NIMH-+Attention+Deficit+Hyperactivity+Disorder

Ø ** "NIMH: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ." //Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)//. Google, 27 Aug. 2010. Web. 16 Sep. 2010. []. **  Ø ** What is ADHD:  ** “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). Page 1”  1. ADHD has three subtypes:1 “Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.” “Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may still be present to some degree. Page 1” “The majority of symptoms (six or more) are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present, although hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree. Page 1” “Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she has ADHD. Page 1” ** Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ** “Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.” “Most children have the combined type of ADHD. Page 1” ** Subtypes of ADHD  ** 3. “Children who have symptoms of ** inattention ** may: “ Children who have symptoms of **hyperactivity** may: “Children who have symptoms of **impulsivity** may: ** What causes ADHD? **  “**Genes.** Inherited from our parents, genes are the "blueprints" for who we are. Results from several international studies of twins show that ADHD often runs in families. Researchers are looking at several genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder.2,3 Knowing the genes involved may one day help researchers prevent the disorder before symptoms develop. Learning about specific genes could also lead to better treatments.” “**Environmental factors.** Studies suggest a potential link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in children.5,6 In addition, preschoolers who are exposed to high levels of lead, which can sometimes be found in plumbing fixtures or paint in old buildings, may have a higher risk of developing ADHD.7” “**Brain injuries.** Children who have suffered a brain injury may show some behaviors similar to those of ADHD. However, only a small percentage of children with ADHD have suffered a traumatic brain injury.” ** How is ADHD diagnosed? ** "ADHD symptoms usually appear early in life, often between the ages of 3 and 6, and because symptoms vary from person to person, the disorder can be hard to diagnose." "Often, teachers notice the symptoms first, when a child has trouble following rules, or frequently "spaces out" in the classroom or on the playground." ** Medications  ** "The most common type of medication used for treating ADHD is called a "stimulant." "For many children, ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Medication also may improve physical coordination."
 * ** Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive **
 * ** Predominantly inattentive **
 *  Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
 *  Have difficulty focusing on one thing
 *  Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
 *  Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
 *  Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
 *  Not seem to listen when spoken to
 *  Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
 *  Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
 *  Struggle to follow instructions. Page 1 “
 *  Fidget and squirm in their seats
 *  Talk nonstop
 *  Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
 * <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
 * <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Be constantly in motion
 * <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities. Page 1”
 * <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Be very impatient
 * <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
 * <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
 * <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"> Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.”