ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are the most common mental disorders diagnosed among children in the United States (Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder..., 2009). Primary care physicians provide a major component of the care for children with these diagnoses and more often than not, children with these disorders are prescribed psychotropic medications such as Ritalin and Dexitrine (Wolraich, Wibbelsman, Brown, Evans, Gotlieb, & Knight et al. (2005). ADD/ADHD affects approximately one to three percent of all elementary school-aged American children and its symptoms include higher than average levels of inattention, impulsivity, and/or over-activity (Dupaul & White, 2006).

At issue in this analysis is an assessment of the symptoms of and diagnostic criteria for ADHD, a description of its causes, and a discussion of treatments that are employed in ameliorating symptoms. ADHD is a complex phenomenon that adversely affects the capacity of children to advance academically and to adapt socially; it also affects adults, many of whom may have been experiencing symptoms for some time without a diagnosis or treatment (Weisler & Goodman, 2008).

Early diagnosis and treatment, using a variety of different interventions, can improve outcomes often quite significantly (Weisler & Goodman, 2008).

Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD

It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of American children or about 2 mill

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nctioning of the inferior aspect of the frontal lobes, the anterior cingulate gyrus, the posterior alerting circuits, and the striatum when impulse control is required. It is also recognized that there is an increased density of posterior temporal lobe gray matter in children with ADHD (Clinical review: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 2005). Presented in Appendix A are the diagnostic criteria that have been established by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that are used to diagnose and identify children with ADHD. Six of nine criteria from each group must be identified to diagnosed combined type of ADHD. Age on onset must be before 7 years. Symptoms must also be present for a minimum of six months. Approximately one-half of all children who are diagnosed with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms as adults and may develop anti-social behavior, substance abuse, and suffer from poor self-esteem and social skill deficits (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder..., 2009)). Causes of ADHD The Harvard Mental Health Letter (Attention deficit disorder..., 2006) recently reported that there is new research evidence that ADHD is not just a set of behavioral problems but might be a biologically based disorde

Category: Science - A