ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

(ADHD)

Definition- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of

the most common childhood disorders and can continue through
adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying
focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and
hyperactivity (over-activity).
3 Subtypes
1. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
2. Predominantly inattentive
3. Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
Symptoms of ADHD
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
Causes
1.Genes
2. Environmental factors
3. Brain injuries
4. Sugar
5. Food additives
How is it diagnosed?
-Not one test can diagnose a child as having ADHD
- A licensed health professional needs to gather information about the
child, and his or her behavior and environment
Treatment
-Medications
-Psychotherapy
What conditions can coexist with ADHD?
-Learning disability
-Oppositional defiant disorder
-Conduct disorder

-Anxiety and depression

-Bipolar disorder
-Tourette syndrome

Efforts to improve treatment

-The expansion of knowledge in genetics, brain imaging, and
behavioral research is leading to a better understanding of the causes
of the disorder, how to prevent it, and how to develop more effective
treatments for all age groups
Intervention Strategy
Example
- Students would be reading short stories and then having group
discussions about the reading.
-Students will then write their own reflection in their journal
Accommodation for child with ADHD
- Have student sit in front of the room, where behavior could be
monitored
- Having activities shift frequently throughout the lesson (teacherled reading, individual writing time, group discussion)

MEDICATION
Trade
Name

Generic Name

Approved
Age

Adderall

amphetamine

3 and older

Adderall
XR

amphetamine (extended release)

6 and older

Concerta

methylphenidate (long acting)

6 and older

Daytrana

methylphenidate patch

6 and older

Desoxyn

methamphetamine hydrochloride

6 and older

Dexedrin
e

dextroamphetamine

3 and older

Dextrosta dextroamphetamine
t

3 and older

Focalin

6 and older

dexmethylphenidate

Focalin
XR

dexmethylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Metadate
ER

methylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Metadate
CD

methylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Methylin

methylphenidate (oral solution and

chewable tablets)

6 and older

Ritalin

methylphenidate

6 and older

Ritalin SR

methylphenidate (extended release)

6 and older

Ritalin LA

methylphenidate (long acting)

6 and older

Strattera

atomoxetine

6 and older

Vyvanse

lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

6 and older