Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, also called ADD) is a condition that causes poor attention span, easy distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. People with ADHD may have only one or two of these problems, or they may have all of them. Those with an attention problem have a hard time keeping their mind on any one subject for long. They may get bored with a task after only a few minutes. People who are hyperactive seem to be in constant motion. They may feel restless and squirm or fidget a lot. People who are overly impulsive seem not to think before they speak or act. They may blurt out embarrassing comments without thinking or take dangerous risks. The symptoms usually begin before seven years of age, although they may not be recognized as signs of ADHD until later. The behaviors associated with ADHD can lead to trouble with school; work; or relationships with family, friends, and teachers.(Barkley,39)

Difficulties caused by ADHD often improve during the late teen years and adulthood. Many adults are left with only a few signs of ADHD, but a few still have the full disorder. People with ADHD do not outgrow the condition. While they often become less hyperactive when they get older, people with ADHD may still have problems with restlessness and short attention span. By using certain coping strategies, many people with ADHD learn to deal with the condition successfully and can achieve in school and thrive in rewarding careers. Many people are able to find the right kind of job for their strengths and abilities. For example, a person might be better suited for a position that offers variety and constant change rather than one that requires long periods at a desk.(Brinkmeyer,204)

What Causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Doctors and researchers are not sure why certain people have ADHD. Theories have focused on various possible causes, such as diet, head injuries, exposure to drugs before birth, and even family and home environment. However, none of these theories offers a satisfactory explanation for most cases of ADHD.

Researchers interested in learning about possible biological causes of ADHD have looked at how the brains of people with ADHD may function differently than other people's brains. Neuroscientists, or scientists who study the brain and nervous system, believe that attention is largely a function of the brain's reticular activating (re-TIK-yoo-lur AK-ti-vay-ting) system, or RAS. This system includes a group of nerve fibers located in several parts of the brain, including the thalamus* . Within the RAS, the thalamus appears to play a key role in the moment-to-moment changes in the focus of attention. The thalamus and cerebral cortex cooperate to register any incoming sensory signals, evaluate their contents, and mobilize brain resources in response to the demands made. Put simply, the thalamus receives the messages that comes through a person's senses and then relays the information to the proper receiving areas in the ...