- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is considered a neurobehavioral disorder by the Centers for Disease Control. ADHD is a disorder in the brain that limits a person's ability to control energy levels or behavioral impulses. There are no known direct causes, but some research shows that genetics may play an important role. The Mayo Clinic reports that some studies show lack of brain activity in the areas that would control attention. ADHD also tends to run in families.
- For children, the symptoms usually appear before they are seven years old. Symptoms are broken down into two categories: attention and hyperactivity. The attention-focused symptoms include not being to keep attention during games or chores, not being able to finish those activities, acting as if they don't hear someone who is speaking directly to them, easily distracted and forgetful, or consistently losing items. These children also tend to avoid activities that require long concentration like homework. The hyperactive symptoms involve excessive talking, frequent squirming, inability to wait for a turn, and unnecessary running or climbing. See the additional resources below for an exact list of symptoms.
- A sound diagnosis involves more than a single test. Doctors often try to eliminate other conditions that may contribute to the symptoms. For example, a learning disability or language barrier could cause similar symptoms as those listed above. However, if other conditions have been eliminated and a child meets at least six of the symptoms in the attention or hyperactivity categories, it is possible that he has ADHD.
- Treatment for ADHD can involve medication, behavioral modification, or a combination of both. Ritalin is one of the most prescribed medications. It stimulates the nerves that are supposed to control impulses and hyperactivity. Behavior modification involves parents and children learning intervention strategies, such as getting direct eye contact with the child before giving instructions and asking him to repeat them.
- Some people believe that ADHD is overdiagnosed in children, presumably by parents and school teachers who do not like a child's behavior. A Medicine Net website report states that some people believe that ADHD doesn't even exist, while others believe that it is a true disease but is overdiagnosed. Controversy also surrounds using Ritalin as a stimulant because of its addictive nature and, according to Federal Law, it is classified as a schedule II drug like cocaine and morphine.
