ADHD Causes and Treatments

Paper Summary:

Through an analysis of the literature, this paper examines the key components of ADHD, including prevalence and diagnosis. Its causes,including biological and socio-environmental factors (i.e. diet, maternal smoking and difficult family environments) are discussed, as are a number of common treatments including stimulant drugs, counselling, behavioural methods and alternative therapies. Detailed results from the "Multi-Model Treatment Study" for children with ADHD are also presented. Further study into the area of cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended.

From the Paper:

"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by the DSM-IV as a "persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development" (American Psychiatric Association, 2000, p78). Experts estimate that between three to five percent of school-age children have ADHD, with an average of two to three times as many boys than girls being affected. ADHD is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder and is usually diagnosed during the early school years. In most cases symptoms ease during late adolescents and adulthood, although a minority experience major symptoms of the disorder into mid-adulthood (American Psychiatric Association, 2000)."

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