ADHD and How it Relates

ADHD and How it Relates to Psychology

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD was known as hyper-kinesis or minimal brain dysfunction in the earlier times. It can be described as "a chronic, neurologically-based syndrome characterized by any or all of three types of behavior: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity" ("attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"). An individual is considered to act in a hyperactive manner when he demonstrates feelings of agitation, uneasiness or improper movement especially when it is expected of him/her to remain calm. On the other hand, distractibility refers to the sharp disruption by inappropriate and extraneous sights and noise. Distractibility is also the lack of care and lack of ability to perform simple tasks to the finishing point. Lastly, impulsivity can be described as the spontaneity to speak in a socially unsuitable manner such as exclaiming something without giving it a thought. Emotional problems cause contrasting parallel behaviors. However, the emotional states of an individual do not fluctuate when a person has ADHD. In children, symptoms related to ADHD are frequently developed when there is a problem of sleep deprivation ("attention deficit hyperactivity disorder").

It is important to mention here that almost every person demonstrates the three typical behaviors discussed above. However, people with ADHD show these behaviors excessively and unnecessarily for a very long period of time. Unfortunately, such behavioral patterns are found as all-encompassing and persistent and create difficulties for the person domestically, academically and/or professionally. In general, ADHD is diagnosed before the person reaches the age of seven. In children, learning disability is one of the major symptoms of ADHD ("attention deficit hyperactivity disorder").

The answer to the question that why is ADHD caused is still not known. In a few cases, a genetic component comes into view as a cause. Excessive sugar intake is now a myth. According to a number of studies done in this regard, there are a few food additives like colorings that may intensify hyperactivity in several vulnerable persons. However, the general population is not affected by such food additives. Children with ADHD have brain areas that are incapable of having normal activity especially the areas by which attention is controlled ("attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"). The recent research, however, in the same area reveals that the disease "may be caused by alterations in the serotonin neurotransmission system combined with a tendency to experience psychosocial distress" ("BioMed Central"). The children who have ADHD are found to experience "interactions between low and high serotonin activity and self-blame in relation to inter-parental conflict" ("BioMed Central").

The children with ADHD suffer disorders of conduct, difficulty in learning, mood swings, communication barriers and anxiety disorders. This is rather different from adults in whom the disorders may range from personality disorder, bipolar disorder, substance misuse and disorder of obsessive compulsive nature. ADHD can therefore not be considered as a categorical diagnosis. It is not common to find all the symptoms in the ADHD facing person. Hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are not necessarily to be found in the person with ADHD. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, a moderate degree of symptoms of psychological, educational or occupational impairment may be found ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children, Young People and Adults" 4). Generally, ADHD is considered a disorder that is long-term and enduring. In a majority of cases, children are found to have persistent significant difficulties in their life ahead and that may include continuing ADHD, disorders or personality, difficulties in emotional and social encounters, higher involvement in crime and unemployment ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children, Young People and Adults" 6). The children facing ADHD may be prescribed with methylphenidate, dexamfetamine or atomoxetine. The prescription of the mentioned medication, however, is totally dependent on a range of factors that include the presence of the coexisting conditions, patient preferences and the side effects ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children, Young People and Adults" 25).

If the child responds well to one or more medications, then the medication with the lowest cost is prescribed. The cost is found taking into account the per-dose cost and the number of doses daily. A positive attitude is mandatory which is advised by the health care professionals and they help parents and care takers in developing a positive attitude in the management of medication. It may include positive reinforcements and praise for the children or adults ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children, Young People and Adults" 39). There are several treatment options as there is no cure for ADHD in the current times. The treatment can be done by psychological interventions and pharmacotherapy. Patients (in this case, children) can be taught to manage and cope up with the visible symptoms by the psychological interventions as they are designed to help patients learn and manage their symptoms. Pharmacological treatments have risks as well as the benefits. This fact limits the use of this treatment as there are safety concerns as well. If the child has additional health problems like heart diseases he/she cannot be treated with pharmacological treatment (McCulloch 7).

Behavioral therapy and emotional counseling along with the medications can be a treatment. The medications such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine can easily correct the imbalances in the brain. However, in the long run, these medications may lose their effectiveness and such medications cannot offer any benefits. The symptoms of ADHD can visibly decrease after adolescence but can be persistent in adulthood ("attention deficit hyperactivity disorder").