Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Kris Lawson

Defining ADHDAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition

that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. It is a condition in which a person is unable to control their behavior due to difficulty in processing neural stimuli and is accompanied by an extremely high level of motor activity.

History of ADHDADHD was first mentioned in 1902. British pediatrician Sir George Still

described “an abnormal defect of moral control in children.”

In 1952, the APA issued the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual listed all of the recognized mental disorders. It also included known causes, risk factors, and treatments for each condition. In the first edition, ADHD was not recognized. In 1968, a second DSM was published, which included “hyperkinetic impulse disorder” for the first time. The APA released a third edition of the DSM in 1980. They changed the name of the disorder from “hyperkinetic impulse disorder” to attention deficit disorder. Scientists believed hyperactivity was not a common symptom of the disorder. This listing created two subtypes of ADD: ADD with hyperactivity, and ADD without hyperactivity.

Genetic FactorsWhat causes ADHD is not exactly understood, however experts

do know that genes play a strong role. It is believed that the genes that control the level or function of neurotransmitters in the brain appear to be different in those individuals diagnosed with ADHD. AHDH tends to run in families. Studies have shown where certain genetic characteristics run high in families where one or more members have ADHD. Studies have also shown abnormal brain functioning with neurotransmitters and the pathways that regulate behavior. Recently dopamine, a brain chemical that carries signals between nerves, has been found to play a role in ADHD. Individuals with ADHD are found to have lower levels of dopamine and thinner brain tissue in areas of the brain that associated with attention. ADHD researches are currently investigating the frontal lobe of the brain and its association with ADHD.

Environmental FactorsNot only is genetics a factor but researchers believe it is a

combination of genetics and environment that play a role in individuals with ADHD. Past studies suggested that watching to much television contributed to ADHD but that has recently been disregarded. Pregnant women who smoke and/or drink have a higher risk of having a child with ADHD. Complications during pregnancy, during birth or shortly after birth are associated in children with ADHD. If an individual is exposed to certain toxins at a young age, such as lead, PCBs, or pesticides, it is believed that these toxins could possibly lead to ADHD in these individuals. Also head trauma and injury may be a causing factor in those with ADHD.

Demographics Children who live 2X below the poverty line are at a higher risk for

ADHD.

Children who are from primarily English-speaking households are at 4X the greater risk.

ADHD is associated with all races, including:

White 9.8%

Blacks 9.5%

Latinos 5.5%

Average age and severity of diagnoses:

8 years old - mild

7 years old - moderate

5 years old - severe

Difficulty paying attention

Frequently daydreaming

Difficulty following through on instructions and apparently not listening

Frequently has problems organizing tasks or activities

Frequently forgetful and loses needed items, such as books, pencils or toys

Frequently fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks

Easily distracted

Frequently fidgets or squirms

Difficulty remaining seated and seemly in constant motion

Excessively talkative

Frequently interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games

Frequently has trouble waiting for his or her turn

Signs and Symptoms of ADHDIn some children signs and symptoms of ADHD or noticeable as young as 2 or

3 years of age. These signs include:

Treatments ADHDIn 1936, the U.S. FDA approved Benzedrine as a medicine. The

following year, Dr. Charles Bradley noticed an unexpected side effects of this medicine. When given to young patients, their behavior and performance in school improved. However, Bradley’s contemporaries mostly ignored his new findings. It was only many years later that doctors and researchers began to recognize the benefit of what Bradley had discovered.

In 1955, the FDA approved the psychostimulant Ritalin. It became frequently used as a treatment for ADHD as the disease became better understood and more frequently diagnosed. The medicine is still used to treat ADHD today.

when diagnosing children with ADHD it is strongly recommended that they are thoroughly and extensively tested for accurate results and treatment with this commonly diagnosed disorder.

Future of ADHDEven though researchers do not have a cure in sight they are

making strides in understanding Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Research is greatly being done on the brain and the role it plays with the use of new techniques like brain imaging. This allows researchers a new insight to the inner functioning of the brain and ADHD.

NIMH and the U.S. Department of Education, together, are sponsoring a large national study to see which combinations of ADHD treatment work best for a variety of children. For this five year study ,scientists across the country will work together by gathering data to answer questions that greatly contribute to the understanding of ADHD. It is the very first study of its kind that will great influence the way ADHD is being diagnosed and treated.

As the development and knowledge of ADHD grows, scientist may one day find a way to prevent, if not cure, ADHD.

Works Citedhttp://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd/adhd-research.aspx

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/basics/definition/con-20023647

http://www.medicinenet.com/attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_in_teens/article.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/adhd

http://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/facts-statistics-infographic#4