ADHD disease - Research Paper Example

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder seen usually among children. “ADHD co-occurs with other problems such as oppositional behavior toward adults, conduct problems, and academic failure” (HOZA ET AL, 2005, p.412). People with ADHD have differences in some parts of their brains that which control attention and activity which may leads to problems in focusing on certain tasks and subjects.

In fact, a major portion of ADHD affected children is not taking medicines because of the parents’ negligence or unawareness about the consequences of this problem in future. Even though ADHD normally affects only the children, if not treated or cared properly, these children can carry this disease to their adulthood. ADHD can be classified into three categories; Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, Predominantly inattentive, Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. If six or more symptoms related to hyperactivity, it will be predominantly hyperactive –impulsive type where as if the six or more symptoms related to inattention category, it will be predominantly inattentive type.

If the symptoms include both predominantly hyperactive –impulsive type and predominantly inattentive type, it will be classified into Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Symptoms of ADHD, n.d) The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown. But majority of the health professionals believe that heredity seems to be a major cause for ADHD. Persons having family members with ADHD are more volatile to ADHD. Brain injury, Environmental exposures, Alcohol and tobacco addiction during pregnancy, Premature delivery, Low birth weight etc can also cause ADHD.

Difficulty in paying attention or concentrating on a particular topic is the main problem associated with ADHD. In some cases it can display lack of control over behavior and in some other cases it can result in over activity. Failing to pay attention, trouble in sustaining attention, making silly mistakes, seems not to listen even when spoken to directly, has difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish schoolwork, often has problems organizing tasks or activities, avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort such as schoolwork or homework, frequently loses needed items, such as books, pencils, toys or tools, Can be easily distracted etc are some of the other major symptoms of ADHD (Mayo clinic staff, 2009) Children with ADHD should be taught in separate classrooms because of the problems they can create to other normal students.

The teachers need special training for teaching such children in the specially designed classrooms. The intelligence level of students with ADHD will be similar to that of the normal students and their abilities are also like that of a normal student; however they are unable to concentrate on a particular topic for longer period. Behavioural therapy seems to be the best treatment option available to ADHD. Even though medicines can help to reduce the symptoms, it is not necessary that medicines would be effective in all the cases.

Moreover, medicines can generate side effects also. On the other hand behavioural therapy can eliminate the threat of side effects and can improve the conditions of the ADHD child immensely. References 1. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), (n. d) Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ADHD/ 2. HOZA B., Hinshaw S. P., Bukowski W.M., Gold J. A., Kraemer H. C. Pelham W.E., Wigal T & Arnold L. E (2005). What Aspects of Peer Relationships Are Impaired in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology American Psychological Association 2005, Vol. 73, No.3, p.411–423 3. Mayo clinic staff, (2009), Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=symptoms