Attention Deficit Order Essay, Research Paper

Attention Deficit Order (ADD) is a syndrome which is usually characterized byserious and persistent difficulties in poor attention span, weak impulse control and alsohyperactivity. ADD is a subtype illness which included hyperactivity (ADHD). The illnessis treatable, however it cannot be cured. It is a complex disorder which affectsapproximately 3 to 6 percent of the population. Common characteristics of ADD includeinattentiveness, impulsity and usually hyperactivity. Individuals with ADD have difficultyreaming seated, they also tend to be easily distracted, and they also have difficultyfollowing instructions. Some other symptoms of ADD include difficulty sustainingattention, low listing capabilities and the patients often engage in dangerous activities. Diagnostic criteria for ADD must include six or more of the following symptoms ofinattention which have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive andinconsistent with developmental level:Inattentiona) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork,work, or other activities.b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, orduties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understandinstructions).e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mentaleffort ( such as schoolwork or homework)g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities ( e.g., toys school assignments,pencils, books, or tools)h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.i) is often forgetful in daily activities.Hyperactivitya) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situation in which remaining seated is

expected.c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate ( inadolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietlye) is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”f) often talks excessively.Impulsivityg) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.h) often has difficulty awaiting turn.i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., at school or work and at home). A new study suggests that smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk ofattention-deficit disorder and language problem development in children. ResearchersSkoude Central Hospital in Sweden studied 113 six year olds to collect data: 62 of thechildren had been diagnosed with deficit in attention, motor control and perception. Thestudy found that mothers who smoked during pregnancy were more than twice as likely tohave children with ADD. Authors further note that children with family histories of motorimpairment and language disorders were at high risk for ADD. A single cause of ADD has not been conclusively proven but some possibilitiesinclude brain damage before, after, or during birth. A another possibility also includesbrain damage due to toxins, fetal alcohol syndrome, and metal intoxication such as leadpoisoning. Researchers have repeated findings which may suggest anatomical basis forADD. Researchers who wrote an article in The Lancet say recent studies using brainimaging techniques show that persons who suffer from ADD tend to have smaller thannormal frontal lobes and basal ganglia in the brain. Perhaps the single most strongestcorrelation of ADD is genetics and heredity. There is no simple treatment for ADD, but the most common treatment is medication, especially with a drug called Ritalin. Also a another methods of treatment iscounseling and training of the patient, including behavior modeling, self verbalization, andself reinforcement.