Adhd

ADHD is not like a physical injury or soar throat. ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity disorder) is not a physical implication which can be identified in a lab or x ray machine, but can only be identified through certain characteristics which may vary from person to person. ADHD is different characteristics in ones behavior which last over a period of time. Therefore three different categories were identified to describe these different Characteristics. 1. Inattention 2. Hyperactivity 3. Impulsivity. Inattention – Individuals who are categorized with inattention are said to have a hard time keeping their mind on any one thing. This may lead to boredom over a period of time. Although they may give the opposite reaction to activities which they enjoy. Focusing on a specific task and trying to complete that task may be difficult. For example: An individual who found it frustrating and agonizing to do homework. She often forgot to plan ahead by writing the assignment down in a result the individual found It difficult to complete the task. And when trying to complete task the individual would day dream / drift off to something else. Therefore the end results were below the standard of what it could have potentially been. Hyperactivity - Hyperactivity reflect on individuals who are always in motion. For example not being able to sit still Or may also be a verbal issue where not being able to stop talking. Therefore during class hours sitting still or not being able to communicate can be an impossible task. Even small things like wiggling their feet, touching everything in their environment or tapping their pencil on desk. When it comes to teens and adolescents the individual may feel restless during the day. This may include being fidgety or may try and do several things at once, (moving from one activity to the next). Impulsivity - Individuals who show to be overly impulsive are unable to understand their immediate reactions or think before they act. Example, an individual who just blurts out inappropriate comments. Or running into the street without looking both ways first. This may lead to having trouble waiting in line of a slide or waiting for their turn in a game. When upset they may annoy or grab a toy form another individual or even act aggressively to another individual. That said even if an individual has any of these characteristics that does not mean they have ADHD. For example we all blurt out comments from time to time without thinking about it first. That could merely outline the unconscious thoughts as Sigmund Freud describes. But how do doctors and psychologist identify symptoms of ADHD in an individual' Throughout a Childs history there will be multiple encounters of the three main categories at one stage in their lives. For example a three year old may not listen to their parent’s instructions or even to s story from beginning to end. This does not mean that have the symptoms of ADHD. Another example may be a preschooler who normally has a short attention span often depending on the activity; again this does not mean the child has ADHD. It is merely sometimes means (depending on the individual) the level of interest the individual has over that particular activity. For example a teenager could spend talking to their friends for hours over the internet but cannot focus or be interested in doing their homework even for a short period of time. This is also said for hyperactivity. Young children are described as being naturally energetic especially when located in different environments. Doctors and psychologist look at whether the behavior/ characteristic are excessive, long term pervasive and whether they occur more often than in other people of the same age. Also whether it is a continuous problem not just a short temporary situation. Doctors also look at whether the behavior occurs during several or different environments or just in one specific occasion or environment. When determining if and Individual has ADHD there are certain criteria’s they have to look at. Does the individual have all three categories as described before' The symptoms must appear early in life before the age of 7 years and must continue for at least 6 months. The individual must create a handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life such as school, home, work or any social encounters. Overall a child or adolescent must obtain some or most of these criteria’s and a characteristic in order to be identified by a doctor has having ADHD. That said; even though some children have these characteristics it does mean that have a mental disorder. TREATMENTS ON ADHD There have been many treatments for ADHD. Some more effective than others. Some even unhealthy to the individual. From medical specialists it is said that a range of combined therapies could minimize or even remove ADHD from the individual’s lives. The first steps include: Diagnosis – Once the actual individual is diagnosed the individual can begin to make the changes in their lives through the following. – Education – First step is to understand what ADHD involves and how it effects the individuals life. It is important to understand that it is not a function of poor character, low IO, poor motivation or bad parenting. Its eliminating the myths of ADHD Environmental – He or she can transform their daily structure by using different techniques to the their daily lives e.g. the household, work place, school etc. .pharmacotherapy- The most used treatment for ADHD. The medication stimulants can improve attention span and concentration as well as decreasing hyperactivity. To be noted that some of these medications can prove harmful to some individuals. University of California Dr. Watson has found that some medication used can cause harmful side effects. He believes that ADHD is not a brain disorder but merely social and environmental issues that causes the problem. The short term affects include weight loss, appetite changes, insomnia , nervous tics, Concerta Side Effects, Adderall Side Effects, Ritalin Side Effects, and Strattera Side Effects. Some medications only last for 3 hour periods which mean that would have to be distributed 3 to 4 times per day. On the other hand a man named Joe Atkinson from Colorado, US suggest otherwise. He suggests: “I am 55 years old and thank god I was diagnosed with this disorder when I was 30. Before being diagnosed, I couldn't read above an eight grade level. I was almost homeless, and was one failure after another. If a person has ADHD, they can't concentrate well enough to be productive and contribute. Once I got the stimulant drugs, I read history for 10 years, trying to make up for all of those years I could not read. I was able to get my college education, work and then retire in a professional field. The people trying to get people off these medications scare me. To do that, to even to one child, is taking away that poor child's ability to live a successful life.” Psychotherapy - The psychological aspect plays and important role in treating ADHD. Self image is a huge issue for those who struggle with believing that they are not capable of doing certain tasks. It is showed that of he or she experienced repeated failures or rejections could make the individual feel simply that they aren’t capable individuals. With leads to them not being able to see their full potential. Through this treatment it could refrain persons self esteem. Doing this would improve their self image which would provide them with a better understanding of feelings and make structural changes to the quality of their lives.