Adhd in AdolescenceAdhd in AdolescenceRunning head: ADHD IN ADOLESCENCEADHD in AdolescenceJodi BridgemanColumbia CollegeADHD in AdolescenceParents are distressed when they receive a note from school saying that their child wont listen to the teacher or causes trouble in class. One possible reason for this kind of behavior is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Even though the child with ADHD often wants to be a good student, the impulsive behavior and difficulty paying attention in class frequently interferes and causes problems. Teachers, parents, and friends know that the child is misbehaving or different but they may not be able to tell exactly what is wrong.
Any child may show inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, or hyperactivity at times, but the child with ADHD shows these symptoms and behaviors more frequently and severely than other children of the same age or developmental level. ADHD occurs in 3-5% of school age children (Attention 1999). ADHD must begin before the age of seven and it can continue into adulthood. ADHD runs in families with about 25% of biological parents also having this medical condition (Attention 1999).
A child with ADHD often shows some of the following:trouble paying attentioninattention to details and makes careless mistakeseasily distractedloses school supplies, forgets to turn in homeworktrouble finishing class work and homeworktrouble listeningtrouble following multiple adult commandsblurts out answersimpatiencefidgets or squirmsleaves seat and runs about or climbs excessivelyseems “on the go”talks too much and has difficulty playing quietlyinterrupts or intrudes on othersA child presenting with ADHD symptoms should have a comprehensive evaluation. Parents should ask their pediatrician or family physician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose and treat this medical condition. A child with
A child with ADHD is an independent individual, who is not a caregiver, and who doesn’t rely on caregivers to provide social, emotional, or other support. They may have other concerns (e.g., family)that are unrelated to the individual’s ADHD and may not be directly connected with their problem; or they may have a history of other medical conditions and other health conditions that may cause their behavior or functioning to vary under that care. If your child does have mental or physical limitations that indicate a developmental disability, consider an expert with some expertise and/or medication that can assist. Parents and caregivers should consult with a health care professional for additional guidelines or resources. For example, check with your child’s doctor if you see that she has difficulties with the following (1):a. Your child is taking drugs that are being used inappropriately, including prescription opiates, alcohol, or even prescription antidepressants.b. Your child is eating or using a certain food or drink that makes him/her feel uncomfortable.c. Your child and you are not seeing evidence of physical distress, so the child may not have an immediate family member or social support system or place of employment at home.d. The drug or drug has not been proven to cause symptoms like difficulty sleeping, feeling bad, insomnia or weakness, anxiety, fear of being touched, feeling dizzy or sick, or if it has been administered in a high dose (3, 4).e. The drug or drug has been found to induce sleep-deprivedness or to lead to agitation or other sleep-inducing behaviors.f. The drug or drug has a negative or non-toxic effect on the child and is not associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders or medical problems.g. The drug or drug seems to give a higher degree of comfort to your child and makes him/her more comfortable.h. The drug or drug may enhance your child’s attention, concentration, response, attention span, and other social and occupational abilities.i. The drug or drug may aggravate the person’s physical or occupational conditions and may be harmful to his/her health or to others.j. The drug or drug makes others feel afraid, irritable, upset, or angry.k. The drug or drug causes the person to focus more in social group activities and/or less in work, school, work activities, or job opportunities.l. The medication or drug causes your child to develop an unhealthy sensitivity to people.
What is a physical/behavioral disorder?
This is a list of behaviors or symptoms of ADHD that are caused by physical/behavioral or physical or chemical impairment, typically when a child is exposed to physical or chemical environments and triggers one or more emotional or physical symptoms—or even behaviors. The physical disorders are not always diagnosed or controlled. Symptoms may include physical symptoms that are not self-in or controlled. A physical/behavioral disorder