3. Why is this Important?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the
most common childhood disorders.
ADHD can continue through adolescence and
adulthood.
Difficulty staying focused and paying
attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and
hyperactivity.
6. Pros: Cons:
Use of a stimulant has
a calming effect of
diagnosed children
Reduces hyperactivity
and impulsivity and
increases ability to
focus, work, and learn.
Side effects
Are they really safe?
Treatment: medication
7. Research Question…
Are there other treatment options besides
medication that will benefit the subject?
How can we help adults and adolescents wean off
medication?
What is a good age to begin treatment in subjects?
8. Theory
If there are other options to treating patients with
ADHD/ ADD disorder such as counseling and
learning behavioral skills at a young age, then I
believe if Doctors began younger patients with
counseling and teaching the parents of the patients
learning skills; rather than going into medication at
such a young age, then it will help the weaning
process as patients get older and do not feel the
“need” of the medication.
9. Research Method
30 participants :
15 given medication & 15 given counseling before medication
Longitudinal Experimental Research:
patients at 20 years old
Dependent Variable: ability to wean off medication
Independent Variable: Counseling and taught
learning skills
10. Hypothesis:
After looking into this disorder (ADHD/ADD) my
hypothesis is that if parents, teachers, and doctors
begin to look at our children with the assumption
that they may have the disorder and monitor them
from a very young age instead of one day making the
final conclusion that they have the disorder without
properly looking into the many symptoms and
treatment options. I predict that if patients do
refrain from medications at first, then it will be
easier to deal with the symptoms and ability to wean
off medication in there adult years.
11. Method of Resolving:
Extra help outside classroom: one on one with teacher; counseling; learning skills
control impulsive behaviors
manage your time and money
get and stay organized
boost productivity at home and work
manage stress and anger
communicate more clearly
Researchers believe since symptoms occur mostly around 4 years of age medicine or a
behavioral course for young children will work as treatment; but because all children
are hyperactive and inattentive it is best that the child is recommended by teachers and
adults who are around the child the most such as babysitter or daycare teachers. With
children this young, they must be diagnosed by a doctor.
12. New Knowledge:
Behavioral Therapy
Other brands of Medication
Age of most patients (as young as 3- as old as any
adult age)
These forms of medications also treat narcolepsy and
are considered a s a Central Nervous System
Stimulant.
Editor's Notes
National Advisory Mental Health Council: advises on all policies and activities relating to the conduct andsupport of mental health.Peer Review: Perform the first level of scientific and technical review of grant applicationsand contract proposals for research and research training activities that are relevant to mental health, mental disorders, treatment interventions and services.Board of Scientific Counselors: evaluates research programs,proposed research, and the productivity and performance of individual staff scientists.
It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes,(which are all key behaviors with the disorder) but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often.
ADHD has three subtypes:Most symptoms (6 or more) get categorized as hyperactiveFewer than 6 sypmtoms of inattention are presentChildren are less likely to act out or have difficulties with getting along with other children:sit quietly, not paying attention, usually overlooked by parents and teachers Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present. Most children have the combined type of ADHD.
May prevent disorder in the futureSmoking and alcohol use during pregnancyTraumatic brain injuries in children; small percentageMakes symptoms worse; researchers discounts this theory more than supports itConsumption of artificial colors and preservatives may affect hyperactivity
Side Effects: decreased appetite, sleeping problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Safety: Stimulants do not make children with ADHD feel high, although some kids report feeling slightly different or "funny." Although some parents worry that stimulant medications may lead to substance abuse.
Extra help outside classroom: one on one with teacher; counseling; learning skillscontrol impulsive behaviors manage your time and money get and stay organized boost productivity at home and work manage stress and anger communicate more clearly Researchers believe since symptoms occur mostly around 4 years of age medicine or a behavioral course for young children will work as treatment; but because all children are hyperactive and inattentive it is best that the child is recommended by teachers and adults who are around the child the most such as babysitter or daycare teachers. With children this young, they must be diagnosed by a doctor.
I expect to see a positive relationship between those who received counseling and learning skills before medication and the ability to wean off the medication.
Other brands of medication: Adderall: 3 years old: amphetamineRitalin: 6 years old: methylphenidateVyvanse: 6 years old: lisdexamfetaminedimesylateMethylin: chewable: 6 years old: methylphenidateRitalin LA: long acting
