Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder (also known as ADD) is considered to be an illness that deals with problems of focusing or concentrating. Usually, it refers to children and it is characterized by certain symptoms, such as inattention, easy distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, and forgetfulness. Recently, some scientists and doctors assume that ADD has a highly subjective description and can’t be defined as a specific disease.

In comparison with common trouble of concentrating, Attention Deficit Disorder has one distinguished difference: people with this illness can’t control own behavior. As a result, the ability to study, to succeed in career or to build long-termed relationships permanently undergoes the risk and danger of becoming it worse throughout all life. That causes real inconveniences and troubles for patients.

Most people believe that Attention Deficit Disorder showed itself throughout last century and was caused by environmental degradation and some aspects of globalization. In fact, this health disorder was known years ago. The first recollection about similar symptoms appears approximately 400 BC and was described by Hippocrates.

The following researches and studies in the early 1900’s (especially after World War I) introduced people with some new facts about Attention Deficit Disorder. It was believed, that children who had experienced or contacted with people infected with encephalitis displayed a high rate of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and conduct disorders.

 Furthermore, during 1940’s, there were several incidents, when certain troops had undergone some brain injuries. After medical examination behavioral disorders and other symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder were found.  It was obvious, that brain damage could cause hyperactivity.  Consequently since then other forms of brain insult have been identified as irritant of hyperactivity, distractibility, forgetfulness, including impacts of strong environmental toxins, as well as fetal exposure to drugs and alcohol.

As soon as brain damage was identified as one of the major causes of Attention Deficit Disorder, scientists made an assumption, that any kind of all hyperactivity might have roots of brain damage, even if no brain damage could be identified in certain cases. As a result, ADD was called “minimal brain dysfunction” (Cantwell, 1996). This is a crucial point to understand: the brain injury may lead to hyperactivity, but all hyperactivity can’t be interpreted as a brain injury. In fact, it is collaborated that hyperactivity might also be caused by genetic heredity.

Afterwards more researches have confirmed that Attention Deficit Disorder is commonly genetic disease and it appears from one generation to another. Above all, Russell Barkley has offered a supposition that modern society faced with a large scope of random genetic mutations. Barkley is completely convinced that one percent of the population carries a gene that provokes Attention Deficit Disorder (Barkley & Murphy, 2005). Furthermore, it is believed that this gen has been actively selected for.

Later, in 1994 the definition of ADD was changed and included three groups: the hyperactive-impulsive type; the inattentive type; and the combined one. As a rule it appears in childhood, but can be diagnosed in adults.

However, there is a serious vulnerability of Attention Deficit Disorder – it is complicated to diagnose this sickness, moreover its typical symptoms often overlap with those of other physical and psychological disorders.

Actually, there is no concerted procedure of diagnosing ADD. Mostly scientists implement different ways of diagnosing ADD. Current estimates revealed the point that Attention Deficit Disorder is carried for about 1–5% of the population in the world.

There is well-known DSM IV Criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) that allows the medical staff to examine patients better. If an individual matches six or even more symptoms of inattention during half of a year, it might be assumed that a patient is exposed to danger of inappropriate and destructive development level and has susceptibility to Attention Deficit Disorder overall.

Above all, observed symptoms for children and adults are almost the same. Here are couple statements that will help to identify a person who might suffer from ADD:

1. One does not pay attention to details or makes silly errors during some activities.

2. An individual often has trouble with focusing on certain things or activities.

3. A person does not listen to an instructor or information that he / she may share.

4. Usually one does not obey the instructions and neglects given advice. Consequently, an individual fails to accomplish certain tasks or to realize own commitments in the workplace.

5. A person is highly unorganized during activities and conducting some of them.

6. In most cases an individual dislikes or refuses to take part in activities that require decent mental effort for quite long period (for instance, homework, paperwork).

7. One is easily distracted and often absent-minded during certain activities.

Concerning the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, there are two major components – psychotherapy and medications. There is a huge amount of researches proving that medication alone won’t be as efficient as both methods together. While taking some pills, the patient often needs a psychological support, professional help of psychotherapists and simple advice or instructions that may help to cope with difficulties and negative consequences. (Biederman, 2000).

Over the past couple years Attention Deficit Disorder was mainly treated by medications. The first-line treatments for adults were stimulants, including methylphenidate and certain amphetamines. The non-stimulant medications are also quite effective for adult with ADD. The only difference is that non-stimulant drugs won’t cause the abuse and side effects. Overall, these medications are quite safe under medical supervision, although they may feel slightly different. Some physicians recommend taking certain antidepressants, but they have lower treatment effect.  

Treatment for people with ADD may include psychological therapy in forms of stress management or relaxation trainings. Together with medication, behavioral therapy focuses on ways to deal with certain issues and it helps to improve organizational skills, study techniques or social collaboration. Social skills trainings demonstrate how to keep a conversation, how to learn perspectives of a partner, in which way it’s better to ask questions and use non-verbal communication (eye contact, body language, gestures, poses, smile).

All in all, Attention Deficit Disorder is a mental and neurobehavioral disorder that is characterized by certain symptoms, such as inattention, easy distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, and forgetfulness. Although, some scientists are convinced, that this illness has quite subjective description and can’t be defined as a specific disease.