Disorders Research Paper

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Causes, Traits, Impact on Learning, and Effective Educational Strategies Your Name Subject and Section Professor’s Name October 11, 2024 A Comprehensive Description of ADHD ADHD is one of the most common and researched neurodevelopment disorders. The illness begins in childhood, yet it can persist as an adult disease, affecting millions of people. Based on the Cleveland Clinic (2023), ADHD is a behavior disorder that includes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that is disruptive to age peers or development. The disorder is usually recognized during childhood but may persist throughout adulthood. ADHD is a chronic disorder; this, if not well managed, affects an individual throughout his or her lifetime. Independent of gender, ADHD is estimated to present in children at a rate of 5.9% and 2.5% in adults worldwide (Faraone et al., 2021). The condition is characterized by impairment in executive processes, which deals with how a person organizes his thoughts, mood, and actions. Children who meet the criteria for ADHD may have issues with keeping track of personal items, listening to instructions, staying on task, and managing feelings and energy levels. Although ADHD is expected in school-age children, it is still a poorly understood and socially eclipsed condition because of the myths that surround it. Possible Causes ADHD is, therefore, polygenic and is characterized by genetic as well as environmental components. To some extent, the development of ADHD is hereditary (Cleveland Clinic, 2023), and there is research proof that ADHD is inherited and progresses through families. Another area that demonstrates the genetic link with ADHD is when one parent is diagnosed with the disorder; the chances of getting it are higher in children. Environmental factors are known to be involved in the development of ADHD so far apart from hereditary origin. Such risks include prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, other deleterious substances, preterm childbirth, having a low birth weight, and childhood lead exposure (Hinshaw, 2018). These environmental inputs combine with the child's genetic makeup to shape the development of the brain towards areas governing such skills as executive controlling and self-governing. Some studies have found that people with ADHD have minor anatomical variations together with cerebral metabolic abnormalities, especially in the frontal cortex, which is associated with decision-making, attention, and impulse control (Cortese & Coghill, 2018). The delay of frontal lobe maturity and tad differences in the function of neurotransmitters are most probably the leading causes of symptoms of ADHD. However, more studies propose that, to this date, the actual etiology of ADHD is still unclear. Though the above-proposed genetic factors must play an important role, work should be continued towards exploring the influence of genes-environment interactions. Possible Treatments ADHD can best be treated using both pharmacological and behavioral treatments. Methylphenidate and amphetamine are the two most prevalent stimulants that have demonstrated evidence of a highly potentiated decrease in the primary ADHD symptomatology in both children and adults (Reale et al., 2017). These medications help raise levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, enhancing attention, impulse control, and focus. There are non-stimulant drugs and, among them atomoxetine, that can also be used if stimulant medication is ineffaceable or causes side effects. However, behavior therapies are paramount in treating ADHD, especially for young children, and alongside medication. Behavioral therapy involves behavior modification, positive reinforcement, organization of skills and management of behavior, and coping skills teaching(Cortese & Coghill, 2018). For instance, parent training and education assist parents in understanding what is appropriate and expected, appropriate disciplinary actions, how to encourage positive behavior from the child, and at the same time, lessen negative behavioral patterns by deficient or inadequate psychological control in children with ADHD. CBT can also be helpful for older children and adolescents, and they might also have some emotional and social problems related to ADHD. Common Misconceptions Unfortunately, until today, several myths about ADHD still exist even when there is enough research and scientific basis. One fact that most children with this condition get them wrong is that ADHD is due to poor parenting or lack of discipline. Essentially, this belief is wrong and unhealthy because it assigns stigma both to the child and the whole family (Hinshaw, 2018). ADHD in children is not a learned behavior or a decision made by children or their parents but a biological condition. One more myth is that ADHD is a ...