Mental Illness Papers

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Mental Illness Paper Carolyn Maxine Hughes HCR/240 University of Phoenix Dr. Mary Lou Jenkins 3/10/2012 Abstract In this paper, I will be attempting to the mental illness of ADHD (attention deficit disorder). In the first paragraph there will be a discussion on the history, including any myths or misconceptions of ADHD. In some of the other paragraph there will be a detailed discussion of the other points such as the neurotransmitters that are associated with this type of a illness. I will try to familiarize individuals as to how the environment in which they stay in will detract from a successful treatment of ADHD. In the final paragraph I will discuss how the treatments today of this illness compare to the diagnosis and treatments…show more content…
Some symptoms may include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over- activity). ADHD is characterized by prominent symptoms of inattention and/ or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulty in academic, emotional, and social functioning. Studies in the United States indicate approximately 8%- 10% of children satisfy diagnostic criteria for ADHD (ADHD, medicine.net). The term ADD was once used to describe children with these symptoms, but ADD is no longer a DSM diagnosis. A misconception surrounding ADHD is: ADHD symptoms usually continue into their adulthood, however; the person learns ways to cope with the symptoms. People with ADHD can often accomplish more than people who do not have the condition. There are many negative perceptions and misinformation about ADHD. Not only does it hinder people from interacting properly with people who have ADHD. Many myths and misconceptions prevent parents from recognizing the symptoms and realizing what having ADHD actually means to their…show more content…
There are more medications today that can at least treat this type of an illness then it would have been back in the past. There have been more research options that has been developed to treat ADHD, then when I was a child. A timeline of ADHD Before 1900, Symptoms of ADHD are considered a moral problem of children. 1937- Scientists first report that stimulants can control ADHD symptoms. 1940- Symptoms of ADHD continue to be blamed on ‘’minimal brain damage’’. 2003- FDA approves Strattera, the first non- stimulant drug for ADHD, and the first to be approved for use in adults. 2003- The CDC reports that approximately 4.4 million children- about 8 percent of all U. S. Children aged 4 to 17- have been diagnosed with ADHD and 2.5 million of them are taking medication for this disorder. ( Everyday Health, 2010) ‘’Today we know that younger children are more likely to show hyperactivity ADHD symptoms and older children or adults are more likely to have symptoms of inattention. ( Hunter, Scott J., University of Chicago, 2010). ‘’In the 1960’s and 70’s we probably only recognized the most serious cases of ADHD’’. ( Hunter, Scott, 2010). Hunter also said that it was the American Psychiatric Association that first named this disorder in 1980. ( Hunter, 2010).
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