Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychological disorder that commonly affects children and teens, and can also continue into adulthood. ADHD patients are hyperactive and unable to focus on certain things and control their pulse. The disorder is more commonly diagnosed among young boys than girls, who find it difficult to pay attention in class or other activities such as sports and time management. While, adults suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have trouble with organizing their work, meeting deadlines, achieving their target goals, and maintaining a good job record.
ADHD can be easily related to depression, anxiety, stress, sleeping problems, hearing and vision problems. Patients with ADHD are commonly diagnosed on the basis of their focusing ability and listening power. People who struggle with maintaining their head clear and dedicated to a task, while keeping their work organized are often considered to have attention deficit disorder.
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is considered a real disease by many psychological institutes, reputation therapists, and psychologists, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and National Institutes of Health. The disorder has gained enough popularity among Western countries, particularly the United States, due to the increase in the number of cases that the problem of ADHD no longer requires to be introduced or explained to the general public (Yu, X., & Sonuga-Barke, E. 2016).
This increase in popularity is also due to the controversy and difference in opinions regarding the authenticity and “realness” of the mental disease of ADHD. The indifference in opinions and the doubt against ADHD rise because of the commonly found symptoms of the disorder. Most children and teens struggle with focusing and managing their time because of everyday distractions, loss of interest in studies, and other personal responsibilities (Barkley, R. A. (Ed.). 2014).
Since the diagnosis of ADHD is strictly based on the behaviors of the patient, there is a high possibility that children and teens are often misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Lack of attention is also caused by sleeplessness, multiple tasking, and personal issues with modern distractions such as social media and gaming. Encouraging a child to think that they have some kind of mental disability can lead to further disturbance and failure in completing tasks (Gantt, E.E., & Slife, B. 2016).
Most critics argue that symptoms of ADHD can be easily diagnosed in the majority of people. The “excuse” of a disorder for poor performance in academics and lack of participation in other activities is a sign of laziness and unwillingness to make an effort rather than an actual mental disorder, which is confusing parents and teachers on how to deal with the problem and built an understanding with the child.
Nevertheless, the treatment for ADHD is evidence of the existence of the disorder, because talking therapy sessions and prescribed drugs help these patients with the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Prescribed drugs help patients gain back focus and avoid hyperactivity. On the other hand, these drugs also have side effects such as dizziness and lack of energy, which can be harmful in the long run.
It is concluded that the mental disorder of attention deficit and hyperactivity is a real issue, which is found in about 5 percent of children who have a short span of attention, constant fidgeting, and failure in task management, and grabbing basic concepts. This reduces their ability to succeed in some fields of academics. The problem can be dealt with more awareness about the disorder so parents and teachers can cater to the students suffering from ADHD with a careful and understanding attitude that does not make the child feel like he is different from his classmates.
References
Gantt, E.E., & Slife, B. (2016). Taking sides: Clashing views on psychological issues (19th ed.expanded). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Yu, X., & Sonuga-Barke, E. (2016). Childhood ADHD and delayed reinforcement: A direct comparison of performance on hypothetical and real-time delay tasks. Journal of attention disorders, 1087054716661231.
Barkley, R. A. (Ed.). (2014). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment. Guilford Publications.
