Adhd
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder commonly associated with a child but can also be detected in adults. ADHD affects ones ability to regulate his/her attention span, impulse, and activity level. ADHD can not be diagnosed by a blood test or brain scan. However, it can be diagnosed by health professionals that form an opinion after observing a child’s behavior and obtaining input from caregivers. Frank (2004, p 16) lists five elements to consider before diagnosing ADHD: 1. Chronic and pervasive problems with inattention and/or impulsivity and/or hyperactivity 2. Onset of symptoms before age seven 3. Symptoms present across settings (e.g., home, school, work, daycare, etc.) 4. Clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic, or occupational functioning 5. Symptoms not accounted for by anther mental disorder (e.g., mood, disorder, anxiety disorder)
ADHD is defined using three different categories. Each category is based on the level of the primary symptom. Predominantly Inattentative Type (ADHD-I) is referred to when one exhibits strong signs of inattention. Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive (ADHD-HI) is diagnosed when the primary symptoms are hyperactivity and impulsivity. Then there is the combination of symptoms (i.e. inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity), this is referred to as Combined Type (ADHD-C). Diagnosing ADAD-I and ADHD-Hi is based on nine characteristics of inattention and nine characteristics of hyperactive-impulsiveness. Six of each must be present in order to diagnose the correct category. ADHD-C would be the combination of many of these characteristics (Frank, 2004, p. 17). Inattention Characteristics 1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes. 2. Difficulty sustaining attention 3. Does not appear to
ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder commonly associated with a child but can also be detected in adults. ADHD affects ones ability to regulate his/her attention span, impulse, and activity level. ADHD can not be diagnosed by a blood test or brain scan. However, it can be diagnosed by health professionals that form an opinion after observing a child’s behavior and obtaining input from caregivers. Frank (2004, p 16) lists five elements to consider before diagnosing ADHD: 1. Chronic and pervasive problems with inattention and/or impulsivity and/or hyperactivity 2. Onset of symptoms before age seven 3. Symptoms present across settings (e.g., home, school, work, daycare, etc.) 4. Clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic, or occupational functioning 5. Symptoms not accounted for by anther mental disorder (e.g., mood, disorder, anxiety disorder)
ADHD is defined using three different categories. Each category is based on the level of the primary symptom. Predominantly Inattentative Type (ADHD-I) is referred to when one exhibits strong signs of inattention. Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive (ADHD-HI) is diagnosed when the primary symptoms are hyperactivity and impulsivity. Then there is the combination of symptoms (i.e. inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity), this is referred to as Combined Type (ADHD-C). Diagnosing ADAD-I and ADHD-Hi is based on nine characteristics of inattention and nine characteristics of hyperactive-impulsiveness. Six of each must be present in order to diagnose the correct category. ADHD-C would be the combination of many of these characteristics (Frank, 2004, p. 17). Inattention Characteristics 1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes. 2. Difficulty sustaining attention 3. Does not appear to
References: Barkley, RA. (2000). Taking charge of ADHD. New York, NY: The Guildford Press. Chaker, AM. (2005, April 5). “Attention Deficit Gets New Approach.” The Wall Street Journal {Online} Frank, K. (2004). Does my kid really have AD/HD?. Bloomington. ID: Author House. Lougy, RA. & Rosenthal, DK. (2002), ADHD a survival guide for parents and teachers Reimers, C. & Brunger, BA. (1999), ADHD in the young child driven to redirection Schmidt, S. (2005, June 20). “Video game helps combat ADHD.” Canada.com News {Online}, Retrieved June 29, 2005, from http://www.canada.com/components/printstory/printstory4.aspx?id=303b86e1-4eb2-42d7-892c-fe33d061b7e9.com