From: Traci L. Fear
Email:
Course: CD169: Motivation
College: San Jose State University
Instructor: Eugene Matusov
ClassWeb: http://www.ematusov.com/cd169
ChildrenObservations: No
Date: 23 May 1997
Time: 14:58:41
Remote Name: cust65.max17.san-francisco2.ca.ms.uu.net
A man comes home from work, picks up the mail, turns on the evening news, and starts opening his mail as he half-listens to the TV. Then he remembers that he has to call his office to leave a message for the office manager. He drops the mail between the cushions of the sofa and heads for the phone in the kitchen. When he gets to the kitchen he sees the refrigerator and feels hungry. He pokes around the fridge and makes a snack. With the food, he heads back to the family room to watch TV, completely forgetting about his phone call.
*This is a story of a person suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder. It was taken from the book, Adult Add.
Approximately twenty two percent of our population suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder. It has been estimated that anywhere from twenty to sixty five percent of children with ADD will continue to have the disorder in adulthood. For a while, doctors and therapists were not positive what caused ADD. It was theorized that trauma during birth would cause ADD. Environmental factors were examined. The types of food eaten were possibly a variable. Parenting styles were blamed for this disorder, as well as the home environment.
It has been found that Attention Deficit Disorder is a biological disorder, and that it is inherited. Brain functioning in these individuals is not as active as in normal brains. The flow of blood to the front lobe is lower than necessary. It has been found that "there is an insufficient amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain of the adult with ADD" (Whitman,p.63). Stimulant drugs give the brain the added amount that is needed to control hyperactive and impulsive behavior.
Misdiagnosis is a problem with this disorder. In the past, before the term "Attention Deficit Disorder" was introduced, people were treated for other diseases when in fact they had ADD. They were thought instead to have depression or be demented. Others were thought to be possessed by evil spirits. Misdiagnosis has also happened in the opposite direction. People have recently been told that they have ADD when they were actually suffering from emotional problems, excessive anxiety, and thyroid irregularities.
People with ADD have problems with three main categories: (1) their span of attention, (2) impulsivity, and (3) hyperactivity, although this is not always present. The symptoms of these areas are different. The attention span area emphasizes lack of organization. These people can not keep their attention on an activity for any length of time. They are easily distracted, and tend to forget where they put their keys, notes, coat, and other objects. An inattentive ADD person rarely finishes anything he/she starts, and will avoid activities that take too much effort.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are sometimes grouped together. People with this type of Attention Deficit Disorder can not remain still. Adults will feel very restless. Children will constantly climb on things even when it is not appropriate. These people talk to the point of being excessive. They will interrupt others’ conversations, and find it difficult to wait their turn.
People who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder are frequently called stupid and difficult. Those who do not understand ADD feel that they are lazy and simply do not care about their families or their jobs. ADD individuals "often lack insight into how others perceive them" (Whiteman,p.25). This can lead to the miscommunication that is common among people who are uninformed. This situation can cause feelings of frustration, disappointment, and resentment from both the ones with the disorder and their friends or colleagues.
There are several people who can make an assessment for a diagnosis. These are: (1) a psychologist, (2) a social worker, (3) a psychiatrist, (4) a family physician, and (5) a neurologist. There are pros and cons to each person. The advantage of the social worker is that he/she has had training in psychoanalysis. The psychiatrist can give a differential diagnosis. The family physician is very familiar with your past and family history. A neurologist knows about the brain and its disorders.
The disadvantages have to be looked at as well. Only psychiatrists, physicians, and neurologists can prescribe medication. The social worker and the psychologist will have to refer the patient to someone else. Also, all of these persons are not qualified to give the patient counseling. The ADD person will have to be referred to a master level counselor for this part of the diagnosis and treatment.
In order to receive an official diagnosis, several criteria must be met. The person must show at least eight of the characteristics mentioned above. They need to exhibit these traits for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present before seven years of age. Also, the child or adult being considered must not have some other type of illness, either physical or mental.
There is no official test that can be done for ADD. Instead, a four part process takes place. Information about the patient’s background is taken. This includes school grades, teacher reports, and family background. A clinical interview is next. This is followed by observations. The person administering the tests will ask family and friends what behavior they have witnessed., The last step is a thorough medical examination.
Once the testing is completed, the results are given. If the result is positive, then it is necessary to sit down and discuss treatment options. If it is not ADD, it does not mean that everything is fine. Further testing is recommended to find out what the problem might be instead of ADD. Sometimes the results are inconclusive. If this is true, the severe cases are treated with drugs as if he/she actually had ADD.
There are several methods used to treat ADD. Medication is one method. Another is counseling. Education strategies is a third type. A fourth treatment is behavior modification. Although each can be used separately, treatment is most successful when all four methods are integrated.
Three types of drugs are currently being administered to ADD patients. Psychostimulants provide dopamine to the brain. Ritalin and Dexedrine are psychostimulants. Sventy to eighty percent show improvement with this type of drug. Antidepressants are also prescribed, although not as regularly. Other drugs, called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, can be used as alternatives. An example of this drug is a well known one, Prozac. Although the drugs are known stimulants, they actually calm down hyperactive children and adults.
Counseling is also an important part of the treatment process. Many times a patient will have a one-on-one therapy session. Occasionally, group therapy is recommended. This will show the ADD person that they are not alone, and that someone understands what they are going through. People go through many feelings when they discover they have ADD. Relief that the person knows what is wrong with them comes first. Grief and fear is next. Counseling helps the person over come these feelings by offering support.
Education strategies include the learning environment and teacher instruction. Here are some suggestions:
| Place the ADD child with his/her back to the class. |
| Use peer tutoring and cooperative learning groups. |
| Do not put the child near a distracting window or areas where many people pass by. |
| Avoid changes in the schedule, because ADD children do not respond well. |
| Set up a study space at home and at school. *Have a low student-teacher ratio. |
Behavior modification in school deals with two areas. One is "supervision/discipline", and the other is "motivation/encouragement". Here are some suggestions for discipline behavior modification:
| Remain calm. Do not lose your temper with the child. |
| Do not debate or argue with him/her. |
| Explain the consequences for inappropriate behavior before it happens. |
| Give consequences immediately. |
| Be consistent. |
| Do not criticize the ADD child. |
Here are some suggestions for encouragement:
| Make sure that the child is praised more than he/she is punished. |
| Change the reward if the current one is not working. |
| Show the child how to give their own rewards, such as self compliments. |
One thing that should be added to these lists is that a teacher should not single a ADD child out, especially if it is time to take their medication. This will only bring more attention to the fact that this child is different than the other children. Although some people feel that this will help the child, it is actually a hindrance. Instead, take the child aside and tell them quietly.
People are becoming concerned with the vast amount of people who are being diagnosed with ADD, and given medication to manage their condition. Over a million children take Ritalin on a regular basis. According to one author, "the rate of Ritalin use in the United States is at least five times higher than in the rest of the world" (p.67). Adults with ADD, and parents of children with disorder, are looking for alternatives to drug treatment that can be as effective, but without the cost or side effects.
One alternative treatment to drugs is called homeopathy. In the book, Ritalin Free Kids: Safe and Effective Homeopathic Medicine for ADD and Other Behavioral and Learning Problems, the advantages are clear. This treatment is considered safe for people, and non toxic. There are no known side effects. Homeopathy has been shown to be effective for months, whereas drugs have to be taken again after a few hours. Also, homeopathy costs less than Ritalin.
Patients choose homeopathic medicine for reasons other than the cost and the effectiveness. This therapy considers people as individuals rather than as a member of a group. Homeopaths try to understand all the characteristics and personality traits as well as the medical symptoms so that they can pick the best treatment for that particular person. Another advantage is that homeopathic medicine will not restrict normal development, or inhibit their natural ability.
I have some experience with this disorder. My cousin James has ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity. He is currently on the drug Ritalin. Before he was diagnosed, my family thought that he was a problem. James is a very lovely child, but has too much energy. He demands constant attention from those around him. He is also hard to control. After he was tested for ADD, it was a relief to know that he had it. At least there was a starting point. My thoughts were that if he was given medication, then he would be normal. I was one of those uninformed souls that I talked about earlier.
James takes Ritalin on a daily basis. He is still hyper, but not nearly as bad as before. I can tell when he has not taken his pills, though. It is like night and day. James is smart, though. He is also in therapy to learn how to deal with ADD. He is not relying on drugs to be the cure-all.
I think this is a problem with this society. They want a quick fix. There is no quick solution to this condition. It requires patience and dedication, and a lot of work. If you are overwhelmed by someone with Attention Deficit Disorder, just think how he feels.
** Ullman, J. and Ullman, R. (1996). Ritalin Free Kids: Safe and effective homeopathic medicine for ADD and other behavioral and learning problems. CA: Prima Publishing.
** Weiss, L. (1992). Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults: Pratical help for sufferers and their spouses. Dallas, TX: Taylor publishing Co.
** Whiteman, T. and Novatni, M. (1995). Adult ADD. Colorado Springs, CO: Pinon Press.
