Adhd

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Introduction Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, also know as ADHD, is a common chronic neurobehavioral developmental disorder that many people suffer from. In fact, with over 16% of the childhood population being afflicted with it as of 2001, ADHD is the most widespread chronic adolescent disorder. In the United States, more than 6,750,000 people have ADHD, with over half being children. It continues to become more prevalent yearly with an increasing percentage of the general population. The onset of ADHD is not completely known; although it can be inherited genetically and is most likely because of differences from those of common brain function. The causes of ADHD symptoms may be generalized into the categories of physical, social, emotional, and environmental factors. It is often diagnosed by common recurring symptoms of the disorder before and after the age of seven, which includes, but are not limited to; careless mistakes, difficulty sustaining attention, not listening when spoken to directly, does not follow instructions, has difficulty organizing, avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort, often loses things, being easily distracted, and is forgetful in daily activities. ADHD can also be separated into type subsections based on symptoms. There is inattentive, classic, over-focused, anxious, and depressional ADHD. Although ADHD is a brain disorder, it mostly affects only certain things in the brain. These include the frontal cortices, the anterior temporal lobes, the posterior temporal lobes, the inferior perietal cortices, and brain chemicals. Some unconventional treatments for ADHD include herbs, dietary supplements, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and therapy. ADHD medications normally fall under non-stimulants and stimulants, with the latter being preferred. ADHD is a mild disorder that can most often be managed with medications and dissipates as time goes on. Therefore, although ADHD is common chronic neurobehavioral developmental disorder, under most conditions, it can be manageable. Causes of the Disorder ADHD has a genetic origin which means it has been passed down from generation to generation (heredity). Brain injuries, brain formation, social situations, expressing strong emotions, some medications and environmental components, are among other causes of the disorder. An individual that has ADHD would have specific genes that he or she would acquire from the parents, which would have a genetically programmed response to all of the above. Individuals that have ADHD whether brain formation induced or not have different brain chemical signals, which are super-sensitive. Because of this, when a trigger is present, chemical signals fire rapidly in the brain at an exponential rate; these chemicals change their perspective, and the individual starts to experience thought processing problems. The triggers of ADHD are purely chemical. Although, each case of ADHD is different depending on the person. Examples of irritants can include, but are not limited to: premature birth, heredity, head injuries, brain infections, other mental problems, drug use during pregnancy, and exposure to toxic chemicals. When a person has ADHD, it starts with a trigger that causes a chain of events that create the foundation for the symptoms. All triggers result in a similar conclusion, the inability to focus. Only one trigger is needed to bring about an ADHD response, however multiple triggers affecting the person bring about most cases. Signs and Symptoms Even though there are multiple types of ADHD, they all share similar signs and symptoms. The major signs and symptoms are as follows: impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention. Each sign and symptom will be variably different for each person due to severity and specific condition. The signs and symptoms occur after the brain is flooded with chemical response signals. The increases amount of chemical signals causes the patient the brain to go haywire and confusion because of how much is going on at once. The person feels the inability to control their thoughts and emotions. Those factors will cause the person to have to forcefully try to focus, which will either cause more anxious signs or hyperfocusing. With the excess chemical signals the body feels like it has to release its stress, often by hyperactivity. Depending on how the bad it is, and what caused the ADHD, ADHD can be permanent. Each type of ADHD has differing severity of symptoms, however all symptoms are from similar cause. For example, someone with an acute ADHD will most often suffer these signs and symptoms to a lesser degree than someone who has had more severe causes to induce their ADHD permanently. Even though there are multiple types of ADHD, some less severe than others, severity changes with the day, hour, even minute. Diagnosis There are multiple tests that are run today to diagnose ADHD. Depending on the signs and symptoms, a doctor will prescribe which tests he deems necessary for the final diagnosis. The most common test for ADHD is simply an evaluation of symptoms. There are purposes for each of the tests to determine if ADHD is present. First, brain scans can be taken to see the activity of the brain. Then, it is simply examined against its counterparts. If the brains fires up in specific odd area, has more grey area in other parts, and/or certain parts are smaller than average, then the conclusion of ADHD is likely. Then, after this is determined symptoms can tell what type. Next, the symptom test which is most prevalent is used when ADHD is considered more likely, rather than a differential diagnosis. The test consists of a checklist, and follow-ups of how medication is working are always required. After viewing the signs and symptoms, as well as running these tests, it makes diagnosing ADHD much easier. Treatment ADHD is an easily treatable disorder if properly cared for. With this being said, ADHD is normally treated with medications such as stimulants and for long-term treatment. These most commonly include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, dextromethamphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine. All of the above medications are most often administered in pill form with different doses per case. Some unconventional treatments for ADHD include herbs, dietary supplements, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, breathing exercises, and therapy. Although, these are recommended to be used in addition with medications. If an individual’s ADHD is managed properly, in correct balance for the patient, the likelihood of it being permanent goes down. Conclusion With ADHD being such a broad disorder, there are many causes for people who have inherited it. With signs and symptoms being similar, there are many different outcomes and severities. ADHD can be insignificant to some; yet can also be life-altering to others. There are so many variables to the disorder that it makes it quite unique for the large population of people that have it. ADHD is most prevalent in children, yet anybody can have it at any time if it is in their genetic code. With multiple treatment options, doctors can help treat symptoms, but there is no specific cure. The variability of ADHD is what makes it so interesting.