Treating ADHDTreating ADHDThe Right Way

ADHD HistoryADHD History The first accurate description of ADHD

was back in1845. “...the first person to describe ADD ADHD in its commonly accepted sense was Dr. Heinrich Hoffman.” (adult-child-add-adhd.com)

“It wasn't until 1902 that such characteristics were actually studied by the medical community, as was done by Sir George F. Still,” (adult-child-add-adhd.com)

Zooming ahead to the 1980 was when it first appeared in The Diagnostic Manuel for Psychological Disorders.

Since than it has been studied quit frequently.

ADHD MythsADHD Myths That it is not real, or it is just children being

lazy. Fact: It has been around for a very long

time it just has not been studied till more recent times.

It only affects children and they out grow it. Fact: It effects about 2/3rds of all Adults

that have been diagnosed as children. Using medicine is the only cure, or

management. Fact: The best way to treat it is with

behavior therapy, coping skills and, and lastly medicine if needed.

All excerpts, paraphrases taken from (adhdquestionsandanswers.com)

IntroductionIntroduction ADHD is an abbreviation for

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder There are three different aspects

to this disorder “ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and significant impairment to multiple domains of functioning” (Langberg, 2008).

It can cause or lead to secondary problems such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

ADHD and ChildhoodADHD and Childhood From studies it is estimated

that 5-7% of school age children are diagnosed with ADHD.

It effects a child’s ability to pay attention and to focus on what is being taught , as well as schoolwork.

Some children fidget and have trouble sitting still, others day dream.

Research StrengthsResearch Strengths The amount of research on this subject is

quite large. Even gaining news and political attention.

“Some specific policy issues that need to be addressed include the limited access to quality services; the trend in viewing child mental health narrowly using a medical, as opposed to an integrative bio-psychosocial, approach; and the expansion of psychological services to children and adolescents through school-based and primary care programs.” (Levant, 2002)

Another strength is the recent focus on how it effects females and not just males. “Nevertheless, there are data supporting the presence of a valid syndrome of ADHD in girls (Hinshaw et al., 2002).” (Seidman, 2006)

ADHD in AdolescencesADHD in Adolescences The main difference from childhood is

trying to learn to deal with ADHD more independently.

Another factor is that school has become harder putting even more pressure on the struggling student to practice skills previously learned.

Proper socialization and the need to fit into a group becomes a very important part of life at this age. ADHD can impair a persons ability to socialize.

“…peer relationships(Landau, Milich, & Diener, 1998), and the upholding of societal standards (Hinshaw, 1987). Many of these problems persist into adolescence and adulthood (Barkley, 1998), and new problems also arise at these later ages.” (Flory, 2003)

Research StrengthsResearch Strengths One of the strengths in general is

addressing the needs at this stage of development differently compared to childhood.

“Participants made significant improvements in organizational and homework management skills during the intervention and these gains were maintained at 8 week follow-up.” (Langberg, 2008) . At this age these skills can be understood and mastered to benefit the individual.

Because of research, a focus on other developing problems such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem are being addressed, and recognized as stemming from ADHD.

ADHD AdulthoodADHD Adulthood One difficulty of dealing with ADHD

as an adult is the significant lack of time management, and organization that occurs.

If an adult has learned coping skills these need to be redirected from a school setting to fit into a work environment, or managing a house hold.

“ADHD in adults can significantly affect quality of life and often impairs performance at school and work, in relationships, and with social functioning, health, and safety” (Manos, 2010)

Research StrengthsResearch Strengths Because of the research done that proves

ADHD is not out grown adults are able to find help to deal with this issue.

Also psychologists are taking note on how to deal with patients who have ADHD as adults.

“Without taking into account ADHD’s neurologic foundation, unstructured therapies that place a premium on monitoring the associations presented by patients run the risk of becoming too unfocused to be effective.” (Ramsey,

“It is now clear that two thirds of children with ADHD will continue to have problems attributed to ADHD as adults and, because ADHD is a chronic disorder, will require treatment throughout their lives.” (Root & Resnick, 2003)

Research WeaknessesResearch Weaknesses One of the weaknesses is that very

little research has been done involving female children and adults.

Properly presenting the information in a way that can be used for the general public. Specifically addressed to parents of children, and adults who have ADHD.

“Such poor coordination results in inefficient and at times conflicting treatments.” (Levant, 2002)

Another weakness is the lack of treating secondary symptoms and treating the main symptoms rather than teach coping skills.

ConclusionConclusion To best address ADHD it needs

to be treated appropriately from childhood to adulthood. This includes good understandable information.

More research needs to be done on how to prevent the many secondary problems associated with ADHD.

Different treatment methods at various stages is the best way to help an individual with ADHD.

Authors Notes I have found this research project to be

very enlightening in a few ways. I sought out to prove that the best way

to treat ADHD was with various methods throughout life.

This was true based on research but this is not how the majority of individuals are treated.

I also learned how little research has been done involving adults and females. Moat research thus far has dealt with young boys

The lack research that extends to secondary symptoms such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, high drug use. If research is found little is done in the area of prevention/intervention.

ReferencesReferences Flory, K., Milich, R., Lynam, D., Leukefeld, C., Clayton, R.,

Relation Between Childhood Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Substance Use and Dependence Symptoms in Young Adulthood: Individuals With Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Conduct Disorder Are Uniquely at Risk, 2003, Psychology of Addictive Behaviors Vol. 17, No. 2, 151–158

Langberg, J., Epstein, J., Urbanowiez, C., Simon, J., Graham, A., Efficacy of an Organizational Skills Intervention to Improve the Academic Functioning of students With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, School Psychology Quarterly, 2008, Vol. 23, No3,407-417.

Levant, R., Tolan, P., Dodgen, D., New Directions in Children’s Mental Health Policy: Psychology’s Role, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2002, Vol. 33, No.2, P115-124.

Manos, M., Nuances of Assessment and Treatment of ADHD in Adults: A Guide for Psychologists, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2010, Vol. 41,No. 6, 511-51.

References ContinuedReferences Continued RAMSAY, J., ROSTAIN A., ADAPTING PSYCHOTHERAPY TO MEET

THE NEEDS OFADULTS WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER, 2005, Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, Vol. 42, No. 1, 72–84

Root II, R., Resnick, R., An Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention –Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder in Children, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 2003, Vol. 34, No 1, p.34-41

Seidman, L., Biederman, J., Valera, E., Monuteaux, M., Doyle, A., Faraone S., Neuropsychological Functioning in Girls With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With and Without Learning Disabilities, Neuropsychology, 2006, Vol. 20, No 2, 166-177

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