Summary:
A look at ADD/ADHD
Within the past 100 years researching into what we now know as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, researchers are continuing to unravel the underlying points of its definition, the diagnosis, its effect on children through adulthood, and its diagnostic treatment. With the study into psychopathology constantly changing, the disorder in itself has undergone various changes. (Goldman) Taking a brief look at its history and treatment, my goal is primarily to familiarize myself as well as others on ADD/ADHD symptoms and its likely cause.
ADHD was categorized into a construct or diagnostic category,
leaning most to the understanding its likely cause is due to a ?brain-based neurological disorder? (1). With research in understanding the human brain and neurology, ADHD continues to be argued in terms of its existence as a disorder, and controversial treatment studies open doors to different ideas in diagnosing ADHD, focusing primarily on the effects in children. (Goldman)
Classified as a ?Minimal Brain Dysfunction? (2) in the 1920?s,
children brought to the hospitals in those days were said to have a likely disease attacking the brain causing inflammation, described to be ?Encephalitis? (2). Moving forward into the 1950?s and 60?s, there were arguments between two separate ideas as to what this disorder might be. According to the Freudian Psychodynamic Research, ADHD was described as a ?Hyperkinetic reaction to childhood? (3); stating an individual with ADHD symptoms was likely to have had trauma from childhood, resulting in rebellious behaviors. In the Neo-Kraepelinian biological psychiatrist?s view, ADHD symptoms were defined as a ?Hyperkinetic impulse disorder? (3); stating an individual with ADHD symptoms were suffering from impulsive behaviors. (Goldman)
After the cognitive paradigm arose, the Dictionary for Mental Disorders described the inability to pay attention in ADHD individuals was a primary focus; renaming the disorder ?Attention deficit disorder? (4). In addition, there were 2 different ?subtypes? (Goldman) of the disorder, which would later co-inside with attention deficit disorder with or without symptoms of hyperactivity. Looking further into the newer aspect of its symptoms, ADD was then seen as cognitive problem and not necessarily a behavioral problem. (Goldman)
Today, ADHD continues to be argued; some claim these symptoms, which have the majority targeted at children, are the result of parents who claim their children have this disorder to excuse the likely result of natural rebellious behaviors. Other opinions on the topic of ADHD state the entire disorder to be a fraudulent charge created by the pharmaceutical companies to make money off of children acting out. (3-Goldman)
According to Barkley and associates in regards to ADHD, this
disorder is ?a real disease-like state, and maintained that it
was biologically defined and heritable.?(Goldman: 5)
Taking a glimpse at this accumulated history of diagnosis highlights a very important question in my head; why is something so common so argued over? What?s to say the symptom variations can?t fall into a cognitive and behavioral problem?
My opinion in the disorder itself is very scattered; no pun intended. I do agree that ADHD symptoms fall into a cognitive AND behavioral category; it?s possible with every individual DNA strand differing from the next that one could have had a childhood trauma, thus, resulting in symptoms similar to ADHD. I agree that an individual could be more susceptible to scatterbrained thinking and impulsive behaviors as a result of genes passed through the bloodline Taking a look from a different spectrum, what if we were to imagine ourselves constantly told something was wrong as a child from family and doctors or role models; would we be likely to not only believe it, but see this as an illness through adulthood? So what is it that categorizes these particular symptoms as a disorder, or a mental illness? And when should an individual with these types of symptoms, which are likely to range from childhood into adulthood, seek treatment?
According to graduate student from the University of Southern California, Jason G. Goldman describes the symptoms of ADD/ADHD to be, ?emotional regulation, irritability, peer rejection, and academic difficulties.? (6) In his own words, he describes Barkley?s insight on ADD/ADHD to be ?involving a heritable frontal lobe disorder that stays with an individual throughout development.?(6) His take on the main issue with treating the disorder to be because of the illness targeted at children, not necessarily adults. And because ADHD is considered to be now a developmental dysfunction, a person in need of treatment would have to be acting inappropriately compared to others, and that these actions prevent that individual from living his or her life normally. Goldman also states a very good point of view on the topic of treatment in adult ADD/ADHD, stating ?In order to define adult ADHD, diagnostic criteria must be used relative to other adults-this set of symptoms does not exist yet in the DSM.? (Goldman: Paragraph 7)
A 13-year study from Barkley, Fletcher, Smallish, and Fischer gave reports in people who have individually sought treatment, and individuals who were parents of children struggling with ADHD. Stating ?self-reported? (Goldman) individuals were not nearly as common as individuals who were reporting for their children, and that these parents were ?more reliable?.they were also more valid.? (Goldman: 8) With this in mind; along with the insufficient treatment criteria for adult ADD/ADHD, the continuance into diagnostic treatment for the disorder remains intact, despite criticism. (Goldman)
My opinion on ADD/ADHD is that it is a very real diagnosis; from childhood until now I have always displayed symptoms falling under the guidelines in treating ADHD. My hopes to further understand the underlying issues of what may have been the likely cause in most cases has been satisfied, however, I foresee more research into my personal history to further my understanding as to why I was diagnosed with ADHD. I believe to better treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in all cases, one must take into consideration treatments that would be beneficial to lifestyle, keeping an open mind to variations of treatments, and choosing a route that you feel would benefit you best. We know our bodies better than any other person on this planet, and listening to yourself, and especially listening to your children, will be the best method on the road to creating a better future.
Bibliography
Jason G. Goldman. Article: What is Psychopathology? Examining the Changing Status of ADHD
Posted: November 5, 2010: Science Blogs/ Web/ Date of Access: December 2, 2010
Within the past 100 years researching into what we now know as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, researchers are continuing to unravel the underlying points of its definition, the diagnosis, its effect on children through adulthood, and its diagnostic treatment. With the study into psychopathology constantly changing, the disorder in itself has undergone various changes. (Goldman) Taking a brief look at its history and treatment, my goal is primarily to familiarize myself as well as others on ADD/ADHD symptoms and its likely cause.
ADHD was categorized into a construct or diagnostic category,
leaning most to the understanding its likely cause is due to a ?brain-based neurological disorder? (1). With research in understanding the human brain and neurology, ADHD continues to be argued in terms of its existence as a disorder, and controversial treatment studies open doors to different ideas in diagnosing ADHD, focusing primarily on the effects in children. (Goldman)
Classified as a ?Minimal Brain Dysfunction? (2) in the 1920?s,
children brought to the hospitals in those days were said to have a likely disease attacking the brain causing inflammation, described to be ?Encephalitis? (2). Moving forward into the 1950?s and 60?s, there were arguments between two separate ideas as to what this disorder might be. According to the Freudian Psychodynamic Research, ADHD was described as a ?Hyperkinetic reaction to childhood? (3); stating an individual with ADHD symptoms was likely to have had trauma from childhood, resulting in rebellious behaviors. In the Neo-Kraepelinian biological psychiatrist?s view, ADHD symptoms were defined as a ?Hyperkinetic impulse disorder? (3); stating an individual with ADHD symptoms were suffering from impulsive behaviors. (Goldman)
After the cognitive paradigm arose, the Dictionary for Mental Disorders described the inability to pay attention in ADHD individuals was a primary focus; renaming the disorder ?Attention deficit disorder? (4). In addition, there were 2 different ?subtypes? (Goldman) of the disorder, which would later co-inside with attention deficit disorder with or without symptoms of hyperactivity. Looking further into the newer aspect of its symptoms, ADD was then seen as cognitive problem and not necessarily a behavioral problem. (Goldman)
Today, ADHD continues to be argued; some claim these symptoms, which have the majority targeted at children, are the result of parents who claim their children have this disorder to excuse the likely result of natural rebellious behaviors. Other opinions on the topic of ADHD state the entire disorder to be a fraudulent charge created by the pharmaceutical companies to make money off of children acting out. (3-Goldman)
According to Barkley and associates in regards to ADHD, this
disorder is ?a real disease-like state, and maintained that it
was biologically defined and heritable.?(Goldman: 5)
Taking a glimpse at this accumulated history of diagnosis highlights a very important question in my head; why is something so common so argued over? What?s to say the symptom variations can?t fall into a cognitive and behavioral problem?
My opinion in the disorder itself is very scattered; no pun intended. I do agree that ADHD symptoms fall into a cognitive AND behavioral category; it?s possible with every individual DNA strand differing from the next that one could have had a childhood trauma, thus, resulting in symptoms similar to ADHD. I agree that an individual could be more susceptible to scatterbrained thinking and impulsive behaviors as a result of genes passed through the bloodline Taking a look from a different spectrum, what if we were to imagine ourselves constantly told something was wrong as a child from family and doctors or role models; would we be likely to not only believe it, but see this as an illness through adulthood? So what is it that categorizes these particular symptoms as a disorder, or a mental illness? And when should an individual with these types of symptoms, which are likely to range from childhood into adulthood, seek treatment?
According to graduate student from the University of Southern California, Jason G. Goldman describes the symptoms of ADD/ADHD to be, ?emotional regulation, irritability, peer rejection, and academic difficulties.? (6) In his own words, he describes Barkley?s insight on ADD/ADHD to be ?involving a heritable frontal lobe disorder that stays with an individual throughout development.?(6) His take on the main issue with treating the disorder to be because of the illness targeted at children, not necessarily adults. And because ADHD is considered to be now a developmental dysfunction, a person in need of treatment would have to be acting inappropriately compared to others, and that these actions prevent that individual from living his or her life normally. Goldman also states a very good point of view on the topic of treatment in adult ADD/ADHD, stating ?In order to define adult ADHD, diagnostic criteria must be used relative to other adults-this set of symptoms does not exist yet in the DSM.? (Goldman: Paragraph 7)
A 13-year study from Barkley, Fletcher, Smallish, and Fischer gave reports in people who have individually sought treatment, and individuals who were parents of children struggling with ADHD. Stating ?self-reported? (Goldman) individuals were not nearly as common as individuals who were reporting for their children, and that these parents were ?more reliable?.they were also more valid.? (Goldman: 8) With this in mind; along with the insufficient treatment criteria for adult ADD/ADHD, the continuance into diagnostic treatment for the disorder remains intact, despite criticism. (Goldman)
My opinion on ADD/ADHD is that it is a very real diagnosis; from childhood until now I have always displayed symptoms falling under the guidelines in treating ADHD. My hopes to further understand the underlying issues of what may have been the likely cause in most cases has been satisfied, however, I foresee more research into my personal history to further my understanding as to why I was diagnosed with ADHD. I believe to better treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in all cases, one must take into consideration treatments that would be beneficial to lifestyle, keeping an open mind to variations of treatments, and choosing a route that you feel would benefit you best. We know our bodies better than any other person on this planet, and listening to yourself, and especially listening to your children, will be the best method on the road to creating a better future.
Bibliography
Jason G. Goldman. Article: What is Psychopathology? Examining the Changing Status of ADHD
Posted: November 5, 2010: Science Blogs/ Web/ Date of Access: December 2, 2010
Source: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/howtowiki/~3/LiSS8m4_e-s/ADHD
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