Outline for Adhd

I. What is minimal brain dysfunction? Attention shortage Hyperactivity Disorder- a earthy behavior disorder that affects oneness in 15-20 school-age infantren. Boys be three times more(prenominal)(prenominal) give cargonly to be diagnosed with it than girls, but there is no pass off reason yet why more boys than girls argon diagnosed with it. It is broken brush up into three subtypes an inattentive type, with signs that include * inability to pay charge to lucubrate or a tendency to make c areless errors in schoolwork or early(a) activities * hassle with sustained attention in tasks or play activities * apparent listening problems * hindrance following book of instructions * problems with organization avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort * tendency to lose things like toys, nonebooks, or homework * distractibility * forgetfulness in daily activities 2. a hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include * fidgeting or squirming * difficulty re maining pose * excessive running or climbing * difficulty playing quietly * always agreeming to be on the go * excessive talk * blurting out answers before hearing the full question * difficulty waiting for a turn or in line * problems with interrupting or intruding 3. a unite type, which involves a combination of the other ii types and is the to the highest degree commonA. Symptoms impulsive, hyperactive, short attention span, trouble focusing, symptoms are present over a long period of time and occur in different settings, problems stopping point tasks, disorganized, trouble following directions, easily distracted, out forgetful or careless and frequently misplace things. 1. rationalise similarities/differences of ADD and attention deficit disorder Similarities attention span is short, trouble controlling their behavior without medication and behavioural therapy, appear bored. Differences ADD- attention deficit without hyperactivity and impulsiveness. attention deficit h yperactivity disorder- includes hyperactivity and impulsiveness. . ex of characteristics in boys hyperactive/impulsive behavior, rough behavior b. ex of characteristics in girls inattentive, forgetful, hyper-talkative, emotional hyper-reactive c. why it is harder to spot ADD/ minimal brain damage in girls than boys girls are harder to spot because the criteria for spotting ADHD includes external behavioral characteristics such as aggression, defiance, and other behavioral management problems, which are more common in boys than in girls. Girls with ADHD tend to be shy, soci all(prenominal)y isolate themselves, driven or anxious, or over- pore on their studies B. How is ADHD diagnosed?There is no test that give the axe determine whether a pincer has ADHD or not, just a complete evaluation. A primary care physician or the family pediatrician usually prescribes medication in the lowest dose form and does medication checks every month to see if the current dose is helping or if an inc rease is needed. Most of the time if there is no heighten at the current dose being taken, the physician increases the dose for each one month until adverse perspective set up start to be seen in the youngster, than a decrease in dosage happens until changes for the benefit of the infant are noticed by the parent and the instructors.If there is any doubt a referral to a child psychologist or psychiatrist may be needed for further evaluation. To be considered for a diagnosis of ADHD * a child essential display behaviors from one of the three subtypes before age 7 * these behaviors must be more severe than in other kids the same age * the behaviors must last for at least 6 months * the behaviors must occur in and negatively affect at least two areas of a childs life (such as school, home, day-care settings, or friendships). The physician does a complete physical exam to overlook out any other medical problems. 1.Adult Observations Parents are asked to fill out a behavioral ev aluation form that contains different behaviors in different settings and the strengths and weaknesses of their child. If there is a day-care returnr, teacher, or any other family member or friend who spends time with the child evaluations are sent to them. The physician looks over all the completed evaluation, and then talks it over with an approved child psychologist with the permission of the parent, and then the physician, psychologist, parent and child all come together and talk about possible treatment options. a. Teachers even HS teachers need to be aware of it nd/or learn how to spot it in high-schoolers and even other ages of children. ADHD gouge go undiagnosed for years. Some kids outgrow it others struggle with it even into high-school and through adulthood. b. Medical Examination II. What causes ADHD? It has biological origins that arent quite understood. There isnt a single cause but researches are looking at a combination of factors such as genetics, environmental, chemical imbalances in the brain. II. How is ADHD case-hardened? Cant be cured but bottom be successfully managed. III. Stimulants are the best-known treatments theyve been used for more than 50 years in the treatment of ADHD.Some require several doses per day, each lasting about 4 hours nigh last up to 12 hours. Possible side effects include decreased appetite, stomachache, irritability, and insomnia. Theres currently no evidence of long-term side effects. IV. Nonstimulants were approved for treating ADHD in 2003. These appear to render fewer side effects than stimulants and can last up to 24 hours. V. Antidepressants are sometimes a treatment option however, in 2004 the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a exemplar that these drugs may lead to a rare increased risk of suicide in children and teens.If an antidepressant is suggested for your child, be trustworthy to discuss these risks with your atomic number 101. Medications can affect kids differently, and a child may respond sound to one but not another. When determining the correct treatment, the doctor might try versatile medications in various doses, especially if your child is being treated for ADHD along with another disorder. A. Medication 1. Medication can be very beneficial a. only kids should have the option of being treated because it can importantly help their ability to focus/concentrate and reach their full potential B. Types of Medication 1. Stimulants a. benefits b. negative aspects . Non Stim/ herb tea Remedies a. benefits b. negative aspects 3. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral Therapy Research has shown that medications used to help curb impulsive behavior and attention difficulties are more effective when combined with behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy attempts to change behavior patterns by * reorganizing a childs home and school environment * giving clear directions and commands * setting up a system of conformable rewards for appropriate behaviors and negativ e consequences for inappropriate ones Here are examples of behavioral strategies that may help a child with ADHD * Create a routine.Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. support the schedule in a prominent place, so your child can see whats expected end-to-end the day and when its time for homework, play, and chores. * Get organized. Put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so your child will be less likely to lose them. * Avoid distractions. Turn off the TV, radio, and calculating machine games, especially when your child is doing homework. * Limit choices. Offer a choice between two things (this outfit, meal, toy, etc. , or that one) so that your child isnt overwhelmed and overstimulated. Change your interactions with your child. Instead of long-winded explanations and cajoling, use clear, brief directions to remind your child of responsibilities. * role goals and rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track commanding behaviors, then reward your childs efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic (think baby steps rather than overnight success). * Discipline effectively. Instead of yelling or spanking, use timeouts or removal of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior. Younger kids may simply need to be distracted or ignored until they display better behavior. * Help your child discover a talent.All kids need to experience success to feel high-priced about themselves. Finding out what your child does well whether its sports, art, or music can boost social skills and self-esteem. a. benefits b. negative aspects Alternative Treatments Currently, the only ADHD therapies that have been proven effective in scientific studies are medications and behavioral therapy. But your doctor may recommend additional treatments and interventions depending on your childs symptoms and needs. Some kids with ADHD, for example, may also need special developmental interventions such as tutoring, occupation al therapy, etc. Every childs needs are different.A number of other alternative therapies are promoted and tried by parents including megavitamins, body treatments, diet manipulation, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention training, visual training, and traditional one-on-one talking psychotherapy. However, scientific research has not found them to be effective, and most have not been studied carefully, if at all. Parents should always be wary of any therapy that promises an ADHD cure. If youre interested in trying something new, speak with your doctor first. Parent breeding Parenting a child with ADHD often brings special challenges.Kids with ADHD may not respond well to typical parenting practices. Also, because ADHD tends to run in families, parents may also have some problems with organization and consistency themselves and need active coaching to help learn these skills. Experts recommend parent education and support groups to help family members accept the diag nosis and to teach them how to help kids organize their environment, develop problem-solving skills, and cope with frustrations. Training can also teach parents to respond appropriately to a childs most trying behaviors with calm disciplining techniques. psyche or family counseling can also be helpful. ADHD in the Classroom As your childs most important cheer, you should become familiar with your childs medical, legal, and educational rights. Kids with ADHD are eligible for special services or accommodations at school under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and an anti-discrimination law known as particle 504. Keep in touch with teachers and school officials to monitor your childs construct. In addition to using routines and a clear system of rewards, here are some other tips to share with teachers for classroom success * Reduce position distractions.Lessening distractions might be as simple as seating your child near the teacher instead of near the windo w. * Use a homework folder for parent-teacher communications. The teacher can include assignments and progress notes, and you can check to make sure all work is completed on time. * Break down assignments. Keep instructions clear and brief, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. * Give positive reinforcement. Always be on the lookout for positive behaviors. Ask the teacher to offer praise when your child stays seated, doesnt call out, or waits his or her turn instead of criticizing when he or she doesnt. Teach good study skills. Underlining, note taking, and reading out loud can help your child stay focused and retain information. * Supervise. Check that your child goes and comes from school with the correct books and materials. Sometimes kids are paired with a crony to can help them stay on track. * Be sensitive to self-esteem issues. Ask the teacher to provide feedback to your child in private, and avoid asking your child to perform a task in humankind that might be too difficult. * Involve the school counselor or psychologist.He or she can help design behavioral programs to address specific problems in the classroom. Helping Your Child Youre a stronger advocate for your child when you foster good partnerships with everyone involved in your childs treatment that includes teachers, doctors, therapists, and even other family members. Take improvement of all the support and education thats available, and youll help your child navigate toward success. Reviewed by Richard S. Kingsley, MD Date reviewed kinfolk 2008 Originally reviewed by W. Douglas Tynan, PhD Back