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Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) has become, in recent years, almost a childhood epidemic. Those diagnosed with the disorder exhibit difficulty paying attention, disorganization, impatience, forgetfulness, distractibility, fidgeting, excessive talking, and impulsiveness. Much controversy surrounds ADHD—both in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Treatment of ADHD usually involves medication such as Ritalin® or Adderall®. Recent treatment options take a more holistic approach, focusing on dietary needs and restrictions rather than medications. ADHD first began to receive acknowledgment in 1980 by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III). This diagnosis focused on two types of ADHD: ADHD with hyperactivity and ADHD without hyperactivity. By the time, the DSM-IV came out, psychologists assigned many nuances to the disease. For the initial diagnosis, six of the following nine criteria must be met:

1.Fails with attentiveness to details or careless mistakes are made in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

2.Has difficulty maintaining attention to tasks or play activities

3.Appears as not listening when being directly spoken to

4.Difficulty following through with directions and fails to complete activities

5.Often demonstrates difficulty organizing tasks and activities

6.Avoids or dislikes activities requiring sustained mental focus

7.Loses important objects

8.Easily distracted by external stimuli

9.Forgetful in daily activities

For the diagnosis of ADHD, with hyperactivity, six of the nine following criteria must be met:

1.Often fidgets or squirms in seat

2.Leaves the room in situations where remaining seated is expected

3.Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations

4.Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

5.Often talks excessively

6.Appears as always being on the go or driven by a motor

7.Frequent blurts out answers before questions are finished

8.Has difficulty waiting

9.Interrupts or intrudes upon others

All of the above symptoms must be persistent for the duration of at least six months, have an onset before the age of seven, be present in two or more settings, and must lead to a clear impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Treatment of ADHD

ADHD is most often treated with medication. Stimulants are prescribed for patients. While it might appear to be counter-intuitive to prescribe stimulants to those already suffering from hyperactivity or inattention, studies have shown that these medications do help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. The two most commonly prescribed medications for those suffering from ADHD are Adderall and Ritalin. Other pharmaceuticals prescribed for treating ADHD include antidepressants and or anti-hypertensive drugs.

“Children with attention deficit disorder have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork. Controversy surrounds diagnoses. Another treatment option for those suffering from ADHD is behavior modification therapy. For children undergoing behavior modification therapy, timers, clear rules, and schedules are of the most benefit. Parents might set a timer for the child getting ready for bed, or they might have a checklist of items to be completed before leaving the house in the morning. Other treatments focusing on behavior include maintaining an exercise program, therapy sessions, and parental training. A third treatment option for those diagnosed with ADHD is diet and environmental control (Armstrong, 2006, p. 90)”.

Parents who swear by this treatment option focus on a holistic diet, avoiding ...