ADHD Diagnosis Essay, Research Paper
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is much more prevalent in today?s society
compared to previous generations. More and more people are being diagnosed at an alarming
rate. To our surprise, I learned this disorder does not only affect children. There are many adults
who suffer from it also. ADHD characteristics are neuro-biologically based, and they often
change as the individual gets older. One does not out-grow ADHD even though the behaviors, or
symptoms may not be exhibited in the same manner or with the same intensity. After learning
this fact, I thought it would be very interesting to see how this disorder affects both children and
college students. Therefore, I choose one journal article which relates ADHD to children, and the
other which deals with the effects of ADHD on college students.
The first journal article I researched, ?An Intervention Approach for Children with
Teacher and Parent Identified Attentional Difficulties,? explained that inattention, impulsivity,
distractibility, and restlessness are all signs of a child with an attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder. ?There are three subtypes of ADHD which have been defined by the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as: predominantly inattentive, predominately hyperactive
impulsive, and combined? (Semrud-Clekeman, Nielsen, Clinton, Sylvester, Parle, and Connor,
1999). Usually children who exhibit these subtypes have difficulty completing assignments,
displaying high qualities of work, and maintaining good behaviors. Children with the
hyperactivity-impulsivity subtype do not display significant attentional problems, though they are
identified as young as pre-schoolers. However, symptoms of inattention don?t typically emerge
until the later ages, which must be why the predominately inattentive and combined subtypes of
ADHD have been found in older school-age children.
These children who have been identified as having ADHD, show an inability to
use effective problem solving over a period of time. When researchers looked at their brain
structures, they found that the frontal-striatal regions are involved with the child?s ability to
inhibit, focus, and shift attention.
Researchers have formed interventions involving the behavioral or cognitive
management of children with ADHD. Attention-training strategies, classroom-based
contingency systems, home-school contingencies, and peer-mediated contingencies are examples
of these interventions. In an effort to measure students with ADHD, in addition to medication
and intervention strategies, researchers conducted two types of tests.
The first test, the visual attention task, required the child to scan fourteen rows of
d?s, each d had one to three marks around it. The child was instructed to select the d?s with two
marks around them. The children were also told to move down to the next row every twenty
seconds. The score is calculated by subtracting the errors from the total amount correct. ?It was
suggested that this task assesses the capacity for sustained attention as well as accurate visual
scanning and inhibition of rapid responses?(Semrud-Clekeman, Nielsen, Clinton, Sylvester,
Parle, and Connor, 1999, p. 585).
The second test, the auditory attention task, required the child to listen to random
letters and numbers. Afterwards, they were asked to remember how many letters or numbers they
heard. The child must keep in mind the letters and numbers they heard for each stimulus at the
same time. The test starts out with four stimuli and finishes with twelve. ?This task has been
hypothesized to be a measure of auditory divided attention as well as sustained
attention?(Semrud-Clekeman, Nielsen, Clinton, Sylvester, Parle, and Connor, 1999, p. 585).
The results of this study confirmed that children with ADHD who had help
through the intervention programs showed an increase in their performance on visual and
auditory attention tasks, while the other children without the help of intervention programs did
not show any improvement. ?These children most likely represent a continuum of attention and
activity / impulsivity problems and may describe the population of children with significant
attention problems who are infrequently referred for an assessment beyond the
pediatrician?(Semrud-Clekeman, Nielsen, Clinton, Sylvester, Parle, and Connor, 1999, p. 587). It
seems very probable that children with attention and work completion difficulties without
significant behavioral and learning problems often go unaided in classrooms today.
The second journal article I selected is titled ?Psychological Functioning
Differences Among College Students With Confirmed ADHD, ADHD by Self-Report Only, and
Without ADHD.? In an attempt to understand attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder, professor
Lee A. Rosen, psychologist Cori Ann Ramirez, and doctoral student Tracy L. Richards have
researched the effects this disorder has had on college students. College students were researched
based on three categories: those with confirmed ADHD, those with self-reported, and students
without ADHD. The team of researchers had difficulty in diagnosing students with ADHD
because of three factors: ?establishing a childhood history of ADHD, conducting careful
differential diagnoses, and assessing for comorbid diagnoses? (Ramirez, Richards & Rosen,
1999, p.299) Researchers also found that the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol, as well as various
other diagnoses are usually associated with ADHD.
As I learned from the first research article, symptoms of this disorder include
inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. When researchers noted the symptoms in college
students, they found many of these students exhibiting restlessness, impulsivity, distraction, poor
performance in academic settings that require sustained attention and behavior regulation. To
measure students for ADHD, researchers used several tests: the Brief Symptom Screening
Form(BSSF), a self- report measure of ADHD, a Background Questionnaire, which involves
information of ethnicity and medical history, and the ADHD Behavior Checklist for Adults was
used to measure the symptoms of ADHD over the past six months of the person?s life as well as
their childhood. The other tests used were the Wender Utah Rating Scale(WURS), which helped
to measure an adult?s assessment of their own childhood, the Symptom Checklist-90-R
(SCL-90-R), that consists of ninety items to assess psychological symptoms of psychiatric and
medical patients, and the last analysis used was The Conduct Disorder Scale, which instructed
students to admit to any delinquent activities they took part in within the past twelve months.
After researchers measured the scores from the aforementioned tests, they found
that ADHD students and self-reported ADHD students scored very similar. Although the results
between the two groups showed similarities, there were many problems in assessing the scores.
Self-reported students and their parents did not agree on their condition. The article states, ? that
parental recall of childhood behavior is more valid than patient recall because often times
students may forget, exaggerate, or underestimate their own childhood behavior? (Ramirez,
Richards & Rosen, 1999, p. 304) Also, students of the self-reports could have been lying when
answering the questionnaires. As one can see, this study may not be the most accurate way to
determine if someone truly does have ADHD.
Overall, researchers agree that attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder is a
common issue amongst college students, especially those who do not know why they are
experiencing certain inabilities. Researchers feel that without proper measurements, many
students who suffer from ADHD will not receive the appropriate assistance deemed necessary,
and they will continue to have attentional problems that will interfere with their academic
performance.
The popular media article found in U.S. News and World Report , ?Taking a
Picture of a Mind Gone Awhirl,? focuses on a new imaging method used to diagnose ADHD. It
is said to be the first definitive test for ADHD. ?The new diagnostic exam, developed by
psychiatrists at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass., uses an infrared tracking device to measure
difficult-to-detect movements of children as they attempt a tough but boring attention test,
pressing the space bar each time a particular kind of star appears for a brief moment somewhere
on the computer screen? (Schrof Fischer, 2000). Researchers began a study on eleven boys who
had previously been diagnosed with ADHD and six boys who do not have this disorder. If the
boys pressed the space bar too quickly, it demonstrated how impulsive they were. If they did not
notice one of the stars on the screen, it determined how much their attention wandered. ?Using
this rigorous screening, only six of the eleven boys were confirmed to fit a strict definition of
ADHD? (Schrof Fischer, 2000). This in turn means that five of the boys did not fit the ?strict
definition of ADHD. Therefore they must have been misdiagnosed at some point. The article also
discusses a part of the brain called the putamen and how it is different in an ADHD child.
It seems as if this new test could be a much better way of diagnosing someone
with ADHD compared to the methods used in the two journal articles. I feel the research
presented in the journal articles does support the report in our popular media article by
illustrating that there is continuous research taking place that just seems to be getting better as
time goes by. All three articles also helped confirm my awareness of the fact that ADHD is
presently such a widespread problem. The articles also helped me to realize how many
individuals are misdiagnosed. ?All types of disorders, from anxiety to manic-depression to
conduct disorders, are now mistaken for ADHD, and everyone suffers for that diagnostic
sloppiness? (Schrof Fischer, 2000). It comes as a relief to know that with modern technology,
comes more accurate ways a determining whether an individual is suffering from ADHD. If this
new test is confirmed to be reliable, ?it could help correct both the overuse of Ritalin and the
undertreatment of kids whose ADHD is missed by the naked eye? (Schrof Fischer, 2000). All in
all, I?ve learned a great deal about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and I am glad to now know that there is hope for our future generation to be prepared with more improved methods to accurately diagnose people with ADHD.
Другие работы по теме:
ADHD Essay Research Paper When Mrs Fallon
ADHD Essay, Research Paper When Mrs. Fallon first described this project to us, I was a little bit skeptical about it. I kept thinking that I had no problems in my life and that I didn?t
Adhd Essay Research Paper Emotionally HandicappedBehavior DisordersAttention
Adhd Essay, Research Paper Emotionally Handicapped/Behavior Disorders:Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Introduction It seems that diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder isbecoming more prevalent among children and adults. I questionedwhat has caused this increase in number of people effected by thisdisorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Essay Research Paper
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), is the most common psychiatric disorder among children today. It s symptoms are not necessarily obvious and start at various times. Some children give indication of having the disorder before they are born, others are not diagnosed with having it until their preteen years.
Attention Deficit Order Essay Research Paper Attention
Attention Deficit Order Essay, Research Paper Attention Deficit Order (ADD) is a syndrome which is usually characterized byserious and persistent difficulties in poor attention span, weak impulse control and alsohyperactivity. ADD is a subtype illness which included hyperactivity (ADHD). The illnessis treatable, however it cannot be cured.
Adhd Parents Should Use Alternative Treatments For
Illness Essay, Research Paper ADHD: Parents Should Use Alternative Treatments for Illness A child named Alva comes to mind. Alva’s teacher taught by rote, which was too mechanical for the boy’s creative mind. His thoughts often wandered, while his body seemed in perpetual motion in his seat. The teacher found Alva, inattentive and unruly and often threatened punishment.
Adhd Essay Research Paper Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Adhd Essay, Research Paper Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children. About 3 percent to 5 percent of American children are affected by this disorder. This disorder is commonly mis-diagnosed in children who are very hyperactive, assuming that very hyperactive kids have this disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Its Effects
On Society Essay, Research Paper Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and its Effects on Society Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is without a doubt one of the largest social problems facing the Baby Boomers in the 21st century. The last two to three decades have seen this disorder labeled many different titles.
Learning Disability
– Women And Attention Deficit Disorder. Essay, Research Paper What it feels like to have ADD? Imagine living in a fast-moving kaleidoscope, where sounds, images, and thoughts are constantly shifting. Feeling easily bored, yet helpless to keep your mind on tasks you need to complete. Distracted by unimportant sights and sounds, your mind drives you from one thought or activity to the next.
The Dark Side Of A Wonder Drug-A
Selected Collection Of Testimony On The Safety Of Ritalin Essay, Research Paper The Dark side of a Wonder Drug-A Selected Collection of Testimony on the Safety
Adhd Essay Research Paper Ritalin is a
Adhd Essay, Research Paper Ritalin is a drug that many of us have probably heard of. It is a drug prescribed to students with ADHD. Is a drug whose use is very beneficial for our children, or is it a drug that should be cautiously prescribed and saved for only the worse ADHD? I feel that people should use more caution in the prescription of Ritalin.
ADHD Essay Research Paper Should Stimulants Be
ADHD Essay, Research Paper Should Stimulants Be Prescribed for ADHD Children? Essay written by In this day and age, drugs are being prescribed without hesitation. In fact, many of these
Stimulants And There Effects Essay Research Paper
Stimulants and Their Effects: In this day and age, drugs are being prescribed without hesitation. In fact, many of these drugs are being prescribed for children with various disorders. One of these disorders is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Adhd Differences In Perception Essay Research Paper
ADHD: Differences in Perception ADHD children seem to always be in motion. They can find it hard to complete tasks they’ve begun and planning ahead is difficult. These children occasionally appear to be oblivious to what takes place around them. Then there are other days when these children appear to behave just fine, apparently unaffected by the disorder.
ADHD Essay Research Paper ADHD is attention
ADHD Essay, Research Paper ADHD is attention deficit disorder accompanied by impassivity and over activity. Medical scientists think ADHD is caused by a chemical problem in the brain. The front part of the brain helps you pay attention, concentrate, organize things, and put breaks on impulsive or unacceptable behavior.
ADD Attention Deficit Disorder Essay Research Paper
Basically ADD is what it looks like, and at time also pertains to hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. The disorder generally causes the subject to be inattentive to stimuli; the subjects would find themselves easily distracted from any particular activity and may cause a difficulty in learning. The disorder does not readily become apparent until a child enters challenging situations such as elementary schools.
Adhd Essay Research Paper ADHD I INTRODUCTION
Adhd Essay, Research Paper ADHD I INTRODUCTION Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Hyperactivity (ADHD), disorder beginning in childhood, characterized by a persistent inability to sit still, focus attention on specific tasks, and control impulses. Children with ADHD show these behaviors more frequently and severely than other children of the same age.
ADDADHD Essay Research Paper Factual Data
ADD/ADHD Essay, Research Paper Factual Data Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) refers to a group of symptoms that begin in infancy and can continue into adulthood, causing difficulties for people at home, at school, at their jobs, and within their communities. The severity of symptoms varies among people with ADHD.
Attention Deficit Disorder In Today
’s Society Essay, Research Paper Attention deficit disorder is the subject of two widely challenged debates in medicinal practice and theory. One, the argument for ADD being a clinical and mental ?disorder?, is in favor of medical treatment, claiming the diagnosis is attributable to brain damage or neurological defects.
Attention Deficit Disorders Essay Research Paper Attention
Attention Deficit Disorders Essay, Research Paper Attention Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are increasingly being discussed, at least to some extent, interchangeably. It has captured the attention of educators everywhere, and victims are most frequently referred to the case worker within the respective educational institution.
ADHD Essay Research Paper ADHD ADHD a
ADHD Essay, Research Paper ADHD ? ADHD, a disorder beginning in childhood, characterized by a persistent inability to sit still, focus attention on specific tasks, and control impulses,? contributed by Michael Woods to
Ritalin 3 Essay Research Paper RitalinSeveral million
Ritalin 3 Essay, Research Paper Ritalin? Several million children are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants on the grounds that they have attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suffer from inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Ritalin and the amphetamines can for most purposes be considered one type of drug.
Ritalin Is It A Miracle Drug Or
Are We Creating A Essay, Research Paper Ritalin: Is it a miracle drug or are we creating a society of child junkies? Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a stimulant drug used in the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) in children. This disorder seems to be becoming more and more common, as is using Ritalin for its treatment.
Ritalin Is Good Ritalin Is Easy Essay
, Research Paper Ritalin is Good, Ritalin is Easy Seven years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. In other words, I had a chronic problem paying attention. As a form of treatment for ADHD, I was put on a controversial drug called Ritalin. Now being at the age of sixteen, it was not really my choice whether I wanted to take a doctor s prescription or not.
Ritalin 2 Essay Research Paper Is Ritalin
Ritalin 2 Essay, Research Paper Is Ritalin being over prescribed to control “behavior” problems in young children? Ritalin use has dramatically increased since first appearing on the market in 1980. According to Dr. Richard Bromfield (from the American Council on Science and Health), there has been a Five-fold jump in Ritalin production in the past five years.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay Research Paper
Imagine living in a fast-moving kaleidoscope, where sounds, images, and thoughts are constantly shifting. Feeling easily bored, yet helpless to keep your mind on tasks you need to complete. Distracted by unimportant sights and sounds, your mind drives you from one thought or activity to the next. Perhaps you are so wrapped up in a collage of thoughts and images that you don’t notice when someone speaks to you. “Tommy can’t sit still.
Ritalin And Its Uses Essay Research Paper
Ritalin and Its Uses In recent years, more and more kids seem to be on a prescription drug called Ritalin(methylphenidate). This drug is being handed out more and more by
Bipolar Disorder Essay Research Paper Case Study
Bipolar Disorder Essay, Research Paper Case Study I: Kelly Kelly has met criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Recurrent. She has no history of any personality disorders or of any medical conditions. Parents have frequent talks about divorce and there is decrease in her school grades. She has suffered from depressed mood being irritable and unstable, loss of energy, anhedonia, diminished ability to concentrate leading to the decline in her school grades, decrease in the her appetite, and suicidal ideation and plan for committing suicide.
Adversary Welcomes Prosperity Essay Research Paper Can
Adversary Welcomes Prosperity Essay, Research Paper Can you imagine what it would feel like if your mind was unable to concentrate onsomething for more than five minutes? Now think about if you were fidgety,inattentive, and spontaneously hyper. These are all characteristics of AttentionDeficit Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD.
Adhd Essay Research Paper ADHDUnderstanding the ProblemUnderstanding
Adhd Essay, Research Paper ADHD Understanding the Problem Understanding the Problem | Getting Help | Sustaining Hope This three-part article provides an excellent overview of the current state of knowledge regarding a disorder that is often called the most “over-diagnosed” mental problem–attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
Add Adhd Essay Research Paper ADDADHDADHD is
Add Adhd Essay, Research Paper ADD/ADHD ADHD is one of the most common mental disorder, affecting 3-5% of children, or about one in every classroom. Once it was thought that only boys are affected by ADHD but it is now knows that the ratio affected boys to affected girls is about 3-1. For me many people ADHD continues for their entire life.
Misdiagnosis Of Attention Deficit Disorder
– Add Essay, Research Paper What exactly is ADD? This is a question that has remained unanswered for a very long time. ADD, also known as attention deficit disorder, has to do with the brain.
Add Essay Research Paper Until recently people
Add Essay, Research Paper Until recently, people with ADD were considered stupid and in some cases un-teachable. Famous people including Newton, Leonardo da Vinci and Einstein have been suspected of having ADD or ADHD. ADD is a little-understood but surprisingly common brain imbalance. The disorder is genetic, according to some researchers, and it usually manifests itself first as childhood hyperactivity.