Attention deficit disorders (ADDs)

The terminology and classification of ADD has been confusing given that each year a new version of the DSM has included a major revision of the ADD criteria, and children with the same clinical features have been given one of half a dozen different labels. Criteria for diagnosis have appeared and disappeared. The first diagnosis of ADD in DSM was called "Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood" in 1968. Criteria were revolutionized in 1980 with a broadening of the assessment into a multiaxial system and by specifying criteria giving a case the diagnosis of a particular syndrome. The new system had clear advantages over the old. One of the DSM-III criteria for the diagnosis of ADD was that a minimum set of behavioral described symptoms would be present. Fourteen symptoms were arranged into three groups to match the hallmark features of the disorder--inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. DSM-III was the first revision to recognize specific criteria for diagnosing subtypes of ADD with and

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sment those who have been identified as needing specialized educational programs are assessed further to determine their educational needs in academic, behavioral, and social-emotional areas (Montague, McKinney, and Hocutt, 1994, 212-213). Reeve (1990) notes that while ADHD is a serious problem, information regarding it has not been readily available to school personnel. The condition has been recognized for over half a century, and descriptions of behavior associated with it have been remarkably consistent. Children affected by ADHD are hyperactive, distractable, emotionally labile, and perseverative (Reeve, 1990, 70). Medication is the most widely used medical intervention, and also the most controversial. Stimulants have been found to improve the functioning of hyperactive children, and there is evidence that this is accomplished by lowering the quantity and intensity of motor activity, producing better attention, improved compliance to adults' requests, more appropriate peer interactions, higher efficiency of problem solving, and increased academic productivity. Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD children. Dexedrine and Cylert have also been frequently used, and antidepressants such as Imipramine are
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1437
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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