Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder known as ADHD is a prominent behavioral disorder defined as ongoing and increased levels of inattention hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. The primary goal of this paper is to review the current research. This review will be exhaustive in nature and consist of a description with a focus on sex and age differences, the neural pathology focusing on the abnormal brain structure and function of ADHD patients, etiology with a focus on genetic and environmental factors. Treatment and prognosis of ADHD will also be discussed. In addition, after a critical evaluation of the current research, future research will be proposed in hopes of expanding the understanding of this disorder.
A Review of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
An individual is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when there is ongoing inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Functioning and development must be impacted by this inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. There are nine symptoms of inattention. At least six symptoms must transpire for six months. …show more content…
There has been controversy regarding what causes ADHD. These causes range from genetics, to environmental and prenatal effects. There has been a substantial amount of research regarding genes and ADHD. Gizer, Ficks and Waldman (2009) attempted to consolidate the research and identified several genes that have significant associations with ADHD these include, DAT1, DRD4, DRD5, 5HTT, HTR1B and SNAP25. Identifying specific genes associated with ADHD is very important because ADHD is one of the most heritable phenotypes (Nigg, 2012). In fact, first-degree relatives are between two and eight times more likely to have ADHD (Farone et al., 2005). Genes and the environment are closely intertwined. So it is important to understand the remaining environmental factors that occur pre and
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder known as ADHD is a prominent behavioral disorder defined as ongoing and increased levels of inattention hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. The primary goal of this paper is to review the current research. This review will be exhaustive in nature and consist of a description with a focus on sex and age differences, the neural pathology focusing on the abnormal brain structure and function of ADHD patients, etiology with a focus on genetic and environmental factors. Treatment and prognosis of ADHD will also be discussed. In addition, after a critical evaluation of the current research, future research will be proposed in hopes of expanding the understanding of this disorder.
A Review of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
An individual is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when there is ongoing inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Functioning and development must be impacted by this inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. There are nine symptoms of inattention. At least six symptoms must transpire for six months. …show more content…
There has been controversy regarding what causes ADHD. These causes range from genetics, to environmental and prenatal effects. There has been a substantial amount of research regarding genes and ADHD. Gizer, Ficks and Waldman (2009) attempted to consolidate the research and identified several genes that have significant associations with ADHD these include, DAT1, DRD4, DRD5, 5HTT, HTR1B and SNAP25. Identifying specific genes associated with ADHD is very important because ADHD is one of the most heritable phenotypes (Nigg, 2012). In fact, first-degree relatives are between two and eight times more likely to have ADHD (Farone et al., 2005). Genes and the environment are closely intertwined. So it is important to understand the remaining environmental factors that occur pre and