Sie sind auf Seite 1von 1

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Kristin Buholtz


!"#$ &' ($$)*$&+* ,)-&.&$ /01)2#.$&3&$0 ,&'+24)25
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an illness characterized
by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD is the most commonly
diagnosed behavior disorder in young persons. ADHD affects an
estimated two million American children, an average of at least one child
in every U.S. classroom. In general, boys with ADHD have been shown to
outnumber girls with the disorder by a rate of about three to one.
Symptoms/Signs of ADHD Treatments for ADHD
Inattention:
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless
mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to
oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of
mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or
homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities; such as toys, school
assignments, pencils, books, or tools
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity:
Often fidgets with hands/feet or squirms when sitting still is expected
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often excessively runs about or climbs when and where it is not
appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively
Impulsivity:
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished
Often has trouble waiting their turn
Often interrupts/intrudes on others; such as butting into conversations or
games

There have been many treatments recommended for
people with ADHD, but the most proven treatments are
medication and behavioral therapy.

Medication:
Stimulants are the most widely used drugs for treating
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Some common
side effects of stimulant medications include weight loss,
decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and, in children, a
temporary slowness in growth. Some of the stimulant class
of medications come in longer acting preparations and
can be given once a day. These drugs increase activity in
parts of the brain that are underactive in those with ADHD,
improving attention and reducing impulsiveness,
hyperactivity and/or aggressive behavior. The FDA has
also approved a non-stimulant medication, Atomoxetine
(Straterra), which does not appear to have the same risk
of abuse as the stimulants. However, this medication
carries a warning that in a small percentage of cases,
suicidal thinking can be activated by this medication.

Behavioral Therapy:
Treatment strategies such as rewarding positive behavior
changes and communicating clear expectations of those
with ADHD have also proven effective. Additionally, it is
extremely important for family members and teachers or
employers to remain patient and understanding. There is
some evidence that behavioral treatment can lower the
dose of the medications a child requires.


http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/
www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00275
www.nami.org/helpline/adhd.htm
References


Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD:
Six or more of the symptoms below of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is inappropriate for
developmental level; or six or more of the symptoms below of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an
extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level
Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings, such as school and home.
There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social and school functioning.
Symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder.
Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:
IA. ADHD, Combined Type;
IB. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type;
IC. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen