ADD
My brother Michael was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a neurological condition in which the brain has problems organizing the numerous stimuli that are incoming at any given moment, as well as selecting an appropriate response. He is now 14 and taking medications for his disorder. Michael has problems staying focused, he feels easily bored, he's very forgetful and unorganized but also very hyper and unable to sit still. These are the typical behaviors of most people diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Sure everybody has some of these symptoms some of the time. However, like my brother, individuals with ADD have more of these symptoms more of the time and to the point where it interferes with their ability to function normally in academics, work and social settings, and to reach their potential. Many studies estimate that between three and five percent of the population has attention deficit disorder. However, recent controversy has erupted to whether Attention Deficit Disorder is a legitimate medical diagnosis. Years ago only children exhibiting severe affects of hyperactivity were diagnosed, mostly because they suffered brain damage or trauma. Today, the diagnostic criterion has been expanded so t
As is evident, Attention Deficit Disorder clearly meets all the criteria for the definition of a disorder including the fact that it is recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (Fourth Edition), it is treatable through prescription medication and behavioral therapy and if left untreated inhibits one from functioning in a society properly. Yet, the cause of ADD is still unclear, although, much more is known about effectively coping and managing this persistent and troubling developmental disorder. It is true that ADD has a diverse face and can be mistaken for other problems and also that a growing percentage of people in America have ADD. Therefore as a society we owe this issue its due attention. al diagnosis. The U.S. Surgeon General, the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), among others, all recognize AD/HD as a valid disorder. Barkley contributes by stating, "ADD clearly harms its victims ticking off the following statistics: 90% of ADD children are academic underachievers, 25% are held back at least one grade, 36 percent don't finish high school and more than half have no friends during high school" (Barkley 6). These statistics give yet more evidence and a better understanding of ADD as a true disorder that needs medical attention. Another factor that aids in establishing ADD as a valid disorder is that it is treatable through prescription medication and behavior therapy. The other problem with ADD is that practically any medical professional can make the diagnoses which has led to a lot of serious misdiagnoses in the past few years. Pertaining to this problem, a diagnosis of ADHD often leads to therapy with psychostimulant medications like Ritalin...which reduce hyperactivity and help individuals to pay better attention. According to Richard Bromfield, Ph.D, a psyc
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Approximate Word count = 1292
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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