Transcript Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ATTENTION DEFICIT
HYPERACTIVITY
DISORDER (ADHD)
By: Coleen M. Guest
Methods for Teaching
Fall 2001
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder

ADHD dates back to 1902. The disorder has
gone through numerous name changes.

Maximal Brain Damage

Minimal Brain Dysfunction

Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood


Attention Deficit Disorder with or without
Hyperactivity
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
What is ADD/ADHD

ADHD consists of two basic symptoms.
- Poor attention Span
- Weak Impulse Control
Executive Functions of ADHD
 Defined as
-
the ability to engage in mental activities that help
deflect distractions, recall goals, and take steps
needed to reach them. These are divided into four
groups.
 Working Memory
-
Holds information in mind while performing another
task.
 Internalization of Self-directed Speech
-
Process of talking out loud to solve problems
Executive Functions Continued
 Self Regulation
- Controlling reaction to an event
 Reconstruction
- Breaking down observed behavior and
combining
parts into new
actions that are not previously
learned.
AD/HD Primarily Inattentive Type
AD/HD-I




Fails to give close attention to details or
makes careless mistakes.
Has difficulty sustaining attention.
Does not appear to listen.
Struggles to follow through on instructions.
AD/HD Hyperactive/Impulse Type
AD/HD-HI








Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.
Has difficulty remaining seated.
Runs about or climbs excessively.
Acts as if driven by a motor.
Talks excessively.
Blurts out answers before questions have been
completed.
Difficulty waiting or taking turns.
Interrupts or intrudes upon others.
AD/HD Combined Type
AD/HD-C

Individual meets both sets of attention and
hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
According to the DSM-IV, ADHD
Has Three Categories
•
•
•
Predominantly inattentive type
Predominantly hyperactive impulsive
type
Combined type (onset of symptoms
must occur before the age of seven and
must be present for six months)
Causes of ADHD

Brain Structure

Heredity

Environment

Pregnancy and Birth Complications
People with ADHD

3-5 percent of children have ADHD

2-4 percent of adults have ADHD

There are three times as many boys diagnosed

10-26 percent of children with ADHD have a
learning disability
People With AD/HD Continued

30-65 percent have emotional or
behavioral problems
Characteristics of ADHD



Students exhibit noncompliance,
disagreeable and annoying behaviors.
Students have a difficult time forming and
keeping relationships with peers.
Stress is added to families sometimes
leading up to isolation from family and
friends and divorce between parents.
Treatment for ADHD
 Behavior modification
- Reinforcements, rewards, immediate
consequences, and cues to reinforce rules.
 Medication
- Stimulate Drugs: Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall,
Cylert and Desoxyn.
- Antidepressants: Elavil, Tofranil, and Prozac.
Treatment Continued
 Diet and Nutrition
– Scientists do not support the use of diet.
– The once popular Feingold Diet has not
proven to adequately control symptoms.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (1994).
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC:Author.
Bender, W.N., & Mathes, M.Y. (1995).
Students with ADHD in the inclusive classroom:
A hierarchical approach to strategy selection.
Intervention in School and Clinic, 30, 226-234.