Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Research Paper

This paper will cover what attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is, the causes and its effects that it has on people, as well as the treatments and possible preventives. The history of how long this disorder has been affecting our youth society. “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered to be a biologically based but heterogeneous disorder connected to a variety of negative outcomes” (Sasser et al., 2016). ADHD can be found in both adults and children, but is more prevalent in children than in adults. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the United States alone eleven percent of children from age four to seventeen have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011 (Key, 2014). Boys of this age have …show more content…
In their research, the data is showing that genetics could play an important role. “In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: brain injury, exposure to environment (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature delivery, and low birth weight” (Facts, 2016). According for the CDC, the criteria for ADHA using the DSM-5 is that an individual “most show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development” (Symptoms, 2016). Under inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity an individual most show six or more symptoms for children up to age sixteen but the symptoms go down for adolescents and adults, but most be present for at least 6 months and are inappropriate for development level. The symptoms for inattention are listed …show more content…
There are two way to treat ADHD in all ages. Medication is the most popular way to treat ADHD. This is also included with a mix of behavior counseling and teaching. Within the category of medication Psychostimulants are the most popular choice for treatment. Psychostimulants can increase attention, concentration, behavior, and effort and quality in school work. It is shown that seventy to eighty percent of children treated with Psychostimulants responded positively to them (About, n.d.). There are many ways to take these medications. There are short, medium, and long lasting medicines. Some of the short length meds are: Amphetamine (Adderall) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Medium length meds: Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin SR). Long lasting meds: Dextroamphetamine (Adderall XR) and Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate CD, Quillivant XR, Ritalin LA) (Stimulant, n.d.). There is also advantage of taking different time lengths of Psychostimulants. A short-term med gives you more of a choice when you have the med in your system, but you need remember to take it. Long term meds allow you not to have to remember when to take them as much and can cut down on side effects. Some side effects of Psychostimulants are: headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, weight loss, nervousness, and insomnia. These side effects can change with