The document discusses the history and treatment of ADHD from childhood through adulthood. It notes that ADHD was first described in 1845 but was not widely studied until the 1980s. The best treatment involves behavior therapy, coping skills development, and possibly medication, rather than viewing ADHD narrowly through a medical lens. Research shows ADHD persists into adulthood for two-thirds of those diagnosed as children. More research is still needed on females with ADHD and preventing secondary issues like depression.
I thought that it would be wise to find some information on when ADHD first started to show up in literature, and be studied. Most people believe it started or came about around the 1990’s because of the attention it was know being given.
I also thought that it would be wise to dispel some common misperceptions about ADHD. With lack of understanding there is a stigma against. This intern causes more stress but also can lead to ineffective treatment.
ADHD is an umbrella term that covers the three aspects of ADHD, attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It was just known as ADD back in the 1980’s.
Even though many children suffer from ADHD most have average to above average intelligent. Boys have a tendency to be more restless, while girls tend to day dream more.
The rate of male children that are diagnoses with ADHD is significantly higher than that of females. However once in adult hood it drops.
This is probably the most difficult time to deal with ADHD because of the physical changes, as well as the hormones. At this stage too they are trying to gain independence from the parents, having ADHD makes it harder because they have to address this issue to as well as all the others.
Since ADHD is no longer looked at as a childhood disorder adolescents and adults are being able to continue getting help, or establish help for it. Making it easier to be healthy.
As an adult with ADHD the main issues involve time management, organization, and good social interactions. This can lead to undo stress, depression, and unhealthy living.
Since ADHD has been recognized as a problem in adults the help that they are receiving and getting is very encouraging. If it is not already known it usually is discovered for another reason such as depression, or anxiety.
The biggest weakness that I discovered was that the information from vast research says that a combination of therapy's, and drugs are the best treatment. But this for what ever reason is not being carried out. The problem with this is that children are being given drugs that are not approved for their age but are also not receiving the proper means to handle this issue as the grow older because many believe that the drugs are enough.
If the mental health community, along with the medical community would push for skills being taught to deal with ADHD rather than the quick fix of medication this would allow individuals to live happier and healthy lives.
The main reason why I choose this topic for one it is an interest of mine second I have ADHD. I also suffer from test anxiety, and low self-esteem. Looking back I can see that both of these are a direct result of ADHD.