Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

Index

Índex

Introduction 2

Historical background 2

Diagnostic symptoms 3

Damaged brain areas 4

Prognosis 5

Conclusion 5

Bibliography 5

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Introduction

This essay will be about the attention-deficit with hyperactivity (ADHD). It is the diagnostic for children and also adults that have significant problems with attention and typically with impulsiveness and excessive activity. “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric problems in children, with estimates of 2–5% of children being affected” (Mark A. Gluck, 2008).

And as all the essays it will be mentioned the historical background, the diagnostic symptoms, the brain areas that are damaged and the prognosis of the disease.

Historical background

Heinrich Hoffman in 1865 was one of the first that refers to a child with hyperactivity or ADHD in his poetry. But “scientific credit is typically awarded to George Still and Alfred Tredgold for being the first authors to focus serious clinical attention on the behavioral condition in children that most closely approximates what is today known as ADHD” (Russell A. Barkley, 2006).

Still described 43 children in his clinical children who had serious problems with sustained attention. William James agreed with Still that such attention may be an important element in the “moral control of behavior”. Most of the children were overactive and often aggressive, defiant, resistant to discipline, and excessively emotional or passionate.

Still believed that these children displayed a major “defect in moral control” (Russell A. Barkley, 2006).

Diagnostic symptoms

A. Either 1 or 2

(1) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Inattention:

a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities

b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks of play activities

c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace

e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort

g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities

h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

i. Is often forgetful in daily activities

(2) Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for al least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent

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