Adhd

ADHD

Running Head : ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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Institution: National University

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Subject: ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is AD/HD? AD/HD is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders of childhood. AD/HD is estimated to affect between 3-7 out of every 100 school-aged children [American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2000]. This makes AD/HD a major health concern. AD/HD does not affect only children. In many cases, problems continue through adolescence and adulthood.

The core symptoms of AD/HD are developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These problems are persistent and usually cause difficulties in one or more major life areas: home, school, work, or social relationships. Clinicians base their diagnosis on the presence of the core characteristics and the problems they cause. Not all children and youth have the same type of AD/HD. Because the disorder varies among individuals, children with AD/HD won’t all have the same problems. Some may be hyperactive. Others may be under-active. Some may have great problems with attention. Others may be mildly inattentive but overly impulsive. Still others may have significant problems in all three areas (attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity). Thus, there are three subtypes of AD/HD:

A. Predominantly Inattentive Type

B. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

C. Combined Type (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity)

Of course, from time to time, practically every person can be a bit absent-minded, restless, fidgety, or impulsive. So why are these same patterns of behavior considered normal for some people and symptoms of a disorder in others? It’s partly a matter of degree. With AD/HD, these behaviors occur far more than occasionally. They are the rule and not the exception.

What Causes...