Background information on Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common child condition. The problem is often reported in psychiatric centers and is considered a psychiatric disorder. Various factors are considered hitherto to causes of the disorder. Factors such as cultural and ethnic variations determine ability to diagnose the disorder ethically. Psychiatry in general insists there is paucity of knowledge on ADHD causes despite the high prevalence (estimated at 3–5%). According to Bessing, Schoenberg and Perwien little is known about the level and source of knowledge about ADHD among those affected by the disease Schoenberg & Perwien (Bessing, , 919-928).
Many pediatricians define Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a behavioral disorder. ‘Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’ is in fact a behavioral problem, where the cohort is unable to concentrate and accomplish tasks (Helander et al, 9). The condition is characterized by difficulty in managing what he is doing, saying, and attempting. In addition, the cohort is unable to control physical activity good for a specific time median (Medilexicon International). Though it may affect children mostly, ADHD can affect people of all age medians. In children, ADHD affects mostly boys than girls. The problem affects the child’s learning and requires medical attention to correct (“Medical News Today”).
Symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
According to the National Institute of Mental health Attention deficit hyperactivity, disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a child’s inability to sit still. Doctor’s advice that, if you find out that your child is consistently having problems sitting still, he/she could be susceptible of having Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another symptom of the condition is a child’s impulsive or instinctive behavior. It is characterized by a child’s tendency to act without thinking. A child with an inability to finish thing he started coupled with the previous two problems is suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- In summary, the symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are as below
- Lack of being attentive
- Being hyperactive
- Lack of concentration when doing things and impulsiveness
How to diagnose Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Parents are faced with the daunting task of indentifying problems facing their children (Helander et al, 9). This makes the diagnosis of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) part of such tasks. As such, the diagnosis outlined here provides the home-based observatory and the clinical-psychiatric observatory (“Medical News Today”).
At home, the parent is supposed to observe for the following to conclude the child is having Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Lack of being attentive
- Being hyperactive
- Lack of concentration when doing things and impulsiveness
For clinicians/pediatricians’, National Institute of Mental Health, insists that no single test can diagnose ADHD in a child. NHIM suggests the doctor gather information about the child. The information should be gathered from the child’s environment, mainly home and school. It is recommended that the pediatrician consult a mental health expert to comprehensively diagnose the mental health of the child and prove the existence of ADHD (National Institute of Mental Health).
The expert diagnosis will follow the below criteria to rule out ADHD or prove the child is suffering from ADHD.
Is the child experiencing seizure that could be caused by health/medical conditions?
- Ear infection that could be causing hearing impairment
- Vision problems or hearing problems
- Medical conditions causing impaired thinking
- Learning disabilities, and related psychiatric problems or depression/anxiety
- Stress related problems like death of members of family.
- The pediatrician will query if
- There are observed behavior excesses and if they affect the child’s life
Are these behavior excess observed in the child’s living environment or playing environment/peers?
If the child does not live in such environment, or is not faced by such problems, he/she is suffering from ADHD.
Treatments of the disease
Managing the condition and stimulating the brain to enforce concentration in activity onsets ADHD treatment. Stimulants used in the process of treating ADHD include various methylphenidate formulas.
- The doctor should prescribe short dose (short acting formula) like Ritalin and focalin once every 3-5 hours
- Ritalin SR, Methylin ER, Concerta, and Metadate ER, once every 3-8 hours
Long acting prescription for 8-12 hours like Concerta, Rilatin LA and Metadate CD.
Formulations of Amphetamine are also used. This includes short acting Dexedrine and Dextrostat, which works for 4-6 hours. Adderall and Dexedrine spansule for 6-8 hours and long duration Adderall-XR.
Works cited
Bessing, Regina, Nancy Schoenberg, and Amy Perwien. “Knowledge and information about ADHD: Evidence of cultural differences among African-American and white parents.” Social Science & Medicine 46.7 (1998): 919-928. Web.
Helander et al, Training in the Community for People with Disabilities, World Health Organization, Geneva, 1989, p. 9-28.
“How is ADHD diagnosed?.” National Institute Health . The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2009. Web.
“What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International Ltd, 2010. Web.