Causes, Diagnosis, managemnet and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

ADHD is the most common childhood Disorder and is characterized by inattention, disorganization, restlessness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM- IV-TR) categorizes ADHD into the Inattentive Type and Hyperactive-Impulsive Type.

When it is Attention Deficit Disorder -Predominately Inattentive there has to be six or more symptoms of inattention with fewer symptoms of hyperactivity. The symptoms must have persisted for at least six months. If it Attention Deficit Disorder- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type, there must be at least six or more symptoms of hyperactivity impulsivity with fewer symptoms of inattention.

Current research on the disorder is focused on deficiencies in the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. The Central Nervous System is comprised of the brain and nerves in the spinal cord. It acts as the main control system of the body, directing and coordinating actions. Researchers believe that the prefrontal and limbic portions of the brain are the major sites with the neurotransmitters problems that cause ADHD.

How do neurotransmitters Work
The human nervous system has billions of nerve cells or neurons that carry messages through the body. These messages directs a individual to listen, pay attention when someone else is talking, remember assigned task or stick with a task until it is finished.

The nerve cells or neurons carry impulses (nerve cells) from one end of the cell to the other, (the dendrites to the axon). Between the neurons is a space known as the synapse in which messages from the neurons cross. The neurotransmitters are released at the synapse to help the message move across to the next neuron.

It is believed that in ADHD, the messages move down from the neuron but stop and do not always cross the synapse to the next. This disruption is mostly caused by a chemical deficiency in neurotransmitters, which interrupt the normal flow of messages throughout the body. The defective movement of the neurotransmitters cause difficulty in paying attention, controlling impulses, suppressing inappropriate responses and regulating motor activity.

Characteristic of the Disorder

Dr Russell Barkley one of the leading authority on ADHD has identified five major characteristics of the disorder. These are;
a) Lack of persistence of effort on task;

b) Behavioral Impulsivity;

c) Hyperactivity or hyper responsiveness;

d) Failure to follow through on rules or instructions

e) Fluctuation in the quality of work. According to Dr Barkley this may actually be an indicator of the disorder.

Treatment and management of ADHD

Since ADHD is considered to be genetically transmitted, family History is very important in diagnosis. A patient’s history detailing the nature and onset of behavioral symptoms is a must before diagnosis as well as a description of the current symptoms. The medication used in managing the symptoms include stimulants and certain anti-depressants.

The most common medication used is stimulants and include includes drugs like Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine. Stimulants are believed to inhibit dopamine reuptake. Additionally amphetamine promote increased release of dopamine from vesicles.

Read more: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/382120_causes-diagnosis-management-and-treatment-of-attention-deficit-hyperactive-disorder-adhd#ixzz15Cc8DEV8