ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the most common psychiactric disorder among children. It affects 3 to 5% of the worlds children. The characteristics of ADHD include a pattern of persistent impulsiveness and failure to pay attention. It can also include periods of hyperactivity, but this is not always the case.
ADHD is also believed to occur in adults. It is estimated that 4% of adults (8 million in the United States) suffer from this disorder. In fact, 50% of those diagnosed with childhood ADHD are likely to suffer from the same symptoms as an adult.
The symptoms of ADHD are often dealt with by using alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. Adults are likely to develop other coping mechanisms to deal with it though it is recommended that professional help from a psychiactrist is seeked out.
Since the 1970's the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD has been controversial. These controversies have been between teachers, clinicians. parents, policymakers and media. Their opinions range from not believing it exists to believing that there are physiological and genetic bases for it. There is also general disagreement about whether it is okay to use stimulant prescriptions to treat it in children.
There is also controversy specifically concerning adult ADHD. Many experts believe it does not persist into adulthood. It was first considered to occur in adults in 1978. Clinicians face many challenges when diagnosing adults. These include age-related changes, developmentally inappropriate diagnostic criteria, comorbidities and the possibility that situational factors and high intelligence can mask the symptoms.
Thom Hartmann proposed a theory called hunter vs. farmer. He believes that ADHD is simply an adaptive behavior exclusive to the human species. According to his theory the people with ADHD have retained some of the "hunter" characteristics that were more commonly used before agriculture took over society.
The social construct theory is observed by Thomas Szasz, among others. These theorists believe that ADHD is a condition that was invented by the scientific community. Not something that was discovered as many doctors and scientists will have you believe.
The low arousal theory claims that people with ADHD symptoms simply seek excessive activity or self stimulation to bring their state of abnormally low arousal to a higher level. Their attention can only be gained from stimulus in the environment. For example, a child with ADHD will create stimulation by doing something such as talking, fidgeting or walking around. This will fulfill his/her needs for enhanced stimuli.
Among doctors the support for ADHD being a treatable psychological disorder is overwhelming. There are many medications that are used to effectively treat ADHD as well as natural supplements. ADHD can make life extremely difficult so rather than using illegal drugs or alcohol to self medicate I recommend you seek help from your doctor or a psychiactrist.
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist and natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Mom's Blog at http://www.Moms-Blog.com/ where you'll find articles and information on natural ways of improving the health of yourself, your family and your childrens health.
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