The Rising Effects of ADHD in Children - Research Paper Example

? The Rising Effects of ADHD in Children Teacher               The Rising Effects of ADHD in Children Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is more common than it seems, and the symptoms are more severe than we know. Personally, I believe that the causes of ADHD are unknown. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 18, and I wondered why I had the disease because I do not know any of my family members and relatives who have or had ADHD. Nevertheless, no matter how seemingly difficult it is to deal with the disease, the development of one’s self-esteem is the most effective way out of it. According to information from the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD may be caused by genes that carry the trait, environmental factors like exposure to high levels of lead, brain injuries, food additives and sugar (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 2013). However, as far as I know I have never had any significant exposure to lead, sugar or food additives. Besides, I have never had a brain or head injury. The problem therefore may lie in the genes (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 2013). Nevertheless, although there is no concrete evidence that I can account for, there is a possibility that there is at least a member of my family who genetically carries the trait for ADHD but perhaps has chosen to be quiet about it. As to the prevalence of ADHD especially among children, although I do not see many of them with ADHD owing to the fact that the symptoms are sometimes unnoticeable, I believe that there are actually a great number of people with the disorder. The problem with the disorder is that the hyperactivity aspect of ADHD is often regarded as merely the usual hyperactive and restless nature of children, while the ones that display mostly only inattentiveness may often be regarded as simply being naturally quiet (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 2013). As to the symptoms of ADHD, based on my experience, they are annoying and difficult. What I had to deal with myself was primarily the symptoms of impulsivity such as my impatience and difficulty waiting for my turn as well as my tendency to interrupt others’ activities or my friends’ conversations because of my eagerness to speak out right away. These are confirmed as really symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 2013). However, in my opinion, these symptoms are better than those with symptoms of inactivity. Nevertheless, it was hard to diagnose my condition since everyone simply thought I was a very sociable man and one who is always on the go. If I had more of the hyperactive symptoms, it would have been harder to deal with them personally and I would not been able to get myself a job as a lifeguard, but I would have been diagnosed early. On the other hand, if I had more of the symptoms of inattention such as difficulty in focusing, then I would not have landed a job either and worse I would have been diagnosed with ADHD much later in life. Nevertheless, the best way to reduce the symptoms of ADHD is to develop self-esteem and self-love more than any other therapy. When one accepts himself, one does not have to command oneself to get angry. Nevertheless, despite all the difficulties, I believe ADHD can be managed and that ADHD is never a hindrance to achieving one’s goals. This is perhaps the greatest challenge of anyone who is working with children who have ADHD, of families who have children with the disorder, and especially of those people who have the disorder. In my own case, I had behavioral therapy for some time but I did not feel that it worked as I was already an adult. Nevertheless, as the doctor started talking to my parents, relatives and teachers, I have realized that my environment started to change. The most important thing I have developed, and which my family and friends have helped me to learn little by little, was how to develop my self-esteem and how to love myself more everyday by laughing at myself whenever I make mistakes in sports and in the daily fun activities I have after work. According to Jensen et al. (2005), the best treatment for ADHD in children is medical management treatment for this method is more cost-effective compared to behavioral treatment combined with medical management, although the latter two are known to be more effective in terms of results. For adults, according to Rostain and Ramsay (2006), the best is really combined treatment, which is actually a combination of cognitive-behavior therapy as well as pharmacotherapy, which are both specifically structured to cater to adult patients with ADHD. Although perhaps what really worked in my case is the one presented by the American Psychological Association, where the treatment consisted only of programs that involved the participation of the child’s parents and teachers and through recreational activities in order to reduce the symptoms without the use of medication (Clay, 2013). I believe this is the most effective as nobody would know exactly how the body of someone with ADHD would respond to the effects of medicine. I myself would not know how my body would respond to pharmacotherapy had I undergone it. The best thing, however, is the more psychological, behavioral or rather philosophical aspect of the treatment process. This aspect, I believe, is the one that is basically responsible for making the individual with ADHD function in society in the best way that he can. Moreover, I believe that without this aspect of therapy, there is no way that pharmacotherapy ca ever work for the body is only secondary to the mind. At least, this is what has been instilled in me by my family and friends. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is common among children although we cannot see it because of certain unnoticeable symptoms. The causes of ADHD are also mysterious. Although some say it is genetic, others claim that it is because of sugar and food additives, while some theorize that it is due to exposure to high levels of the chemical lead and brain injuries, but still it is definitely unclear as of now. The symptoms of ADHD are actually those that characterize inattention, those that show hyperactivity, and those about impulsivity. These are difficult and annoying symptoms. Although there is no cure for ADHD, treatment is possible by reducing the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. For adults, it is pharmacotherapy plus management, while for children, what is recommended because of the cost is medical management, although combined therapy with behavioral methods are more effective in terms of results. What is, however, very practical, based on my experience, is a holistic development of the self-esteem and of one’s character through the help of a loving family and group of friends. In my case, had I not had this, I would not have had a job and I would not have felt happy towards myself. References Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. (2013). Retrieved June 26, 2013, from the National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/index.shtml Clay, R. A. (2013). Easing ADHD without meds. Retrieved from the American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/02/easing-adhd.aspx Jensen, P. S., Garcia, J. A., Glied, S., & Crowe, M. (2005). Cost-Effectiveness of ADHD Treatments: Findings From the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With ADHD. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(9), 1628-1636. Rostain, A. L. & Rasay, J. R. (2006). A Combined Treatment Approach for Adults with ADHD – Results of an Open Study of 43 Patients. Journal of Attention Disorders, 10(2), 150-159. Read More