Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADD/ADHD

By:Lindsey Pospisil

Definition
AD/HD is a behavioral and neurological disorder According to the DSM-IV there are three separate types:
1. AD/HD as a combined type including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity 2. AD/HD with just inattention 3. AD/HD with hyperactivity and impulsivity
(American Psychiatric Association {APA}, 2000)

Symptoms
The three main symptoms are:
1. Inattention 2. Impulsivity 3. Hyperactivity

Other common symptoms are:

Distractibility Memory Emotional reactivity Self-discipline Hyperfocusing

History
The first person to label AD/HD was Heinrich Hoffman in 1845 Symptoms of AD/HD have been seen since the 1800s
These symptoms are commonly seen in children after they have suffered from neurological damage

1937 the first stimulant drug Dexedrine was found for hyperactive children, but was ignored till the 1960s
In the 1950s drug therapy was the most commonly used treatment for hyperactive children

In the 1970s they slowly became aware of the neurological background involved with AD/HD During the 90s AD/HD became one of the most common disorders

Causes
Environmental:
Lead Prenatal care: smoking and alcohol

Genetics:
Common among close family members Not sure which exact gene causes AD/HD

Frontal Lobe:
the frontal lobe plays a role in ones personality Main functions include planning, concentrating, impulses, motivation The frontal lobe integrates messages it receives from the temporal and parietal areas

Causes
Neurotransmitters
Dopamine
main neurotransmitter Low levels can cause attention problems and distractibility

Nor epinephrine, Epinephrine, Acetylcholine, Serotonin

These all have an influence on awareness, memory functions, and concentration

Treatments
Stimulant medication Most effective treatment Dosages can be increased or decreased to fit specific needs
Dexedrine Adderall Concerta Focalin Metadate Ritalin Cylert

Treatments
When AD/HD is seen along with Depression and Anxiety, antidepressants can be given to help behaviors for both disorders. Behavior treatment is usually recommended for those diagnosed with AD/HD along with stimulant medication

Conclusion
The exact cause is yet unknown for AD/HD There are many parts of the brain and body that have an influence inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, but future research is in progress on trying to pinpoint the exact area in the brain that causes AD/HD.

References
American Psychiatric Association. (2000).Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Purves, D., Augustine, G. J., Fitzpatrick, D., Hall, W. C., LaMantia, A. S., McNamara, J. O., Williams, S. M. (2004). Neuroscience (4th ed.). Sinauer Associates, Inc. Quinn, Patricia (Ed.). (2001). ADD and the College Student. Washington, DC: Magination Press. Strock, Margaret. (1996). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. No. 3572. Retrieved November 27, 2005, from, http://www/nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd/cfm.