Attention Deficit Disorder: Yes, It Does Exist
The existence of the syndrome that has come to be known in recent decades as either Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (ADHD, as opposed to ADD, is Attention Deficit Disorder with hyperactive symptoms) (Hallowell and Ratey, 1994; Wender, 1995; Barkley, 1997) was first identified in 1937 when Dr. Charles Bradley, discovered "effective treatment of children with stimulants ("Does ADHD Exist?," 2005). Moreover, "ADHD has received more scientific scrutiny than any other childhood psychiatric disorder" ("Does ADHD Exist?"). Still, some, including concerned parents (Collier, 2005) and even one pediatric neurologist, Fred Baughman, M.D., continue to insist that ADD and/or ADHD have been "made up" for the combined benefit of teachers wanting tranquil children in class, and drug companies. ("Does ADHD Exist? PBS Frontline 2005). However, in January 2002, in response to such arguments, 75 international scientists issued the following statement:
We fear that inaccurate storied rendering ADHD as myth, fraud, or benign condition may cause thousands of sufferers not to seek treatment for their disorder.
It also leaved the public with a general sense that this disorder is not valid or real or consists of a rather trivial affliction. (ADHD International Consensus Statement)
It is my opinion, therefore, based on a preponderance of both medical and anecdotal evidence, that despite some (mostly non-medical) resistance to the idea of its existence, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) does indeed exist, as a neurobiological disorder, and that it is both medically and socially irresponsible...
Attention Deficit Disorder or in short ADD, is a condition wherein a person cannot concentrate on a thing that he is doing and a person who is very energetic when compared to other people. They are sometimes called an extra ordinary person because they possess a different kind of behavior that is quite distinguishable. They are also very impulsive because they react to things drastically and often times restless. The
Attention Deficit Disorder According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) (1994), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD) is a diagnosis given to children and adults who display certain characteristic behaviors on a consistent basis over an extended period of time. The most common behaviors that characterize ADD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. According to statistics, people living with ADHD experience a continuous movement of sounds, images, and thoughts, similar to a
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both genetically transmitted behavioral and neurological conditions that most often manifest themselves in childhood and may continue into adulthood. Walters notes ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, affecting approximately three to ten percent of all school-aged children. Brown further fine tunes this number, citing a U.S. Centers for Disease Control study which found that
(Bower, 129) The Hyperactivity involves fiddling with hands or feet or squirms in seat; does not continue seating when is expected to; excessive running or climbing considered not appropriate in adolescence and adults; feelings of restlessness; find it hard to play quietly; seems to be continuously on the move and talks excessively. Impulsivity includes blurts out answers prior to the question has been completed; becomes impatient waiting his turn; interruption
" Symptoms of ADHD include poor impulse control, carelessness, oppositional behaviors, not following rules. These same symptoms are often cited as manifestations of giftedness (Hartnett, 2006). One of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD is social problems (Chamberlain, 2003). Children with ADHD often have trouble with impulse control, keeping their hands to themselves and other things that make them unpopular. While many children with these issues may have ADHD these symptoms can also be
ADD/ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both behavioral illnesses that are affecting a growing number of children and teenagers. Currently, more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD. A number of adults are also being diagnosed with adult-onset ADHD. Furthermore, an estimated one-third of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have symptoms until adulthood (Weyandt et al. 2003). Through greater exposure in the media and
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