Background
This is known that the number of children with ADHD has changed over time and can vary in percentages. The first nationwide survey conducted in 1997 questioned parents about ADHD. After that point, national rates of parent-reported ADHD diagnoses have increased across multiple studies, using specific age ranges. It is impossible to say if this rise reflects a shift in the number of children who are diagnosed with ADHD or a change in previously diagnosed patients. Nonetheless, the most recent estimate is constant with previous forecasts. Future data should reveal if the upward trend is slowing out in the last two decades or not.
ADHD had developed many different names like hyperkinetic impulse disorder, Hyperactive child syndrome, organic brain disease. These were the terms that were used to explain the signs of what we now state as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is usually identified by an early age of 6 and has two main types: the first is inattentiveness, and the latter one is hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The goal of this article is to grasp the groundwork of understanding ADHD and the treatment of ADHD.
The symptoms of inattentiveness include:
- Short attention span
- Forgetfulness
- Careless mistakes
- Completing tedious or time-consuming tasks
- Unable to listen and work accordingly
- Constant change of activity or task
- Difficulty organizing tasks
The symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:
- Inability to sit still
- Constant fidgeting
- Unable to concentrate
- Excessive talking
- Excessive physical movement
- Unable to wait
- Impulsive actions
- Interruption during conversation
Early Studies
Early cases were often diagnosed with good and negative behavior rather than physical health, just like in many medical conditions, which ultimately affect their actions. Nonetheless, some of the earliest observations were made by Sir George Frederick Still in 1902 in which children with ADHD-like indications were suggested to have a defect of moral control.
The first breakthrough occurred in 1937 when the authentic diagnosis of ADHD was revealed. When prescribing Benzedrine to children suffering from serious headaches, Dr. Charles Bradley discovered the benefits of accidental administering. He was shocked to see that, along with relieving pain, it changed their actions at school.
The word hyperkinetic impulse disorder did not surface until 1957, which leads to a study of the Ritalin effect in an emotionally impaired infant. During the decades, the use of the medication to treat ADHD was prevalent and created confusion among society. As a result, several individuals were accused of inventing a policy to obtain revenue from pharmaceutical firms.
By the 1980s, the diagnosis of ADHD was generally accepted, while medication for stimulants had been combined with other medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, to treat other mental disorders. Depression and other types of psychological disorders, treatment, and external factors start becoming more common.
Final Verdict
Fast forward to 2020, what do people dealing with ADHD look like? Since Ritalin’s emergence, things have not really changed a lot. Dexametamine, Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, Guanfacine, and Atomoxetine are five approved medications, with the first three being the most popular stimulants.
A controversial aspect still exists that gives stimulants to children. Most physicians prefer to emphasize that this treatment is prescribed only after a detailed psychiatric examination with any added information. Only after a thorough examination is the psycho-stimulant is prescribed against ADHD diagnosis.
The definition of ADHD has shifted throughout the year. In behavioral therapy, CBT and the teaching of social skills are also recommended as useful resources. Teachers know how to identify the symptoms of ADHD and can now support the kids suffering from it rather than isolating them. Above all, we consider this as a medical disorder that can be treated rather than as a personality defect that can be ignored.
Scientists are making efforts to identify the possible causes of ADHD along with its possible treatments. The researches show that it may happen due to a very strong genetic connection. Children who have siblings or parents with a similar mental disorder are more likely to inherit it.
It’s still unclear what role can environmental factors play in assessing the root generation of ADHD. Researchers are devoted to discovering the root cause of the disorder. They strive to make treatments more effective and to help find cures.
Jay's Blog 