Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Works Cited Not Included Descriptions of ADHD symptoms have been stable since the mid-19th century. Even as early as 1863, the public's view of the disorder started to emerge in a poem by a German physicist which depicted 'Fidgety Phil's' classic sign's of ADHD (6). In 1902, experts classified children suffering form ADHD as mentally retarded, socially inept or even emotionally disturbed. It wasn?t until the 1940?s that experts classified it as a neurological disorder. Its discovery actually occurred in 1937(6). Dr. Bradley of Providence, Rhode Island discovered that while treating severely destructive children using amphetamines, a stimulant, the children would become more tranquil and could concentrate better. Since his discovery, many others in his field have continued his work; however, Attention Deficit Disorder wasn't known by the vast public until the last decade (6). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological syndrome rooted in the central nervous system which affects approximately three to five percent of the child population (second only to asthma in childhood problems) in the United States and makes up 50% of child psychiatry populations(4a). Shown both in clinical and epidemiological samples, the condition is much more prevalent in males, shown 9-1 clinically and 4-1 epidemiologically, then females (4a). This suggests selective basis of analysis due to the female prevalence to show primarily inattentive and cognitive problems rather than the aggressive/impulsive behavior classic to most male subjects (3). Also noted is that children with A.D.H.D. have a 70% chance of caring it on into the teen years and will have a 65% chance of retaining most sympto... ... middle of paper ... ... much down as possible in order to combat not only the disorganization but also the forgetfulness (17). It is also important to lose any environmental distractions, mainly noisy workplaces that could affect concentration (17). To combat possible impulsiveness, it is important to stop and think before acting (6). This works for those who are prone to make regretful statements and for those who are prone to bursts of temper. It only takes several trials to teach the body to think before reacting and can be helped along by health professionals. It is also to control hyperactivity by trying to fidget without distracting others by possibly keeping busy while still (taking notes or using that time to organize) (17). The last and most important is of course to seek education on web sites, from health professionals and from others suffering through the disorder as well (6).

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