attention deficit Disorder otherwise known as ADD is a condition that refers to an individuals inability to control their own behavior or impulse(McEwan 70).
This can begin in early childhood and interfere with childrens ability to do well in school and social situations. These patients also have troubles blocking out noise or other stimuli in order to focus on a task or what is being said. ADD is a chronic problem that can be seen as early as infancy and can extend to adulthood. There are two types of Attention Deficit Disorder. The most common form is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
The characteristic of this type is hyperactivity, which is seen before the child enters school(Parker 15 ).
The less obvious is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), where hyperactivity is not present. The main characteristic of this would be inattentiveness(Parker 15).
There are many studies that can show the causes, symptoms and treatments of attention deficit disorder(ADD).
There continues to be ongoing research into the actual cause of ADD. Resulted from the landmark 1990 study conducted by Dr.
Alan Zametkin at the National Institute states, Strong evidence suggests the most likely cause of ADD is a chemical imbalance or deficiency in the area responsible for attention and activity(Hartmann 43).
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... learning disability that I have encountered is Attention Deficit Disorder : now also, known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I have often been asked for my ... you will be able to better understand the learning disorder called Attention Deficit Disorder. ... eighteen in the United States have been diagnosed with (A.D.D.) This paper will discuss the medical explanation and symptoms which ...
Also it can be related to abnormalities in the nervous system and ways that messages are sent from the brain. Evidence suggests a strong heredity predisposition. Equally unfounded are variously help opinions that behavior which stems from ADD is caused by social or environmental factors such as poor home and environment. Research has revealed that the brain in a child with ADD may develop differently. The covering of the nerve tissues doe not reach its full maturity. There is growing evidence to support the idea that ADD is hereditary and may be passed from parent to child. It is also more prevalent with in boys than in girls.
In babies that have been prenatal exposed to drugs, including alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin, ADD needs to be carefully watched for. Increasing numbers of premature infants are found to have the disorder as well. A psychiatrist or clinical or school psychologist usually makes a diagnosis. In order to do this, physicians, psychologists and educators conduct an evaluation that includes a health and developmental history, medical evaluation, psychological and educational assessment, behavior rating scales completed by the parents and teacher, and possibly a speech and language evaluation (Miller 25).
Hyperactivity is the most obvious symptom. Children with this condition are unable to control their actions even under the most closely monitored situation. Parents often expect that certain foods cause hyperactivity, but children with ADD are hyperactive even though these foods are not part of their diets.
Other primary symptoms include inattention, distractibility, impulsiveness and short attention span. There are problems with organization and transitioning from one activity to another. The disorder can be complicated by other kinds of learning and/or behavioral problems as well. Thought patterns may be loose and poorly organized. Children have difficulty with memory, following directions and completing tasks. Learning disabilities in math, reading or written languages may accompany the attention deficit. Late physical maturity is often seen and can cause social problems and difficulty fitting into peer groups. Overexaggeration of emotions is common in children with ADD/ADHD, as in an inability to calm themselves.
When these children are excited, they can become overly excited. When they are upset they can become extremely upset and difficult to soothe. Many of these children have allergies to certain food substances. Some children may appears quiet or passive in nature and remain undetected. Few children with an attention deficit have just one manifestation of their problem. Therefore accurate diagnosis is important before treatment. ADD/ADHD is such a complex disorder that successful treatment must be carefully planned and cover all aspects of the childs life. Consistency is critical if plan is to be effective.
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Teachers may try to seat the child near her in the classroom and their assignments should be shortened. Parents may want to enroll in parenting classes or support groups to help them deal with the challenges of the child with ADD/ADHD. They may also implement behavioral contracts with clearly stated expectations and consequences. It is crucial for parents to maintain open communication with all the professions involved with their child during the process. Some families seek counseling address specific issues that arise. The counselor should be advised of the modifications made at the school and any behavior contracts in progress at school or home.
It is sometimes necessary to medicate children with severe ADD/ADHD. This is a decision made by the parents and there physician. The purpose of medication is to lengthen attention span, decrease distraction and provide opportunity for effective learning. The most commonly used medications for ADD are psychostimulants. Psychostimulants are the most widely used medicationfor the management of ADD related symptoms. 70-80 % of children with ADD reacts positively to psychostimulants (APA 84).
Methylphenidate (RITILAN), dextroamphetamine (DEXEDRINE) and pemoline (CYLERT) have been prescribed for many years with minimal side effects.
More recently, antidepressant medications such imipramine (TOFRANIL) and desipramine (NORPRAMIN) have also proven to be successful in treating the disorder(Miller 29).
These medications decrease impulsive and hyperactivity increases attention and in some children decreases aggression. Each of these medications is believed to affect the deficiencies in the bodys messages to and from the brain, which can cause ADD. The majority of children taking these medications show improvement. There are some children that do not react well. The physician will discuss possible side effects and have the parent monitor the childs behavior on a calendar.
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... and without medication for the treatment of ADD. The widespread use of a controversial drug, Ritalin, and the possible side effects on children are ... the authorities in the child? s life, such as parents and teachers. Equally important because they have much more control over the conditions ...
Medication side effects such as loss of appetite, restlessness at night and lethargy in the classroom should be charted and can be often controlled through dosage adjustments (Parker16).
Medications alone cannot effect changes in the child. The child may have a better chance of success. Before medications is tried, many parents turn to specific diets in an attempt to control their childs behavior. They should seek the assistance of a physician who is prepared to work with them on diet control for this purpose.
Bibliography:
Works Cited Basic Facts About ADD Medication.
www.add.org. April 28.%0.
