Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
analytical Essay
1672 words
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADD or ADHD, has become much more common recently. As of 1994 the DSM-IV stated that about 3%-5% of American school aged children have this disorder. While it is quite a few children, what I find to be even more interesting are the male-to-female ratios within the disorder. They range from 4:1 to 9:1. According to Wade, Carol &Travis (2000), boys make up 80 to 90 percent of all ADHD cases. What I've looked into finding out is why there is such a gender difference. I wanted to know if it was because the way society raises girls, or are boys really at a higher risk for it. I am interested in this topic because a male cousin of mine recently was diagnosed with this disorder. You always hear about boys having this problem. This made me think about why there arenâ€TMt many girls that suffer from this. The one variable that I am most interested in for this study is how the label of having ADHD affects girls as opposed to boys. This topic is relevant to psychology because it is looking at the females social development and if it is impaired just because a label was put on her. Besides just socially, feeling that the child is different will lead to the parents, teachers, and other caregivers to treat the child differently, creating a different than normal development. To begin with, ADHD is a disorder in which there are persistent patterns of inattention and/ or impulsivity. It is a leading cause of school failure and under-achievement. Some of the characteristics include fidgeting with hands, difficulty remaining seated, not following through on instructions, shifting from one uncompleted task to another, interrupting conversations, a... ... middle of paper ... ...chiatry, 38, 40-48. Littman, E., (2000). ADHD under diagnosed in girls. Family Practice News, 30, 8. Gaub, M., Carlson, C. (1997). Gender differences in ADHD: A meta-analysis and critical review. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36, 1036-1046. Biederman, J., et al. (1999). Clinical correlates of ADHD in females: Findings from a large group of girls ascertained from pediatric and psychiatric referral sources. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38, 996-972. Greene, R., et al. (2001). Social impairment in girls with ADHD: Patterns, gender comparisons, and correlates. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40, 704-715. (2001). Girls with ADHD at greater risk for psychiatric problems. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter, 17, 6.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has become more common in recent years. the male-to-female ratios range from 4:1 to 9:1.
- Explains that they are interested in how the label of having adhd affects girls as opposed to boys. this topic is relevant to psychology because it is looking at the females social development.
- Explains that adhd is a disorder in which there are persistent patterns of inattention and/or impulsivity. it is leading cause of school failure and under-achievement.
- Explains the three sub-categories of hyperactive-impulsive, inattention, and combined types.
- Explains that most of their research focused on how gender and society play into the diagnosis of adhd more in boys than in girls.
- Explains that greene's 2001 study looked at how girls with adhd were perceived socially. the results were consistent with the thoughts that it raises the risk for the effects of adhd on the child.
- Explains that gaub and carlson analyzed the prevalence rates of adhd and the male to female ratios. they used structured interviews, but changed some questions because they were making the dsm-iv criteria for adhd.
- Explains that biederman (1999) talked about the difference between the types of adhd in girls and boys, stating that girls have intellectual impairment, mood, and anxiety disorders, while boys have hyperactive disorders and conduct disorders.
- Explains biederman's findings that adhd in girls is a very overlooked, yet serious disorder. it is associated with impairment in multiple domains of functioning.
- Explains that sharp (1999) looked into the lack of literature on adhd in girls. they found that girls were being treated less for adhd because they had different symptoms.
- Analyzes littman's article about adhd symptoms in girls, stating that they tend to struggle with self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
- Analyzes littman's points about the different ways adhd manifests itself in girls and boys, and the misdiagnosis of many females by diagnosing them with depression or anxiety.
- Cites an article in the brown university child and adolescent behavior letter that talked about a study that included 24 females and 34 males with adhd and 28 female and 20 male controls. rucklidge's study found that female adhd was significantly more diminished in the areas of depression, anxiety, distress, teacher relationships, stress, attributional styles and focus of control.
- Opines that more research on adhd can help girls avoid being misdiagnosed or going without any form of treatment.
- Explains the american psychiatric association's diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 4th edition.
- Summarizes gaub, carlson, and biederman's research on gender differences in adhd.
Related
- explanatory
- analytical
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorderexplanatory essayAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that creates a great deal of discussions among professionals. There are numerous debates that surround this disorder. There are theory’s presented from each side about what causes it, how to asses it, and how to deal with it effectively.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder creates a great deal of discussions among professionals. there are theories presented from each side about what causes it, how to asses it.
- Explains that adhd is a set of behavioral problems revolving around three main symptoms: incapacity to keep their attention focus, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness.
- Explains that adhd is broken into three subtypes: impulsive and hyperactive, inattentive only, and all three. in the united states, 3-5% of children show signs of adhd.
- Explains that the dsm iv states that in order to accurately diagnose adhd, the patient must show at least six symptoms. symptoms must have been displayed prior the age of seven and must be present in both social and academic settings.
- Explains the need for specific guidelines in diagnosing adhd because sufferers may show symptoms that stem from other issues. bright students may find their work un-stimulating and become bored, thus becoming inattentive.
- Explains that the diagnosis of adhd offers many challenges, but determining its causes may be an even greater challenge.
- Explains the core issue with adhd is the incapacity to remain focused on any one activity, which causes the person to be unable to finish tasks.
- Explains that there are arguments against the theory that the disorder is neurologically based. some parents claim that their child pays attention if there is something interesting going on.
- Argues that adhd is genetic and runs in the family. strong evidence shows that children with adhd also have parents that suffer.
- Explains that treatment methods on how treat adhd are widely debated. some believe that mild symptoms should only be given psychological, social and educational therapy.
- Explains that the most effective way to treat patients, is through the use of medication. stimulant and non-stimulant drugs are most commonly used.
- Explains that adhd clinics claim to have a success rate between 80-95% and see improvement in key symptoms. however, there are short-term side effects such as headaches, loss of appetite, and sleeping difficulty.
- Opines that there are some who fear there may be long-term problems with these drugs such as growth suppression. there have been studies refuting this theory.
- Explains that adderall is expensive and costs on average $750 per year for on a daily dose of 30mg. the cost jumps to over $3000 with assessments and follow-ups.
- Opines that we must be careful when dealing with adhd and must look at the symptoms and treatment methods on a case by case basis.
- Explains that non-pharmacological treatments for adhd: a lifespan approach. ramsay, j. russell.
- Explains the effectiveness and safety limits of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder pharmacotherapy in children and adults.
- Explains the american psychiatric association's diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders.
1337 wordsRead More - The Overdiagnosis of ADHD in Childrenanalytical essayADHD is a disorder that has been on the rise for several years now. The disorder is one that can cause many impairments to a child’s attention span, making it difficult to concentrate and to keep on task, especially on schoolwork. (Graham, 2007) The statistics have been growing ...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the number of students on powerful meds for adhd and add is shocking, but they never realized the full extent to which this disorder was effecting america's youth.
- Argues that many children who are diagnosed with adhd don't actually have the disorder or just have a slight bit of it.
- Argues that adhd symptoms can be calmed by changing the environment that children learn in.
- Describes the benefits of stimulants for adhd. journal of attention disorders, 12(6), 495-498.
- Explains hailemariam, a. pediatricians' preferences for adhd information from schools.
- Analyzes kelland, kate, "children with adhd say stimulant drugs help them: study." huffington post.
- Analyzes sindelar, r. (2004). recess: is it needed in the 21st century?
- Disproves the claim that children who have trouble paying attention need adhd medication in order to do well in school.
- Argues that while medication is needed for some cases, it is not crucial to being successful in school.
1421 wordsRead More - ADHD and Adolescenceexplanatory essayMost children are usually diagnosed with ADHD in early childhood. ADHD affects 3 to 5 percent of all children. It is two to three times more likely in boys than in girls (AACAP). In as many as 65% of these cases the diagnosis persists into adolescences (Wolraich 1734). There are also cases where children are not diagnosed until they reach adolescence.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they have a 17-year-old with adhd who struggles in school, social skills, and anger management. they wish they had been more open to letting him be tested when he was younger.
- Cites the american academy of child and adolescent psychiatry's website: http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/publication_store/your_ado
- Explains that adhd affects 3 to 5 percent of children and is two to three times more likely in boys than in girls.
- Explains that psychosocial intervention includes behavior therapy, school interventions, family therapy and care coordination. adolescent transitioning to adulthood faces a unique set of problems.
- Explains wolraich, mark l., et al. "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among adolescents: a review of the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical implications."
1150 wordsRead More - ADHD And Criminalityexplanatory essayAccording to a variety of clinical studies appearing in various peer-reviewed journals, only 8% of children and 5% of adults have ADHD, but 21 to 45% of all criminals in US prison have ADHD (Quily.) One of the most prevalent mental conditions in children, ADHD is also one of the fastest growing mental health problems for school-age populations (Wolfe.) Its occurrence appears to be anywhere between 2 to 10% of children in school, and corresponds to 7.4% of parents with children ages 3-17 indicating that they have been notified that their child has this condition. As a result, treatment numbers for ADHD have dramatically increased over the last few decades; ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls although there are no discernible disparities in diagnosis by race. A great deal of research has focused on short-term consequences of this condition on school-age children, including an increased...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the association between adhd and criminality has been the subject of a great deal of research over the last decades.
- Explains that adhd is one of the fastest growing mental health problems for school-age populations. it is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, although there are no discernible disparities in diagnosis by race.
- Explains that people with adhd are more likely to commit violent crimes because of their impulsivity. they also have a variety of other precipitants that lead to criminal behavior, such as boredom, excitement, and poor judgment.
- Explains that many physicians don't feel comfortable treating adults who have adhd and an addiction. there is a strong association between addiction disorders and adhd.
- Explains that treating adhd with medication involves stimulants, which can increase retention in addiction treatment and reduce harm from substance use.
- Explains that medication treatment for adhd reduces the risk of criminal behavior among people with a diagnosis of the disorder.
- Explains that labeling theory can be viewed as an underlying factor driving criminal behavior in people with adhd.
1545 wordsRead More - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorderexplanatory essayAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is very commonly known. Today, ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders among children. The NIMH (The national institute of mental health) predicts that it affecting 3 to 5 percent of all children(AACAP), with an approximate amount of 30% to 65% of these children experiencing persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood (AACAP).There are three types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Predominantly Inattentive Type, and Combination Type(ehow.com). The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three main categories; hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These behaviors can interfere with ADHD sufferers’ ability to focus deliberately on organizing and completing a specific task that they may not enjoy.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that adhd is one of the most common mental disorders among children. it affects 3 to 5 percent of all children with persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.
- Explains that inattentiveness and impulsiveness are the most common symptoms of this disorder. distractibility and short attention span affect the person's ability to concentrate.
- Explains that adhd is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the person's ability to process and rate of learning new information. there are different types of medication and treatment that include therapy, stimulants and non-stimulants.
- Explains that there is no real cure to adhd, but those who suffer can handle it with ease. each person with adhd has their own experience and must find out what works best for them.
- Describes the definition of adhd in adult-child-add - adhd.
- Explains that there are three types of adhd, which all have their own set of symptoms.
- Cites carson, cat, "history & discovery of adhd." demand health inc, n.d. web. 5 jan. 2014.
966 wordsRead More - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)explanatory essayAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Introduction Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. (Elia, Ambrosini, Rapoport, 1999) It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, with approximately 60% to 80% of these children experiencing persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood, causing a lifetime of frustrated dreams and emotional pain. There are two types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: an inattentive type and a combined type. The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects 3 to 5 percent of children, with persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.
- Explains that stimulant drugs are widely used to treat the symptoms of adhd, such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and pemoline.
- Explains the effectiveness of atomoxetine, a stimulant drug used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Explains that another trial on the topic of treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has included five newest food and drug administration (fda) approved stimulant agents — concerta, metadate cd, ritalin la, adderall xr, focalin.
- Explains that innovative technology has fuelled the development of new release mechanisms and isolation of active enantiomer components with the hopes of enhancing the duration of action and improving the safety and effectiveness of stimulant agents.
- Explains that concerta was the first extended relief or long-lasting drug available for the sufferers of adhd. metadate cd is the second stimulant drug on the market.
- Compares the characteristics of newly approved psychostimulants based on age and over 6 years. the recommended daily dose is 54 mg 60 mg.
- Explains that ritalin la uses the spheroidal oral drug absorption system (sodas) technology producing the same effect as a normal stimulant taken at four-hour intervals.
- Explains that the final experiment that researches the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder focuses on the combining effects of stimulant therapy, such as ritalin, eeg biofeedback, and the parenting style.
- Explains that research is done to improve conditions and quality of life for those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. stimulant therapy can be conveniently taken once a day. alternative treatments are available.
- Cites brown university child and adolescent behavior center's report that fda approves new nonstimulant treatment for adhd.
- Cites michelson, albert j. allen, joan busner, charles casat, david dunn, christopher kratochvil, jeffrey newcorn, f. randy sallee, r. bart sangal, keith saylor, scott west, douglas kelsey,
- Explains the effects of stimulant therapy, eeg biofeedback, and parenting style on the primary symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
1686 wordsRead More - ADHD: Diagnosis, Treatment, Etiology, and Treatment Outlookanalytical essayAttention Deficit with hyper activity Disorder commonly known as ADHD is classified as a disruptive behavior disorder usually diagnosed in childhood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder of childhood. It appears to be more common in boys than it is girls. This Disorder is more common in boys than in girls and approximately five in one hundred children are affected (Busing). There are three subtypes: Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive (most children have the combined type of ADHD)(nimh.nih.gov).The age of onset of ADHD is usually in preschool to early elementary school years.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that there is a genetic predisposition to develop adhd, but it is difficult to separate it from the environment.
- Analyzes how ty pennington was able to channel his abilities, once treated with a medication effective for him, and he went on to become famous.
- Explains that adhd is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder of childhood. it is more common in boys than in girls.
- Explains that genetic changes in extra cellular molecules that weaken catecholamine transmission have been linked to adhd.
- Opines that adhd medications have different side effects, including decreased appetite and jitteriness. ty pennington, host of "abc's extreme makeover: home edition," has been diagnosed with adhd.
- Explains that add is a neurology of inattention,impulsivity, and hyperactivity. psych central - all about attention deficit disorder (add/adhd).
1976 wordsRead More - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-half of 1.6 million elementary school-aged children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have also been diagnosed with a learning disability (LD) (Brown University Child and Adolescence Behavior Letter, 2001). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (1997) stated that ADHD affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, and boys are three times more likely to be affected by the disorder than girls. The cause of ADHD is unknown, and the disorder and its symptoms are chronic and pervasive (www.asha.org). In the Fourth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ADHD is categorized into three subtypes which are ADHD Predominantly Inattention Type, ADHD Predominantly Hyperactivity-Impulsive Type, and ADHD Combined Type.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that one-half of 1.6 million elementary school-aged children diagnosed with adhd have a learning disability. the cause of adhd is unknown, and its symptoms are chronic and pervasive.
- Explains that inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity have their effects on speech and language.
- Explains that marshall and hynd's study showed math achievement differences among the two subtypes. children with add without hyperactivity scored significantly lower in mathematics than children with adhd.
- Explains that the kaufman test of educational achievement (ktea) was given to 4 groups of children that measured reading decoding, reading comprehension, spelling, and arithmetic computation.
- Explains that the study of prater investigated the effects of self-monitoring of academic performance and on-task behaviors on children with learning disabilites and add/adhd.
1238 wordsRead More - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorderexplanatory essayAttention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), is the most common psychiatric disorder among children today. It’s symptoms are not necessarily obvious and start at various times. Some children give indication of having the disorder before they are born, others are not diagnosed with having it until their preteen years. ADHD overlaps with several other conditions, further confusing physicians and mental health professionals who attempt to provide a diagnosis.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that attention deficit hyperactive disorder (adhd) is the most common psychiatric disorder among children today. it's symptoms are not necessarily obvious and start at various times.
- Explains that hyperactive children are often misdiagnosed as 'emotionally disturbed' and create chaos in the home and at school. the number, severity, and types of symptoms differ from one child to the next.
- Explains that henrich hoffman's der struwelpeter, a collection of humorous moral tales for children, described the behavior of hyperactive children in 1845.
- Explains that dozens of labels have been used for a collection of traits that has come to be known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Explains that research studies point to a 5 to 10% number of children who have the syndrome; some experts believe the true number is closer to 20% of the general population.
- Explains that adhd children's zest, tirelessness, enthusiasm, intensity, curiosity, and life of the party energy serve as social catalysts. they have rich imaginations and can quickly generate new and different ideas.
- Explains that adhd is difficult to diagnose because it tends to appear gradually. neurological and physiological studies indicate that adhd sufferers have a wide range of biochemical imbalance and uniqueness.
- Explains that adhd boys are more likely to be overactive, aggressive, disruptive, and referred for child guidance services. both are physically active and rowdy, with the girls being tomboyish.
- Explains that adhd sufferers are poor at focusing concentration, channeling effort, and saving energy for useful purposes. they are drawn magnetically to stray flashes of light, noise, or internal body signals.
- Explains that motivation plays a large role in determining attention to tasks. adhd children are especially distracted when mental discipline or self-restraint is needed. participating sports, television shows, videotapes, and computer games command the sustained interest and attention of hyperactive children.
- Explains that adhd children have trouble recognizing an object that stands out from the background and making decisions based on relevant factors. they are scatterbrained, absentminded, and forgetful.
- Explains that adhd children have trouble understanding ordinary conversations or lectures, especially sorting out details, listening for key information, and sifting through what the other person is saying for points of agreement.
- Explains that adhd children jump, fidget, squirm, and wiggle. they need to be constantly busy and are unable to sit quietly and rest.
- Explains that adhd children are constantly moving their mouths and are noisy and loud at play. they also have sleeping problems, coordination issues, self-centered, impatient, reckless and extreme emotional problems.
- Describes some indications that a child will be adhd, such as hyperactivity in the womb, poor maternal health, first pregnancy, high blood pressure during pregnancy and alcohol abuse.
- Explains that hyperactive children continue to have multiple problems as adolescents, though hyperactivity has decreased. problems with aggression, poor self-concept, impaired peer relationships, and poor school performance become prominent.
- Explains that adhd children have higher rates of delinquency and conduct disorders and lower iq’s and academic achievement scores than those whose symptoms stop at early adolescence.
1312 wordsRead More - ADHD and Its Treatmentsanalytical essay...performed by the NIMH to support the assertions that genetic disposition and neurobiology were possible causes of ADHD. Their experiment studied 152 boys and girls with ADHD, and matched with 139 age- and gender-matched controls without ADHD. The children?s brains were scanned at least twice, some as many as four times over a decade. From the documentation, this appears to be a reliable experiment because of the gender and age matched control group.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the purpose of this research was to describe and understand attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd) and the most effective treatment options that are available today.
- Explains that sir george f. published a series of lectures to the royal college of physicians in 1902 in which he described impulsive children with significant behavioral problems caused by genetic dysfunction and not by poor child rearing.
- Analyzes how adhd can be challenging for children and adolescents. they act impulsively without addressing the consequences of their actions until it is too late.
- Argues that neurobiology and genetics play a dominant role in the cause of adhd.
- Explains that the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (dsm-iv) illustrates three patterns of behavior to note when diagnosing the disorder.
- Explains that experts categorize patients into three subtypes based on their hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness.
- Explains that the diagnosis of adhd can be difficult because many healthy people exercise symptoms of the disorder. the diagnostic guidelines also contain specific requirements for determining when the symptoms indicate adhd.
- Explains that the person's behavior is compared against a set of criteria and characteristics of the disorder as listed in the dsm-iv-tr.
- Explains that a psychiatrist can prescribe stimulants to help combat the symptoms of adhd. stimulants reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve focus, work, and learn.
- Explains that mental health professionals have shown dramatic improvements in controlling some of the negative behaviors associated with adhd. psychotherapy involves patients working with a therapist to help them like and accept themselves despite their disorder.
- Explains that the nimh reaffirms the effectiveness of multi-modal treatment for adhd by examining three experimental conditions: medication management alone, behavioral treatment alone or combination of medication and behavioral treatments.
- Explains that although there is no cure for adhd, there are effective treatments to considerably increase the quality of life of persons suffering from the disorder.
- Explains that the nimh conducted several experiments to support the assertions that genetic disposition and neurobiology were possible causes of adhd.
- Opines that there is an alternative way to interpret the evidence. genetics is linked to a person's chance of having adhd. they have had friends with adhd whose parents exhibit similar symptoms.
- Opines that genetics and neurobiology determine the patterns of adhd, and concludes that more research is needed before drawing an absolute conclusion.
1853 wordsRead More