Childhood Disorder - Research Paper Example

Childhood Disorder The essay aims to tackle a two-fold objective to wit to explain childhood disorders such as Obesity, ADHD, and Autism; and (2) to discuss the statistics and demographic differences of the childhood disorder using information from outside sources. Childhood Disorder Introduction Many psychological disorders are caused by physiological and biological factors, yet children disorders are found to be without any physical causes. Such disorders are mostly diagnosed early in life but a few problems are not recognized until adulthood. Psychological disorders which are early diagnosed involved physiological problems and genetic abnormalities. Similarly, biological problems cause mental retardation, learning disorders, communication skills disorders, and developmental disorders such as Autism. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Disruptive Behavior Disorders are the most common type. Psychologists provided treatment to both parents and children to address the problem easily (Franklin, 2010, n.p). According to Croft in 2009, parents of the child suffers from childhood disorder frequently ask what they did wrong and continue to blame their selves. Self-blaming is not right because research shows that different disorders never due to a single factor which makes a child susceptible to the disorder. From the statistics made by Croft in 2010, of 12 million American children suffering from mental illness, surprisingly only one in five children received treatment which means that 8 out of 10 children with mental illness do not receive the care they need. Hence, over millions suffer from learning disorder such as ADHD, attachment disorder, conduct disorder and even substance abuse (Croft, 2010, n.p.). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is listed as one of the most common developmental disorder in childhood, affecting as many as 5% of school-aged children. ADHD experienced three times in boys than girls because boys belong to the hyperactive impulsive group and occurs in all ethnic groups (Selikowitz, 2009, p.13). ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, overactivity, and impulsiveness. The important feature on the disorder is an observable pattern of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity (Videbeck, 2008, p.436). Franklin (2009) identified the two classifications of ADHD, the Inattention or Inattentive type and the Hyperactive and Impulsive Behavior type. The Inattentive type is mainly concern with the attention and focus which usually observed in the school that’s why the disorder cannot be recognized until the child is in school. The age of onset is within high school and the ratio of boys to girls is equal in number said Selikowitz in 2009. Disorganization and distraction even with a normal environmental noise is also common in Inattentive type, the child may fail to finish work in school and even at home and forgetting many things. The child did not pay attention to what is said and not capable of giving any response when asked (Franklin, 2009, n.p.). According to Selikowitz (2009) the Hyperactive and Impulsive type of ADHD occurs at an early stage and boys have higher cases compared to the Inattentive type. The main problem is the behavior and performing an act without thinking. On the other hand, Franklin (2009) states that the Hyperactive type is more easier to identify because the child is all over the place but still cannot sit still or otherwise stays a long time sitting. In contrast with the Inattentive type of ADHD the child is more active and frequently answers questions without waiting to be called. Franklin quoted the Hyperactive child as “motor mouth” in which the child never ceased to talk about everything and to everyone who will listen. Sometimes the child with ADHD always creates misunderstanding and argument to the peers but they are not bad children (Franklin, 2009, n.p.). According to Videbeck in 2008 despite there are many research in the development of ADHD the causes are still unknown. There may be abnormalities to the brain, and difficulty in information-processing and cortical-arousal. The contributing factors are identified such as environmental toxins, prenatal problem and genetic influences. Exposure to alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse, and even malnutrition during pregnancy can increased the likelihood of having ADHD (Videbeck, 2008, p.437). There is no treatment to be effective for ADHD, but there are different approaches that found to be successful such as sugar controlled diets and megavitamin therapy. The most effective treatment is combination of pharmacotherapy with behavioral, psychosocial, and educational interventions. The main goal for the treatment is to manage symptoms like decreased the hyperactivity and impulsivity and increased the child’s attention (Videbeck, 2008, p.438). Autism (Autistic Disorder) Autistic disorder is the most common of the pervasive developmental disorders, and occurs more in boys than in girls. The main concern of Autism is the problem in social and communication skills. Autism is more often diagnosed at 18 months of age and not later than 3 years old. Eighty percent of Autism cases are at early onset, with noticeable developmental delays starting infancy, while the other twenty percent of Autistic children experienced a normal growth and development until 2 to 3 years old only. According to National Institute of Child and Human Development in 2006 the estimated number of Autism cases is 1 to 1,000 or 1 to 500 U.S. children (Videbeck, 2008, p. 435). Autism is hereditary, and does have a genetic pattern; most of the children with Autism have a family or relative with autism or autistic traits. The National Institute of Child and Human Development in 2006 stressed that there are no relationship between the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine in contributing for the occurrence of late onset Autism (Videbeck, 2008, p.435). The children with autism are often characterized by little eye contact and showed only few facial expressions to others. Autistic child has low self esteem and limited relationship with the parents and peers. Also expressed little enjoyment when playing and engaged in stereotyped motor behavior such as hand flapping, body twisting and head banging. Some cases of Autism improve dramatically when children started to use language and communicate with others (Videbeck, 2008, p.435). Autism is considered treatable; children with autism are treated in isolation like in out-patient department and segregated in school events. If the case is severe it is treated in a residential program and similarly, short-term inpatient treatment is used when the child’s behavior is uncontrollable. The main goals in treating the Autism are to reduce behavioral symptoms, promote learning and development, and help in the acquisition of language skills (Videbeck, 2008, p.435). Psychotropic drugs do not treat the problem but rather decreased the symptoms of the disorder. The Autism Research Institute seeks different solutions to address the underlying health problems. The goal is basic and simple; eliminate what causes harm and add what is missing. For instance, the children with Autism have an unexpected response to toxins, foods, and allergens so absolutely the children needs more nutrients, enzymes, anti-oxidants and fatty acids to replace the loss essential elements (Autism Research Institute, 2006, n.p). The Autism Research Institute has been gathering experts and professionals internationally to brainstorm to conduct research and study on the underlying metabolic conditions associated with autism and also the safe and effective treatment for autism. Many research of the ARI and other organizations stated abnormal patterns of metabolic dysfunctions in the Autistic population that include; gastrointestinal dysfunctions, decreased blood flow to the brain, stress and other hormonal disturbances. Clinicians collaborate with the parents to address the problems immediately by assessing the individual issues of the child, and find solutions to solve the problem and correct the disturbances. As a result, children are improving in terms of speech abilities, behavior, cognition, attention, and health in general. But the clinicians and parents found it a hard work and cost expensive (Autism Research Institute, 2010, n.p.) Autism is preventable; research shows that there are safe, effective, and cost effective methods on how to prevent Autism. Eliminate alcohol, caffeine and tobacco prior to conception and improve diet and sedentary lifestyle. Also, exercise regularly to promote good blood circulation and improve peristalsis. Eating a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals like fruits and vegetables is also a great help and decreased the sugar and foods that are rich in conservatives. In addition, use of cellphones, computer and other electronic gadgets are also avoided because of increased radiation that may lead in future brain and body damage of the child in the womb (Autism Research Institute, 2010, n.p.) There are no guarantees; these are all compiled opinions and ideas of the parents, clinicians, physicians, researchers and experts about how to prevent Autism. The disorder can be prevented, and the people can do it now (Autism Research Institute, 2010, n.p.) Obesity- A Childhood Disorder Obesity is the state of excess storage of body fat. Similarly, overweight is defined as the excess body weight in relation with the body height. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified three classifications of Obesity. The Grade 1 overweight or simply the overweight has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25-29.9 kg/m2. The next one is the Grade 2 also knows an Obesity and has a BMI of 30-39.9 kg/m2. The last classification is the severe or morbid obesity which is the Grade 3 with a BMI of greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2. The meaning of obesity in children has a BMI’s greater than the 85th percentile which are consider to be overweight and obesity has a 95th percentile for age-matched and sex-matched populations (Griffing & Uwaipo, 2011, n.p.). Griffing & Uwaipo in 2011 states the Obesity can be fatal and may lead to different complications. High abdominal fat can cause metabolic and clinical problems because of increased subcutaneous fat. An above normal Body Mass Index (BMI) during adolescence is at risk for developing related diseases in later life. The disorder may not be present until young, but it pays attention to the future life. Aside from that, increased abdominal pressure has been noted; the pressure may play a major role in how the disease will developed in later time. The comorbities are enumerated as follows ulcers, dermatitis, thrombophlebitis, hypertension and nephrotic syndrome. In addition, a study identified the relationship of obesity with knee osteoarthritis found out that a number of quality-adjusted years among obese person in the study were lost due to knee osteoarthritis and obesity. The most common are the black and Hispanic women (Griffing & Uwaipo, 2011, n.p.). Obesity is a serious public health problem in the United States, the prevalence increased rapidly in nations worldwide. The public health crisis becomes pandemic that needs to address immediately because Obesity is potential in the increased morbidity and mortality. United States funded $100 billion annually to manage the problem, $52 billion of which are all for health care. The costs amount to approximately 5.7 % of all health related expenditures in the United States and the productivity lost is $3.9 billion (Griffing & Uwaipo, 2011, n.p.). Obesity needs medical treatment if the child is obese and did not know and control the weight and still unsuccessful in losing weight (Gallette, 2011, p.3). Aside from BMI, Obesity can be diagnosed through different exams and tests such as weight to height table. The tables give general ranges of healthy weights and overweight for adult height. The test is more helpful in recognizing the risk of developing health problems that are related to weight. Body fat percentage is the other examination that is difficult to measure accurately. Special equipment is needed for the test that is not found on most of the clinics, and hospitals. The methods that are used in the health clubs and weight loss programs may not be accurate if not done properly. Waist measurement is also an essential factor to consider. People with “apple” shapes who tend to put on weight in the waist are found to have a higher risk of obesity health related problems (Galletta, 2011, p.4). Obesity treatment is on our own hand, discipline is very important. The safest and the most effective method to lose weight are simply to eat less, increased exercise and if possible the person concern has a dietary plan and recommendations with the expert. For most of the obese people, compliance is also essential to remain healthy and strong (Galleta, 2011, p.5). Conclusion Childhood Disorder can be managed and prevented; feeling of guilt about the child’s disorder is inappropriate. The main key is to recognize the problem and seek appropriate treatment. As compare with the other types of mental illness, childhood disorder has its own specific diagnostic and criteria for diagnosis and treatment. Psychiatrist, psychologists and the like provides the care the child needs and has a complete evaluation on each disorder (Croft, 2009, n.p.). Prevention approaches offer an alternative treatment and late become the main focus of the government, offering a cost effective and efficient way of giving services to the child who suffers from disorder and mental illness. In contrast, research shows that most children concern not actually received clinical intervention; a few will terminate prematurely, fail to respond to treatment and experienced difficulties to the treatment (Barrett & Farrell, 2007, p.58-65). The Center for Childhood Development Disorders in 2011 states that Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the like can be best managed through regimen of counseling, physical exercise, nutritional therapy and nervous system synchronization. Clinics, psychologists and the other members of the team work hand in hand to provide and bring the latest research for Childhood Developmental Disorders. Cooperation and unity we’ll help uncover the limitless possibilities in children. References Autism Research Institute (ARI). (2010, March 28). How to Prevent Autism Now. For Families Living with Autism, n.p. Retrieved on December 2, 2011 from http://www.autism.com/fam_preventing_autism_now.asp Barrett, P.M. & Farrell L.J. (2007). Prevention of Childhood Emotional Disorders: Reducing the Burden of Suffering Associated with Anxiety and Depression. Child and Adolescent Mental Health: A Journal for all Professionals Working with Children and Young People 12 (2), 58-65. Center for Childhood Development Disorders (2011). Working with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and other Learning Disorders. Backbone of Health: Chiropractic and Physical Medicine, n.p. Retrieved on December 2, 2011 from http://backboneofhealth.com/custom_content/c_61903_autism__adhd_disorders.html. Croft, H. (2010, October 26). Childhood Psychiatric Disorder. Healthy Place: America’s Mental Health Channel, n.p. Retrieved on December 1, 2011 from http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/psychiatric-disorder-definitions/childhood-psychiatric-disorders/menu-id-71/. Franklin, D.J. (2010). Attention Deficit. Psychology Information Online, n.p. Retrieved on December 1, 2011 from http://www.psychologyinfo.com/problems/adhd.html. Galletta, G.M. (2011). Obesity. Emedicine Health: Experts for Everyday Emergencies, p.1-17. Retrieved on December 2, 2011 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-overview. Griffing, G. T. & Uwaipo, G. I. (2011, November 8). Obesity. Medscape Reference: Drugs, Diseases and Procedures, n.p. Retrieved on December 2, 2011 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-overview. Selikowitz, M. (2009). What is ADHD. ADHD (2nd ed.). (p.2-17). New York: Oxford University Press. Videbeck, S. L. (2008). Child and Adolescent Disorder. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (4th ed.). (p.432-457). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Read More