Diagnosis_and_Treatment

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Andy Allen BEH 225 Kristina Green 11/5/2010 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder where children lack the ability to calmly focus their attention. The disorder was originally known as hyperactivity or simply attention deficit disorder (ADD). The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that three to five percent of children are diagnosed with ADHD (WebMD, 2010). Some experts believe this estimate to be as high as eight to ten percent of school aged children (WebMD, 2010). Current Diagnoses Children with ADHD have a hard time concentrating and following directions. Constant movement and not thinking before they act are common symptoms of ADHD. Though many young children have the same behavior, the symptoms in children with ADHD occur more often and stop them from functioning at school and home. ADHD symptoms are usually separated into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. A child’s symptoms are categorized into these groups. A child must show six symptoms or more for six months in two different settings such as home and school or home and daycare. Symptoms of inattention include failure to give full attention and becoming easily distracted. Symptoms of only inattention are a sign of attention deficit disorder. Though many children rarely follow directions, this is also a symptom of inattention which the child cannot control. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness are symptoms of classic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Symptoms include fidgeting with hands, squirming talking excessively, and always being on the go. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness cause many behavioral issues with children in and outside the home. Children without inattention symptoms are able to pay attention. A combination of hyperactivity and impulsiveness plus inattention is the most common form of ADHD. These children experience symptoms from all three categories. These results in children have difficulty paying attention and the inability to sit calmly without getting up or moving around. A doctor diagnosing a child with ADHD will gather information from parents, schools, and caregivers. A doctor looks over the given information and makes a comparison to ADHD symptoms and guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. An educated diagnosis is made in regards to the child having ADHD or not. Most diagnosis’s are in regards to children between the ages of six and twelve. The diagnosis of children five and under is very difficult as well as the diagnosis of teenagers. Child five and under are generally very active and may experience ADHD symptoms that are not necessarily linked to ADHD. Current Treatment The best form of treatment is education. A parent who is educated in the disorder of their children is more capable of handling the behavioral outbursts and inattention of their children. Through close contact with doctors, special education classes, and psychological interventions the parent and child can help work through the disorder together. Many doctors and parents decide to use the option of medicine as a form of treatment. The type of drugs used for ADHD is known as psycho stimulants. They are highly effective for treating childhood ADHD. These psycho stimulant drugs are 70 to 80 percent effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Studies show that a combination of both medication and behavioral therapy are the most effective in the long term treatment. Kids taking both forms of treatment experience greater social skills and education. They are more capable of interacting and learning. The use of medication for treatment of ADHD does have side effects on the children. The four common name brands of ADHD drugs include: Ritalin, Aderall, Concerta and Strattera. The most common side effect for all four of these approved ADHD drugs is restlessness. Other common side effects include headache and dizziness, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. A fairly new type of treatment for ADHD is coaching. ADHD coaches are trained and certified to help patients with ADHD work through their symptoms and reach goals. ADHD coaching can be all day contact or short periods of time each day. Coaches can work together with parents, schools and doctors to aid in the treatment of ADHD with or without the use of medication. Final Diagnosis ADHD is a growing concern in children and is not something that is easily treated. Diagnosis takes many months of examining the child and their behavior in many different types of environments. It is believed that ADHD is present from birth but symptoms only become obvious with age. Parents often believe that a child’s behavior is just part of their personality. It is only till children reach school age or attend structured daycare centers where they realize the lack of attention span and the hyperactivity. With correct and effective treatment children with ADHD can live their lives just like any other child. References WebMD. (2010). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children. Retrieved on November 5, 2010 from http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/ast_oneadhd-children'page=2