How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects children and adults - Research Paper Example

will examine the symptoms that aid in the diagnosis of the disorder and will then analyze the epidemiology that will shed light on the pervasiveness of the disorder that is how vastly it impacts the everyday functioning of the individual according to the age bracket they fall into. According to researchers, bys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls and as discussed earlier the age of onset of the disorder is seven and the symptoms may continue in adulthood; however adults may develop a repertoire of coping strategies in order to alleviate the symptoms, but they still experience ample amount of dysfunctions.

The signs and symptoms involved in ADHD are very complex and clinicians have to exercise immense amount of caution in order to avoid making a misdiagnosis. Clinicians have a wide range of disorders that they need to rule out before confirming that the individual suffers from ADHD. The disorder is divided into three subtypes by psychologists that are ADHD mainly inattentive; which was previously known as Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD), ADHD mainly hyperactive-impulsive and ADHD combined. If an individual shows symptoms of both ADHD mainly inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive, the individual is said to suffer from ADHD combined.

(Lougy & Rosenthal, 2002) However, it can be seen clearly that the individuals suffering from ADHD fundamentally by hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsiveness. The symptoms are then divided along the aforementioned characteristics; in case of inattentiveness the individual’s behavior is characterized by a short attention span, he or she may face problems while concentrating and following instructions, they may become extremely forgetful and individuals exhibit clumsiness in the execution of minor chores or activities.

On the other hand, hyperactivity symptoms include inability to sit quietly in ne lace, constantly moving hands and feet, they may talk excessively and is always ‘on the go’. (Lougy &