ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Attention Deficit Disorder

Abstract

This research paper is mainly concentrated on ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and its complimentary treatments. In this paper it also discusses the CAM (Complementary Medicine) possibilities that can be used in treatment and mainly concentrated in Acupuncture and its treatment of ADD. In last the paper concluded with the effectiveness of the treatment.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Introduction

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is not a new disorder; it has become one of great concern due to the sharply rising number of new cases in recent years. Children with ADD have problems at home, at school, and with peers. They have difficulty staying focused, following rules, and present as discipline problems. ADD children are frequently neglected, abused, and evidence disabilities.

Thesis Statement

Acupuncture as a treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but not for underlying problems that contributes for ADD.

Literature Review

Succinct description of disease/condition/population

ADD/ADHD is a behavioral disorder that includes a diverse assortment of symptoms, with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity being the most common. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV- Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) estimates the incidence of ADD/ADHD in adults to be 3% - 5%, with a higher incidence in males than females. Other studies have estimated the incidence to be from 12% to 24%. The reasons for the inconsistencies in reported rates of the prevalence of ADD/ADHD include the variety of professionals who diagnose the disorder, from pediatricians to mental health professionals, and the various standards they use to make their diagnosis.

Further complications include the lack of a valid measure for gathering parent or teacher data, co morbidity with other disorders, reported to be present in 80.4% of diagnosed ADD/ADHD cases, and the subjectivity of the clinical definition of the disorder (Nylander, 2009). The clinical definition of ADD/ADHD, according to the DSM-IV-TR, will be used for the purposes of this study. According to the DSM-IV-TR, there are four subtypes of ADD/ADHD: (1) Predominately Inattentive Type; (2) Predominately Hyperactive/Impulsive Type; (3) Combined Type; and (4) ADD/HD Not Otherwise Specified, in which Individuals who have six or more symptoms in one of the following categories, and for whom the symptoms have lasted for at least six months in two or more settings (school, home, work) meet preliminary screening criteria for Type I or 2 (Michael, 2009).

Individuals with six or more symptoms in both categories meet initial criteria for type 3 and those whose symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity are present but do not precisely meet the specified diagnostic criteria meet the initial criteria for type 4 (FRANCES, 2009). Typical behaviors associated with inattention are difficulty in paying attention to details or a problem with making careless errors in work; problems with sustaining attention; trouble organizing tasks and activities; difficulty with completing tasks; problems with listening and following instructions, problems engaging in tasks requiring sustained attention; distractibility, forgetfulness, and often losing things needed for activities (Peter, 2009).

Traditional medicine and why we should not use it

ADHD is affecting approximately 3% to 5% of children, and it is ...