood psychiatric disorder" ("Does ADHD Exist?"). Still, some, including concerned parents (Collier, 2005) and even one pediatric neurologist, Fred Baughman, M
, continue to insist that ADD and/or ADHD have been "made up" for the combined benefit of teachers wanting tranquil children in class, and drug companies. ("Does ADHD Exist? PBS Frontline 2005)
1). In a personal interview I conducted with a friend, Janet Eames, age 19 (Eames, "Personal Interview, March 24, 2005) who has had a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) without hyperactive symptoms (as opposed to ADHD, with hyperactive symptoms) since age 10, she stated: Without my medications, if I forget them or something, I get forgetful, absent-minded unorganized, restless, impatient
Attention Deficit Disorder: Yes, It Does Exist The existence of the syndrome that has come to be known in recent decades as either Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (ADHD, as opposed to ADD, is Attention Deficit Disorder with hyperactive symptoms) (Hallowell and Ratey, 1994; Wender, 1995; Barkley, 1997) was first identified in 1937 when Dr
Currently, there are approximately five million American children with a diagnosis of ADD. The diagnosis is given to boys three times more than it is to girls and more than two million of those who have been diagnosed have been placed on stimulant medications to attempt to control the symptoms of the disorder (Ullman, 1997)
Daydreaming and being unable to complete tasks in a timely manner are also common symptoms. For those diagnosed with associated hyperactivity disorder, there is also often a tendency to be restless, impulsive and unable to control emotions (Brown; Ullman; Walters)
Using the Conners Global Index (CGI), to measure hyperactivity, those receiving homeopathic treatments experienced a 55% CGI amelioration, while the Ritalin participants only demonstrated a 48% reduction of CGI. It was concluded that the homeopathic treatments were just as effective as Ritalin (Frei & Thurneysen)
Using the Conners Global Index (CGI), to measure hyperactivity, those receiving homeopathic treatments experienced a 55% CGI amelioration, while the Ritalin participants only demonstrated a 48% reduction of CGI. It was concluded that the homeopathic treatments were just as effective as Ritalin (Frei & Thurneysen)
Teachers are also more likely to refer males than females for treatment for ADHD, even when all other information about symptom expression is equal. Thus, functional difficulties among females with ADHD may go unrecognized and untreated, and it remains unclear to what extent biological factors (genes, hormones) drive the preponderance of males diagnosed with ADHD (Mahone 790)
The most common behaviors that characterize ADD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. According to statistics, people living with ADHD experience a continuous movement of sounds, images, and thoughts, similar to a fast-paced kaleidoscope (Johnson, 2002)
Although he has above-average intelligence, Tommy has trouble reading and writing. When he talks, the words come out so fast no one understands him" (Rees, 1994, p
According to the APA, only psychological assessment has the ability to correctly distinguish between possible alternate diagnoses and improve intervention outcomes by: "describing current functioning across a range of environments; confirming or refuting clinical impressions; identifying treatment needs; identifying appropriate interventions; and providing a means of monitoring treatment progress. (APA, 1994)" According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), following an accurate diagnosis, specific goals for treatment should be established (Seay, 2002)
" Rather than relying solely on the doctor, the AAP recommends a team approach with continued communication between parents, teachers, and other professionals as they monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Adults with ADD Although the hyperactivity of childhood ADD may be somewhat "outgrown," recent research suggests that clinically significant inattentiveness and impulsivity often persist through adulthood (Watts, 2002)
As a result, many ADHD students in colleges drop out after being overwhelmed. Having competent counselors to turn to would help students facing these problems (Baverstock and Finlay 2003)
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 (Breznitz 2003)
Rather, they argue that a child with ADHD finds it hard to control his or her movements, even in the earliest stages of ADHD. The researchers further theorize that children with "borderline ADHD" find it difficult to allocate the necessary attention required for motor skills accuracy (Kalff 2003)
A number of adults are also being diagnosed with adult-onset ADHD. Furthermore, an estimated one-third of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have symptoms until adulthood (Weyandt et al
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. ADHD is a broad term, and the condition can vary from person to person.
When there are more demands at school or home, symptoms of ADHD may get worse. A child with hyperactive behavior may get symptoms of other disruptive disorders, ...
ADDA recently participated in Mediaplanet’s Mental Health Awareness campaign where we united with likeminded industry leaders to raise awareness for…