Topic: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Order ID:

Topic: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Order ID: A2018177 User Name: sabina1325

Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological problem that affects children. As children grow some of them grow out of this behavioral problem, however in some cases it does continue into adulthood. ADHD is a behavioral problem that creates difficulty for the individual to remain focused, or inactive. This is a severe problem because there is currently no known cure for this problem and it affects the individuals being affected in many ways. The main way the ADHD affects children is that it impacts their educational progress because of their inability to focus or sit still. ADHD is a serious problem and the children who have this problem struggle each day to achieve simple goals, like reading a book. There is no cure for this problem; the medications that are used to treat ADHD have serious side effects. In this paper I will discuss more in details what is ADHD, the misconceptions, causes, effects, treatment and what we can do about this problem. This argument about ADHD will show that there is a need for more research in the field. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD is a very common childhood disease, that the child can grow with into their adolescence and adulthood years. ?Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often? (National Institute of Mental Health, 2008). ADHD is a serious behavioral problem for children affected, and should be researched further to find a cure for this horrible disease that affects so many children. This problem affects about 8% of the youths between the age of 4 and 17 years. This is a large percentage of our population (Mayes, Bagwell & Erkulwater, 2008). What is ADHD? Children who have ADHD are easily distracted, they miss details, forget things, they have extreme difficulty focusing on one thing. They jump from activity to activity, become bored with a given task easily, have difficulty in school, doing homework and they often loose things that belong to them. They don?t seem to listen when someone is speaking to them, and have difficulty processing information quickly (National Institute of Mental Health, 2008). Individuals with ADHD have a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness that is severe (Rodriguez & Baylis, 2007). Misconceptions about ADHD There are many negative stigma associated with ADHD. When children are exposed as diagnosed with ADHD many people look at them differently. Some people view them as retarded and have special needs. The most common misconception about children with ADHD is that they are just bad children and they are in need of discipline. There are other parents out there that look at these children as children who need spanking and care. Cause of ADHD Currently there are no known specific causes for ADHD; however there are several contributing factors that have been linked to ADHD. Scientists have linked both genetic composition and environmental factors with ADHD. Researchers are currently still looking for the genes involved with ADHD; however studies with twins have shown that ADHD often runs in families (National Institute of Mental Health, 2008). Environmental factors that have been examined during pregnancy are smoking and drinking. There is a potential link between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and ADHD. ?Preschoolers who are exposed to high levels of lead, may have a higher risk of developing ADHD? (National Institute of Mental Health, 2008). Effects of ADHD Children with ADHD have difficulty in school and learning is extremely difficult for children with ADHD. ?Children with ADHD perform like younger children in tests of executive functions, and about 50% of children with ADHD have been described as having developmental coordination disorder? (Gustafsson et. al., 1997). Children with ADHD have difficulty concentrating on any specific task mainly because they get bored and they have the constant desire to move about and be active. ADHD is a neurological disease which creates high impulses to for activity. Treatment for ADHD Children diagnosed with ADHD can take medication for this problem. Currently there is no cure for this disease; however there is medication that will help the symptoms subside. One of the biggest advantages for taking the medication for ADHD is that children who take the medication does better in schools and has higher test scores (From ADHD meds to testing and NCLB, 2009). The medication will help the child control the symptoms of ADHD, which will allow them to concentrate on school, read their books or get their homework done. There are many side effects of the ADHD medications, some severe side effects such as insomnia, nervous tics and loss of appetite. In addition to medication children can get psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Family and group therapy are also a great way for the child to receive the care they need and the family to be more supportive. Experts recommend that children with ADHD also get tutoring or be placed in special education class, where they can get the additional help needed. What can Teachers Do? Children with ADHD don?t want to treated any differently, they want to be liked and respected (Knowles, 2010). Children with ADHD want to be heard, they want their teachers to listen to them, and they want to be seen as the rest of the class. Children with ADHD have many different types of talent, intelligence and enthusiasm and they have great potential it just needs to be seen. Relationships need to be built with the students and parents of these students to help them achieve their goals. Conclusion Children with ADHD must struggle daily with their behavioral problem as well as struggle with the way society looks at them. There is a lack of research in this field and we should continue to support research to help children with this problem. These children are suffering in many ways. They have to work much harder than the average student to get decent grades. The medications that are used for treatment of ADHD can have some serious side effects. There are non-drug related treatment, however they are usually recommended with medication and can be time consuming and costly. There are many misconceptions about this problem, and children with ADHD are viewed as though this is something they can control. There is a lack of information about this problem and as a society we should educate ourselves. There is a need for more research in this field.