ADD/ADHDBy: Ashley Marriott

• Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are syndromes, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and often hyperactivity, and interfering especially with academic, occupational, and social performance.

Symptoms• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from

one activity to another• Have difficulty focusing on one thing• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing

something enjoyable• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or

learning something new• Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing

things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities

• Not seem to listen when spoken to• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others• Struggle to follow instructions.

Case Study• Jake, an 11-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with Attention

Deficit Disorder. Jake was a bright and creative boy with average grades, who suffered from severe distractibility and a lack of organizational skills, all of which negatively affected his school work. In addition, Jake often lied about school work, which created many problems for the family at home. The school-based therapist saw Jake on a regular basis for four months, and also held additional sessions with his parents. The case report describes the primary goals the intervention, which focused on increasing completion of school work and cooperation at home. The therapist, together with the parents and teachers, developed a checklist of acceptable behaviors, and the parents were advised to learn proper responses to Jake's frequent oppositional behaviors.

Treatment Options• Stimulant Medications: Ritalin, Dexedrine,

Concerta, Daytrana, Vyvanse, and ADDerall.• Behavioral therapy and Talk therapy helps you

weaken the connections between troublesome situations and your habitual reactions to them. Reactions common to ADD/ADHD such as fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and self-damaging behavior can be controlled.

Works Cited

• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml

• http://www.ehow.com/about_5349195_case-studies-adhd-children.html

• http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-add-adhd/add-adhd-treatment.htm