Attention Defect Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Defect Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Defect Hyperactivity Disorder
May 9, 2012
Dr. A. Fares, Instructor
Lebanese international university
Saida, Lebanon
Sincerely yours,
Sara N
Roua F
Sara N (biologi)
Roua F (pharmacy)
May 9, 2012
Prepared for
Table of contents
LIST
OF
ILLUSTRATIONS. 3
ABSTRACT.....
3
INTRODUCTION..
4
Background.
.4
Subtypes
. 4
of
ADHD..
Understanding
problem5
the
Causes
ADHD..7
of
Problem.
8
Purpose.
8
Scope
8
DISCUSSION..9
for
Side
effects
stimulants..10
of
Behavioral
treatment... 11
CONCLUSION
12
RECOMMENDATIONS
13
REFERENCES
14
List of illustrations
and
boys
having
ADHD
and
ADHD
Abstract
This report opens with some cases of children who suffer from ADHD of
different symptoms. Then we will highlight about some statistics
concerning this diseases and its coloration with LD. After that, we will
discuss briefly the different kinds or sub types of this disorder.
Additionally, we will discuss the type of drugs used to treat this kind of
disorder and their various harmful side effects on the kids. As for the
conclusion, we will end with some recommendations that advice parents
with ADHD children should be enlightened about the symptoms of this
disorder and be able to recognize this disorder. And that once they
suspect their child having any of the symptoms you should see a
specialized doctor. Also, never hesitate to see several doctors, and to try a
combination of treatments psychological and medical.
.
Introduction
Background
Imagine living in a fast-moving kaleidoscope, where sounds, images, and
thoughts are constantly shifting. Feeling easily bored, yet you cant finish any
task you start. Distracted by unimportant sights and sounds, your mind
drives you from one thought or activity to another. Maybe you are so
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
o Several symptoms (6 or more) are the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.
o Less than 6 symptoms of inattention are present, however inattention may still be
present to a certain degree.
Predominantly inattentive
o Children with this subtype have difficulties getting along with children. They may
sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Thus, the
child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she
has ADHD.
Mark, age 14, has more energy than most boys his age. But then, he's
always been overly active. Starting at age 3, he was a human tornado,
dashing around and disrupting everything in his path. At home, he darted
from one activity to the next, leaving a trail of toys behind him. At meals, he
upset dishes and chattered nonstop. He was reckless and impulsive, running
into the street with oncoming cars; no matter how many times his mother
explained the danger or scolded him. On the playground, he seemed no
wilder than the other kids. But his tendency to overreact--like socking
playmates simply for bumping into him--had already gotten him into trouble
several times. His parents didn't know what to do. Mark's doting
grandparents reassured them, "Boys will be boys. Don't worry; he'll grow out
of it." But he didn't.
Lisa:
At age 17, Lisa still struggles to pay attention and act appropriately. But this
has always been hard for her. She still gets embarrassed thinking about that
night her parents took her to a restaurant to celebrate her 10th birthday. She
had gotten so distracted by the waitress' bright red hair that her father called
her name three times before she remembered to order. Then before she
could stop herself, she blurted, "Your hair dye looks awful!"
In elementary and junior high school, Lisa was quiet and cooperative but
often seemed to be daydreaming. She was smart, yet couldn't improve her
grades no matter how hard she tried. Several times, she failed exams. Even
though she knew most of the answers, she couldn't keep her mind on the
test. Her parents responded to her low grades by taking away privileges and
scolding, "You're just lazy. You could get better grades if you only tried." One
day, after Lisa had failed yet another exam, the teacher found her sobbing,
"What's wrong with me?"
Henry:
Parents and teachers can miss the fact that kids with symptoms of inattention have ADHD since
they are mostly quiet and dont act out. They may quietly, seem to be playing, but they are often
not paying attention to what they are doing. They may get along with others better than those
who have social problems. But children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are not the only ones
whose disorders can be missed. For example, adults may think that children with the hyperactive
and impulsive subtypes just have emotional or disciplinary problems.
It has been shown that Boys (13.2%) were more likely than girls (5.6%) to have ever been
diagnosed with ADHD. And that the rates of ADHD diagnosis increased at a greater rate among
older teens as compared to younger children.
As
of
of 2.7
youth
years
(66.3%
of those
with
a
current
2007,
parents
million
ages
4-17
diagnosis) report
that their child was receiving medication treatment for the disorder. (figure
1)
Also About 5% of children had ADHD without Learning Disability (LD), 5% had
LD without ADHD, and 4% had both conditions. ( figure 2)
Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD. Studies suggest that genes play a large role like many
other illnesses; it probably results from a combination of factors. But on the other hand there are
other factors that may lead to the cause of this disorder.
Genes inherited from our parents, determine who we are. Results from international studies of
twins show that ADHD often runs in families as a hereditary disease. Researchers are looking at
different genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder. These studies if are
successful, will make us able to detect this disorder and prevent it from developing into a serious
disease that affects the lives of the children and people around them.
Some children with ADHD have thinner brain tissue in the attention related areas of their brains.
As children with this gene grow up, the brain develops to a normal level of thickness. Their
ADHD symptoms also improve.
i.
Environmental factors: Studies suggest a potential link between smoking and alcohol
use during pregnancy and the development of ADHD in children. Moreover, kids who are
exposed to lead in large rates may have a higher risk of developing ADHD.
ii.
Brain injuries: Some children, who had brain injuries, may have some attention
problems and some other ADHD symptoms but only a little percentage of these children
actually develops ADHD disorder.
iii.
Sugar: Studies shows that children who are exposed to high amounts of sugars above the
average are in risk of ADHD, also having sugar substitutes has such as much risk.
11
Treatments can relieve many of the symptoms, but it is incurable. With treatment, most people
with ADHD can be successful in school and have productive lives but medications and drugs that
are used to treat ADHD have severe and dangerous consequences. Researchers are developing
more effective treatments and interventions, and using new tools such as brain imaging, to
understand ADHD and find effective ways to treat and prevent it.
Problem
Medications and drugs are used to treat the symptoms of ADHD (hyperactivity,
inattentiveness, and impulsivity) by giving very high and several doses of drugs for
those children. However these medications have many side effects on children, and are not
always effective. These medications are a short term treatment for some of the symptoms caused
by ADHD, however many cases hold this disorder with them along their teenage years and even
adulthood. Medication wont be helpful after a certain period of time leaving this person more
disturb but what they have.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to show that ADHD can be treated without the usage of drugs. Just
depending on some therapies and a specific life style those children could be treated without the
massive side effects of the drugs usually used.
Scope
This report explores some statistics about the number of patients having ADHD, and also
discusses all the subtypes of this disease and the various ways to cure them. Most importantly it
emphasizes on a treatment free of drugs, since it's much healthier for the kids.
Discussion
Effect on the developing brain: Some researchers are concerned that the use of drugs
such as Ritalin in children and teens might interfere with normal brain development.
ii.
Heart-related problems: ADHD stimulant medications have been found to cause sudden
death in children and adults with heart conditions. The American Heart Association
recommends that all individuals, including children, have a cardiac evaluation prior to
starting a stimulant.
iii.
iv.
Potential for abuse: Stimulant abuse is a growing problem, particularly among teens and
young adults. College students take them for a boost when cramming for exams or
pulling all-nighters. Others abuse stimulant meds for their weight-loss properties. If your
child is taking stimulants, make sure he or she isnt sharing the pills or selling them.
Glaucoma
Hyperthyroidism
A history of drug abuse
Figure 3: restriction to take ADD / ADHD stimulants.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, medications are not always the best way to treat ADHD all
drugs and treatments are never free of side effects. Thats why the best way
to treat this disorder is to combine therapy with medications and best life
styles.
This issue is very common and wide known; the number of children affected
with this disorder is increasing more and more, especially knowing that this
disease is heredity related. These children deserve having normal and
peaceful lives. Knowing that these kids already suffer from insecurities and
they are secluded from their social lives.
Recommendations
17
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7. 2 Faraone SV, Perlis RH, Doyle AE, Smoller JW, Goralnick JJ, Holmgren MA, Sklar P.
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3
Khan SA, Faraone SV. The genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A
9.
Treatment
of
the
school-aged
child
with
attention-
19
Learning
Disabilities:
Realities,
Myths,
and
Controversial
R.,
et
al.
strategies
for
attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder: