Whether Children of Military Parents Are More Likely to Be Diagnosed is ADHD

Abstract

The main aim of this proposal is to discuss the basic understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and whether the children of military parents are more likely to be diagnosed ADHD. This research will investigate the relationship between ADHD and creative potential of children using a multiple case study design, quantitative measures, and qualitative semi-structured interviews with the parents and teachers of the children. This topic is important because ADHD is the most frequently mentioned disorder of childhood and the primary reason for referral for counseling services. Hypothesis will be discussed that the children of military parents diagnosed with ADHD will score higher on several measures of creative potential than available norms. Finally, proposal concludes with the future anticipated recommendations and implications.

Table of Content

ABSTRACTII

INTRODUCTION1

Problem Statement1

Background of the Study1

Research Question2

Hypothesis2

LITERATURE REVIEW3

ADHD3

Causes of ADHD4

Genetics4

The Environment4

Brain Damage4

ADHD and Children4

METHODS6

Research Design6

Dependent Variable6

Independent Variable6

Participants6

Apparatus/Material7

ANTICIPATED RESULTS8

IMPLICATIONS9

CONCLUSION10

REFERENCES11

APPENDICES12

Introduction

Problem Statement

The purpose of this study will be to explore whether children who have been identified as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have elevated creative potential as compared to available norms, to assess whether children diagnosed with ADHD have sufficient ego strength or self-discipline to manage their behaviors, to gather descriptive information from numerous sources (student, parents, teachers) on the strengths and difficulties of the students, and to explore to what extent children's creative potential is managed or realized. This topic is important because ADHD is the most frequently mentioned disorder of childhood and the primary reason for referral for counseling services.

Background of the Study

ADHD is the most commonly used diagnosis of childhood disorders and the primary reason for children's referrals to psychological clinics. The term ADHD is used to describe a specific childhood disorder consisting of an inherent weakness in ability to concentrate on relevant tasks and to maintain attention until the task is completed. According to the DSM-IV, a cluster of six or more symptoms are required to make the diagnosis (e.g., fidgets, leaves seat, often on the go, talks excessively, blurts answers, difficulty awaiting turn, interrupts or intrudes on others). There is an implication that the child cannot control these behaviors. The creativity of everyday life can be defined in terms of outcomes using two general criteria originality (unusualness with a social context) and meaningfulness (requirement that the contribution communicate to others). It involves the full range of original outcomes from one's day-to-day activities, both at work and at leisure, including those activities in the traditionally creative fields in the arts and sciences, or any other activity that allows for original thought and performance. Some researchers have viewed this as fundamental to our adaptation and even to one's survival.

The history of diagnosis and treatment of ADHD reflects a long and complex problem. It is the most commonly diagnosed disorder of childhood and the third most common learning problem among children, following reading and other language disorders. It is estimated to affect between 3% and 5% of school age children, depending on how the disorder ...