ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder is the most common psychiatric disorder among children. This disorder affects three to five percent of all school age children, mostly boys (Dreher). Diagnosis of this disorder is not an easy task, but it has been made easier due to symptoms specific to this disorder. Once diagnosed properly, attention deficit disorder can be treated with medications and behavioral therapy. The causes of attention deficit disorder are not easily pinpointed. Not until recently have researchers found possible answers to the causes of this disorder. A child who has attention deficit disorder often has an inability to pay attention. Often a child fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork. A child also avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to take on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time. Being easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds or being forgetful in daily activities are also signs a child may have an inability to pay attention. Impulsivity and hyperactivity often times refer to the same thing. Just as the first behavior characteristic of attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and impulsivity have symptoms specific to it.
A hyperactive child often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in a seat. A hyperactive child usually talks excessively or blurts out answers before questions have been finished. Also, a hyperactive child has difficulty waiting his turn (Dreher). The diagnosis of attention deficit disorder applies to children who have problems with each of the behavioral characteristics. The symptoms of this disorder must be present for at least six months and start before age 7. Often times this disorder is not diagnosed until the child is 8 years old or older. More boys are usually diagnosed with attention deficit disorder than girls are. Andrew Adesman and Esther Wender say the "estimates of the male-female ratio range from 3:1 to 9:1. Some researchers have suggested that girls with ADHD are less likely to be identified or referred for evaluation because they may display less overtly hyperactive or aggressive behavior in the classroom or school yard." Excessive daydreaming is considered a symptom of ADHD in a girl( Breggin, Barkley). Once a child is diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, treatment is necessary. Medication is usually prescribed. In some cases, behavioral therapy is ordered. Medications, such as stimulants, seem the most effective in treating attention deficit disorder.
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Approximate Word count = 867
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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