Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children - Research Paper Example

? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children cannot be detected through any laboratory test because it is a psychological disorder. It was first noticed in 1980. ADHD occurs in childhood but its symptoms are found during adulthood too. ADHD could be detected incorrectly as anxiety, depression or mood disorder. ADHD has several subtypes such as predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined form of these two. There is not much clarity on causes of ADHD; it could be due to genetic or environmental reasons. Treatment regime includes medications and psychotherapy or combination of both. Parent Management Training constitutes an important part of the ADHD treatment process. In the US, its societal cost is estimated between $36 and $50 billion annually. Introduction Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes also referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD) cannot be detected through any laboratory test because it is a kind of psychological disorder that may overlap with other psychological issues. The causes behind this disorder are unknown but it can be diagnosed and treated successfully. The third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders first time mentioned about ADD in 1980. Though ADHD is found to appear in childhood, its symptoms, to a certain extent, prevail in adulthood too. Also, it prevails more in boys than girls and found to be in every culture and community. At times, they are incorrectly diagnosed with anxiety, depression or a learning disability. Defining ADHD It is one of the most common disorders among children. Children with ADHD are found to have considerable academic difficulties such as forgetting homework; inability to complete homework; difficulty in getting along with peers, parents, teachers due to impulsive and inattentive nature. It is best diagnosed by a child specialist in ADHD or child psychologist. Childhood symptoms do not vanish completely; in fact, at least 60 percent of children with ADHD disorder carry over the symptoms in their adulthood too (Grohol, 2013). ADHD is often accompanied by learning disabilities, behavioral problems such as conduct disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, speech and hearing issues. Many researchers believe that genetic or neurobiological elements are behind this disorder though precise causes for ADHD are not known. Social factors such as family conflict are also found to be behind this disorder (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). Risk Profile Studies indicate that the children with ADHD are on rise; however, its reason is not known. The disorder is found in 9 percent of the American children between age 13 and 18 with boys outclassing girls. The average age of children with ADHD is found 7 (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html Statistics Recent data up to 2007 suggests that almost 5.4 million children have been found to have symptoms of ADHD. Between 2003 and 2007, the percent of children suffering from ADHD have increased by 22% while during 1997 to 2006 ADHD cases in children increased, on average, by 3%. Surprisingly, older teens are found to have been diagnosed more compared to younger ones. Parent-reported ADHD cases were found most in North Carolina (15.6%) compared to a low proportion of cases observed in Nevada at 5.6% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Symptoms Symptoms of ADHD are many and varied that include daydreaming; difficulty in maintaining concentration; difficulty in organizing tasks; easy distraction; restlessness with constant motion; frequently interrupting in others' conversations; forgetfulness in regard to books and other routine items (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Main Features of DSM-V-TR Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM IV) has recently revised the old diagnostic standards that were in operation as per the 4th edition. Accordingly, age for symptoms occurring in children has been revised from 6 to 12. Minimum 6 symptoms must prevail in more than one setting to ascertain ADHD in children. The DSM spells out more elaborate diagnostic criteria for ADHD such as the symptoms need to be present at least in two different settings (such as home and school; or home and play) for at least 6 months' period. If the symptoms are found only in one setting (for example, only at home), then child cannot be said to have suffering from ADHD disorder. There should be clear evidence that the symptoms affect the quality of school, social and work related activities. Other mental disorders such as anxiety disorder, personality disorder or mood disorder should not be predominant part to explain symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). ADHD can be subdivided in the following types (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). Predominantly Inattentive In this type, six or more symptoms belong to the inattention issues and less than six belong to hyperactivity-impulsivity category; however, hyperactivity-impulsivity still exist to a certain degree. Children belonging to this category sit quietly and face difficulties in mixing with other children. Due to this, the child is overlooked in the class with teachers not giving due attention to it. Predominantly Hyperactive-impulsive Majority symptoms (six or over) belong to hyperactivity-impulsivity category while a few (fewer than six symptoms) belong to the inattentive category; however, inattention symptoms still exist to a certain degree. Combined Hyperactive-impulsive and Inattentive In this subtype, six or more symptoms are found in both the categories of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity type. Majority of the children with ADHD are detected with both kinds of disorders. Probable Causes There is little clarity on the causes of ADHD. Many studies indicate that genes could be a cause to this disorder; however, several other factors such as environment, nutrition, brain injuries or social factors might contribute to this disorder (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). a) Genetics Researchers discovered from the studies of twins that ADHD runs in families. As genetic science expands, researchers would be able to identify specific genes that are responsible for this disorder. b) Brain Injuries Brain injuries suffered during childhood could develop ADHD in kids; however, such cases are only a small proportion of total ADHD cases. c) Environment Smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy is likely to develop ADHD in children. Even lead in fixtures and paint in walls could be responsible in developing ADHD in small kids. d) Food Additives In one of the British study, it has been discovered that Food additives such as preservatives or artificial colors may contribute to ADHD in children. Treatments Treatments for ADHD can eliminate symptoms but cannot cure the disorder. Treatment for ADHD has two interventions: psychotherapy and medications. Medication can provide some quick relief to the affected child; however, when combined with psychotherapy can improve the outcomes significantly. Stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are usually employed as medications. They act rapidly and tolerated well without much of the side effects. When one medication does not seem effective, then the child psychiatrist will try for another and this is considered normal to find right medication for the affected child. Some of the side effects could be loss of appetite, irritability, sleep issues, headache, gastrointestinal issues, depression, anxiety, and paranoia. The medications are not causing addiction. It is to be noted that stimulants do not tend to "stimulate" people who consume them. It is not yet clear why some medication helps some people and not others. It is also not clear how stimulants act on the patients. It is very well known that medications do act to treat the symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity who take them and they can focus on their work and perform (Martin, 2013). Medications can relieve the symptoms but when it is combined with psychotherapy, results are much better; however, sometimes people resort to only psychotherapy. Psychotherapy helps the child in controlling thoughts, find alternative ways to tackle emotions, identify their strengths, control irrational thoughts, control their hyperactivity and manage with daily issues. The therapy also helps family to manage disruptive behaviors of their affected child. The psychotherapy aims at changing pattern of thinking and behavior. It usually lasts for 5-7 months (Martin, 2013). FDA has made it mandatory for all producers of ADHD drugs to prepare a Patient Medication Guides to give details about the associated risks for the prescribed medications. The guide provides information about the cardiovascular issues from the drugs. This was necessitated because it was observed that ADHD patients may be affected with heart attacks, strokes, or sudden death issues while taking the medications. Psychiatric issues such as hallucinations, hearing voices could also develop while taking the medications, especially drugs such as atomoxetine is like to trigger suicidal thoughts in children compared to those children who do not take it (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). Very recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the NEBA System, which will help ascertain if ADHD has caused behavioral issue. The electroencephalogram (EEG) that measures brain waves will help diagnose ADHD in children. NEBA system is likely to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the ADHD sufferers (MacGill, 2013). Parent Management Training Parents need to provide help and guidance to their child affected from ADHD so that they can get success in schools. Parents of the affected child are often frustrated with their behavior. Therefore not only child but parents too need specific training or help to overcome difficulties encountered by them. Usually, mental health professionals are suitable to educate parents on how to handle the child affected with ADHD. They will not only help the child but also parent too in developing new ways, skills to the issues involved in handling ADHD child. Parent training provides favorable results while dealing with children with regards to behavioral and mental disorders. Early intervention yields better results and that is always recommended. Parental success in improving the symptoms for the children under age 12 is quite high but gets diminishes with the children entering adolescent age (Virtual Medical Center, 2013). Parenting skills training aims at imparting knowledge on using system of rewards and consequences to alter the child's behavior. Firmness in voice keeping appropriate volume and eye contact are considered highly necessary. Similarly, reprimanding the child, without shouting, as a warning for his or her inappropriate behavior is equally necessary; however, it should not result into excessive warnings to maintain its sanctity. Parents need to provide positive feedback for behaviors that they consider favorable and during unpleasant behaviors they will resort to "time-outs". Time-out means the child is asked to sit alone for some period until he or she calms down (Virtual Medical Center, 2010). Conclusion In the US, ADHD instills a substantial economic cost on the society besides the cost of treatment. The annual societal cost is assessed between $36 and $50 billion. Children suffering from ADHD are reported to have 3 times more peer related issues compared to a normal child adding woes to the parents. ADHD affected children are likely to have 10 times more friendship issues when compared with normal child. It becomes necessary to identify the children with ADHD at an early stage so that proper treatment can be provided at an opportune time to reduce its effects in terms of schooling. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013). Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved November 6, 2013 from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html Grohol, J. (2013). Childhood and Teenage Attention Deficit Disorder. Retrieved November 6, 2013 from http://psychcentral.com/disorders/childhood-adhd/ MacGill, M. (2013). New ADHD test uses brainwaves. Retrieved November 6, 2013 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263440.php Martin, B. (2013). Treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved November 6, 2013 from http://psychcentral.com/lib/treatment-for-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd Mayo Clinic (2013). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Retrieved November 6, 2013 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=symptoms National Institute of Mental Health (2013). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved November 6, 2013 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml Psych Central. (2013). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms. psych central.com Retrieved on November 6, 2013, from http://psychcentral.com/disorders/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-symptoms Virtual Medical Center (2010). Parent Training. virtualmedicalcentre ,com Retrieved on November 6, 2013, from http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/treatment/parent- training-parent-therapy/135 Read More