Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been documented in medical literature since 1903 and has been called a variety of names, including Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood, Hyperkinetic Syndrome, Hyperactive Child Syndrome, Minimal Brain Damage, Minimal Brain Dysfunction, and Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, without Hyperactivity, and Residual Type. (APA, 1980) The essential features of this disorder are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention and impulsivity. The DSM-III (R) (APA, 1987), lists 14 symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (hereafter referred to simply as ADD), any eight of which can constitute a valid diagnosis.

The symptoms are listed in descending order of discriminating power and are based on a national field trial of DSM-III (R) diagnostic criteria for Disruptive Behavior Disorders, of which ADD is one. The signs of ADD are as follows:

2) has difficulty staying seated when required

3) is easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli

4) has difficulty waiting his/her turn in group situations

5) often blurts out answers before the question is finished

6) has difficulty following through on instructions (not due to oppositional behavior or incomprehension)

7) has difficulty sustaining attention in work or play

8) often goes from one uncompleted activity to another

11) often interrupts or disrupts others

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1981) The normal cortex also control filtering out extraneous stimuli in order to facilitate concentration. When these filtering mechanisms do not function properly, stimuli rushes in unimpeded and makes sustained attention and controlled action next to impossible. As one adult sufferer describes it, "Disorganized, unwanted information pours in ceaselessly. It is a very egalitarian kind of disability: the trash collector in the alley demands as much attention as the boss on the phone." (Wolkenberg, 1987, p.68) There are several likely causes of the problem in the prefrontal cortex of ADD sufferers. Research shows that maternal cigarette smoking or drinking of alcohol during the pregnancy, and fetal exposure to lead are highly correlated with the later development of ADD. (Wolkenberg, 1987; Ross & Ross, 1982) Similarly, children with ADD, especially males, have a greater than normal incidence of minor physical deformities and dysmorphic features. These kinds of physical anomalies are usually associated with problems in the first trimester of pregnancy. (Barkley, 1981) Further support for the immature or dysfunctional cortex as the major cause of ADD comes from other physical findings. For instance, those with the disord

Category: Medical - A