Living With Attention Deficit Disorder Essay Research

Living With Attention Deficit Disorder Essay, Research Paper

Living with Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurobiological disorder. Recent research shows that the symptoms of ADD are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. (Rebecca Chapman Booth)

With ADD there is a flaw in the way the brain manages the neurotransmitter production, storage or flow, causing imbalances. It has been suggested that as many as 80 percent of ADD cases are the result of genetics with the remainder caused by toxins, trauma or illness introduced during pregnancy, delivery or the newborn period and not,from poor parenting, family problems, poor teachers or schools, to much TV, food allergies, or excess sugar. It is important for people to understand that ADD is a real disability that effects all aspects of a person’s life, though it does not need to be handicapping.

The difference in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is mostly one of terminology, which can be confusing at times. The “official” clinical diagnosis is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. In turn ADHD is broken down into different subtypes: ” Combined type; Predominantly Inattentive Type: and Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulse Type”. (Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.) Many people use the term ADD as a generic term for all types of ADHD. The term ADD has gained popularity among the general public, in the media, and is even commonly used among professionals. We are basically still talking about the same thing however, whether we call it ADD or ADHD. (Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.) Current research shows that there may be as many as 13 different genes that vary from the so-called normal genes that are involved in making up what we call the attention deficits.

According to the epidemiological data, approximately 4 to 6 percent of the U.S. population has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Experts at the National Institute of Mental Health, estimate that ADHD affects 3 to 5 percent of school age children and two to three times as many boys as girls. One child in a classroom of 20, is affected. This is not an epidemic, however the media likes to sensationalize ADHD, as if it were. If one person in a family is diagnosed with ADD, there is about a 25 percent probability that another person in the family also has some form of Attention Deficit Disorder”. (Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.)

Living with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can be complex and no two individuals are exactly alike. Symptoms and problems are often unique and may vary in type, number and intensity from person to person. (Akron General) Some indicators suggestive of ADD are: Being easily distracted, forgetting things, procrastination, difficulties making decisions, verbal impulsiveness, expressing thoughts in speech or in writing, having periods of depression or low self esteem, frequently late or rushed, reading comprehension or retention, emotionally sensitive, easily upset, low frustration tolerance, easily bored, impulsive spending, personal or family history of substance abuse, depression or anxiety, strong need to have things their way and a intense need for excitement.

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD), the most common of the psychiatric disorders that appear in childhood, are often the subject of great concern on the part of the parents and teachers. Children with ADHD are unable to stay focused on a task, cannot sit still, they act without thinking and rarely follow through on projects they start. If untreated, the disorder can have a long term effect on a childs ability to make friends or do well at school or in other activities. Over time, children with ADHD may develop depression, lack of self-esteem and other emotional problems.

Until the last decade, it was believed that Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) was a disorder limited to childhood which would disappear during adolescence. Through years of research, it is now known that many individuals symptoms continue through to adulthood and can create difficulties in managing the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of everyday life, such as work, school, marriage, running a household, parenting and interpersonal relationships. It is possible that millions of adults have Attention Deficit Disorder which has not yet been identified or treated successfully.

While there seems to be a lot of negativity surrounding the effects of Attention Deficit Disorders, there is also a positive side of ADD. One that is often overlooked. Many people with ADD have a high level of energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and a passionate commitment to things which interest them. These qualities can help them to excel in many occupations. Adults with ADD tend to do well in careers which involve creativity and change, such as sales or marketing and jobs which require troubleshooting skills. (Peter Jaksa Ph.D.)

A thorough evaluation should provide a basis for developing an appropriate and comprehensive treatment program. In the case of treatment for children, a detailed, structured interview with parents will take place. For adults suspected of ADD, the evaluation would include a family, childhood and school history to determine the presence of symptoms and problems commonly experienced by adult with ADD. (Akron General)

Current treatments include a mix of approaches,