Attention Deficit Disorder

Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the name given to a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People with ADHD are hyperactive or distracted most of the time (Diller, 2008, 47-81). Even when they are trying to focus on, it's hard to pay attention. Adults with ADHD have difficulties in organizing things, listening to instructions, remembering details and controlling their behavior (Barkley, 2006, 25-36). That is why people with ADHD often have trouble getting along with others at home, at school or at work (Diller, 2008, 47-81).

The attention deficit disorder is a disorder that occurs most often in children, and this has negative impact on school performance. It appears more frequently in boys than in girls, and having a percentage of 20 to 30% retention in the adult stage. There are three main types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), inattentive type, the hyperactive /impulsive and combined type (there are discussions about the compatibility of the inattentive type and hyperactive) (Diller, 2008, 47-81). This disorder occurs more frequently in boys than in girls, a ratio of three to one. Although the variety inattentive, predominantly girls, and the other two children. The ADHD, usually present comorbidity (coexistence within an individual of a disorder induced by psychoactive substance use and mental disorder) with other neuropsychiatric disorders (Barkley, 2006, 25-36). Between 50 and 70% of patients diagnosed with ADHD, presents problems of social adjustment and or psychiatric problems in adolescence and young adulthood, although 20-30% continues to suffer from this condition during adulthood (Connor, 2006, 64-79).

Diagnosis of ADHD

It is not easy to establish a diagnosis of ADHD, because the same symptoms can result from other disorders related more or less closely with ADHD. Therefore, the diagnosis of ADHD based on a thorough assessment of the child and his environment. The physician is primarily interested in psychomotor development of children (Barkley, 2012). Parents are invited to give a history of child development. Psychological and neuropsychological tests may also be useful to assess his IQ and potential for academic learning. Teachers can also contribute to the evaluation of the child. The latter has been tailored about his current difficulties. There are no neurological or psychological tests that can diagnose the disease (Conrad, 2006, 559-82).

According to the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association, one must observe a number of symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity / impulsivity in children with ADHD is diagnosed (Connor, 2006, 64-79). Despite the many recent technological advances for the diagnosis of various medical conditions, ADHD remains a diagnosis based purely on the presence of a set of behaviors or symptoms that are of such intensity that they significantly affect a person's ability to function on a day-to-day basis over a period of time (Conrad, 2006, 559-82). Although abnormalities in certain areas of the brain have been seen on scans in numerous research studies, these findings represent group differences from normal control values and are not currently available or valid to make the diagnosis of ADHD in ...