Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Who Can Use This Information?

Parents, Teachers, Principals, Behavior Specialists, School Counselors,
Social Workers, and Psychologists

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders seen by primary care and mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. 3-5% of all school-aged children are afflicted with ADHD. Most studies indicate that the occurrence of ADHD in boys outnumbers the occurrence in girls by 4 to 1. Boys with hyperactivity tend to be more aggressive than girls, and as such, girls may remain undiagnosed because their behavior is more appropriate and acceptable to peers, teachers and parents. Girls typically do not cause regular disruptions in the classrooms or at home, whereas, boys tend to act out their behavior more than girls do. Onset of additional deficits usually occurs before the age of 7, and although conduct disorder and oppositional behavior may co-exist, these are not casually related. ADHD is not usually outgrown in adolescence. Emotional immaturity and social difficulties may persist although the activity levels may decline. Only 30 to 40% of children outgrow the symptoms of the syndrome and the remainders continue to be affected by low self-esteem, school underachievement, distractibility and inattention. Many adolescents grow into adults with the same troubles of inattentiveness and distractibility. Left untreated many will develop symptoms of aggression and violence. It is no wonder that almost 50% of incarcerated males have undiagnosed and untreated ADHD.

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Symptoms of ADHD as listed in the DSM-IV are grouped into 3 basic categories. These categories are: (1) Inattention, (2) Hyperactivity, and (3) Impulsivity. Listed below are some of the symptoms for ADHD:

INATTENTION

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Has difficulty sustaining attention
• Does not listen when spoken to directly
• Does not follow through on instructions, fails to finish tasks
• Has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
• Dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
• Is easily distracted
• Forgetful in daily activities

HYPERACTIVITY

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Leaves classroom in which remaining seated is expected
• Runs about or climbs excessively
• Has difficulty playing quietly
• Is often "on the go"
• Talks excessively

IMPULSIVITY

• Blurts out answers before questions are completed
• Often has difficulty awaiting his turn
• Interrupts or intrudes on others

Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

According to research, the causes of ADHD appear to be multifactor with biological and genetic factors being causative and psychological stressors exacerbating or perpetuating ADHD. While CAT scans do not show specific changes in the gross structure of the brain of ADHD children, there is some evidence from PET scans that some children with ADHD have less brain matter in the right frontal cortical area and show a pattern of hypo arousal and slow wave activity on the EEG. In contrast to earlier views that ADHD symptoms were attributable to dopamine deficiency, we now believe that there is multiple neurotransmitter involvement, which may explain varied responses of ADHD symptoms to different psychotropic medications.

Research has refuted claims that preservatives, food additives, food dyes and sugar cause hyperactivity. In addition, studies attempting to link hyperactivity to maternal tobacco and alcohol use by showing their effect on the developing fetus are inconclusive. However, there is a proven link between high blood lead levels and hyperactivity, and genetic factors appear to play a significant role in this disorder. Thirty percent of siblings and relatives of ADHD children have a diagnosis of ADHD and there is a higher concordance for this disorder in monozygotic twins than in dizygotic twins. Although evidence shows no causal factor in chaotic family lifestyles, pollution, poverty and stress as causes of ADHD, these factors can certainly, exacerbate the condition.

ADHD can be thought of as a complex neurological or brain chemistry disorder that is thought to be due to an imbalance of neurological chemicals that act as triggers, transmitters and receptors within the brain.

Benefits of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Material

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common diagnostic categories seen by primary care and mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. As many as 3-5% of all school-aged children are afflicted with ADHD. Here you will learn how to recognize, diagnose and treat ADHD. The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder material offered on this website will show you how you can be part of the solution with skills to recognize at risk youth with ADHD and other behavior problems. You will also learn what can be done to help children with ADHD disorder. Below is the contents of the ADHD material.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Material Outline

I.	History, Symptoms & Secondary Characteristics of ADHD
II.	New Insights, Alternative Treatments and Medications for ADHD
III.	Diagnosis of ADHD
IV.	Behavioral Consequences of ADHD
V.	Adult Symptoms of ADHD and Medications
VI.	Co morbidity & New Understanding of ADHD
VII.	Behavioral Treatments of ADHD
VIII.	Dr. Ames's Six Types of ADHD and Treatments
IX.	Alternatives to Lashing Out at Your ADHD Child

Order Your Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Material Today

Help a Child By Educating Yourself

Learn how to identify the symptoms and charactersitics of ADHD and how to successfully work with children suffering from this disorder. Dr. Williams provides his in-depth and educational material in various formats, including manuals, audio books, videos, and work books. To order, click here on the links below to purchase your materials. To order educational materials on other behavioral disorders click on this link Behaviorial Disorders Manuals.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Material Price "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" manual $14.95 "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" manual + audio book + workbook $199.95 "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" manual + audio book + video + workbook $299.95

Dr Earle H Williams II © 2008