Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects the brain making it difficult for individuals to control their behavior in school or social environments. ADHD is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood and affects between four and twelve percent of all school-age children. About three times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD. In 1902, British pediatrician George Still, found an abnormal defect, which affected children who could not control their behavior, but they were still intelligent. In 1952, the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders (DSM) was issued. Finally by 1955, the FDA approved the medication of “Ritalin” (methylphenidate), it became the most popular treatment for ADHD as the disease became easier to understand and diagnoses increased. “Inattention” is the inability to concentrate on a task. “Impulsivity” is the tendency to respond quickly without thinking through the consequences of an action and “hyperactivity” refers to behavior that is described as a constant, driving motor

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) there are eighteen main symptoms, which can be divided into two main categories, which include, inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. (Hubbard) These behaviors may include individuals to fail in paying close attention to details, excessive talking, have difficulty organizing tasks, or are not able to focus in appropriate situations. These two groups help classify the symptoms, which include the cognitive domain of inattention, and the hybrid domain of hyperactivity. To be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder there must be at least six symptoms in one domain. In DSM-5 many individuals with ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of twelve, compared to the age of seven in