ADHD Analysis Essay -- Psychology

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental syndrome of self-control which leads to problems related to attention span, impulse control, and activity level (Barkley). ADHD is considered by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to be a developmentally inappropriate attention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity so enveloping and constant as to drastically interfere with the person’s everyday life (Reiff). ADHD is considered a chronic mental disorder that starts early in childhood and follows the individual into adulthood (Connors). The symptoms associated with ADHD usually effect social, educational and occupational functioning throughout multiple settings (Connors). Even though ADHD is considered a widespread mental disorder and had been recognized as a disease for over a decade, many researchers and clinicians still admit that there are many unknown aspects surrounding the disease (Connors). Background: Person: ADHD is on of the most common learning disorders associated with children; the disease explains 30 to 40 percent of all recommendation made to child guidance clinics, pediatric, family and primary care practices (Connors). ADHD is more common in boys than girls, effecting 3-5 percent of the children in the United States (NLM.NIH.gov). Furthermore, this disease additionally accounts for a large portion of referrals in adult treatment (Connors). For the most part those diagnosed with ADHD seemed to have developed the disease through genetic transmission or chemically produced (Wender). Scientists are still in debate about what actually causes ADHD or if the disease can actually be narrowed down to one thing (NIMH.org). Most of the scientific community acknowledges that ADHD has a biologic... ...k: The Rosen Publishing Group, INC. Cherkes-Julkowski, M., Sharp, S. & Stolzenberg, J. (1997). Rethinking attention deficit disorders. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Brookline Books. Conners, C. K. (2006). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: the latest assessment and treatment strategies. Kansas City, MO: Compact Clinicals. Reiff, Micheal I. (2004). ADHD: A complete and authoritative guide. United States: American Academy of Pediatrics. Walker, Ida. (2008). Recreational Ritalin: the not-so-smart drug. Broomall, Pennsylvania: Mason Crest Publishers. Weiss, M., Hwchtman, L.T. & Weiss, G. (1999). ADHD in adulthood: A guide to current theory, diagnosis, and treatment. Baltimore, Maryland: The John Hopkins University Press. Wender, Paul H. (2000). ADHD: Attention-Deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. New York, New York: Oxford University Press.