This is one Topic I have been chewing on for a while... it is called ADD and ADHD. For those who don’t know what I am talking about, Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in simple words, "misbehaving kids". Another word that fit would be a "fidgety child". This is a “disorder” that was first mentioned in 1902 by Sir George Still (it is so funny to think that this guys last name was "Still", "be Still boy!"). Psychiatrists calls it a mental disorder. Honestly, I don’t know what to call it. We deal with it and get good results.
This is a little of what I found on the history of ADD and ADHD.
These are quotes from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd-awareness/an-adhd-timeline.aspx and http://adhdawareness.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/how-is-adhd-discovered/
These are quotes from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd-awareness/an-adhd-timeline.aspx and http://adhdawareness.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/how-is-adhd-discovered/
Before 1900. Symptoms of ADHD are considered a moral problem of children or their parents and discipline or punishment is seen as the best treatment.
1902. Sir George Still describes ADHD as a behavioral disorder that may be inherited.
o They don’t mentioned this but In World War I and in the early years of World War II, many soldiers were found to have developed serious learning, behavioral and attention disorders, following their sustainment of serious head injuries-brain damage.
· 1919. After some survivors of the influenza pandemic develop encephalitis and show symptoms of ADHD, the condition is blamed on brain damage. ·
· 1937. Scientists first report that stimulants can control ADHD symptoms.
Drugs helped Bob Marley and the beetles write songs also. Even famous baseball players play better with the help of steroids.
1940. Symptoms of ADHD continue to be blamed on “minimal brain damage.” ·
· 1955. Ritalin (methylphenidate), a stimulant, is approved by the FDA. ·
o If the FDA approves it then it must be good. Right?
In the 1960's, scientists introduced the term "minimal brain dysfunction"or "MBD" and characterized the syndrome with the most commonly recognized symptoms at that time, including hyperactivity, wide moods swings, inattention and distractibility, impulsivity, and memory and learning disorders.
1968. A disorder to ADHD called "hyperkinetic reaction of childhood"appears in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for the first time. (They used hyperkinetic reaction of childhood to describe the symptoms of until then mental brain damage).
I wonder what other crazy things were going on in the sixties.
1973. Public Law 94-142 was passed and guaranteed a free and appropriate education for handicapped children equal to the quality of education provided to other children.
In the 1960's, scientists introduced the term "minimal brain dysfunction"or "MBD" and characterized the syndrome with the most commonly recognized symptoms at that time, including hyperactivity, wide moods swings, inattention and distractibility, impulsivity, and memory and learning disorders.
1968. A disorder to ADHD called "hyperkinetic reaction of childhood"appears in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for the first time. (They used hyperkinetic reaction of childhood to describe the symptoms of until then mental brain damage).
I wonder what other crazy things were going on in the sixties.
1973. Public Law 94-142 was passed and guaranteed a free and appropriate education for handicapped children equal to the quality of education provided to other children.
· 1979. An article in the influential journal science refers to "the hyperactive child syndrome."
· 1980. The third edition of the manual uses the name "attention deficit disorder" (ADD).
· 1994. The manual's fourth edition recognizes the disorder as "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder," with three subgroups. ·
· 1996. The second drug to treat ADHD symptoms, Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is approved by the FDA. (Many other drugs soon to come to the market.)
o Legalize it.
· 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 the disorder.
What I find very interesting is what they are saying now
Many children with ADHD can be mainstreamed as most have normal or above-normal intelligence.
There is no lab test or brain scan that can show whether you or your child has ADHD. Medical professionals use a list of criteria to help them determine whether a person has ADHD. You can use checklists to see what symptoms professionals look for, such as the inability to sit still or pay attention, being fidgety, being disorganized, and forgetfulness.
I believe that if a parent goes in and tell the doctor my kid have ADHD the doctor will believe it.
This is America, people have three and four jobs, they don’t have time to spend with kids who has ADHD.
Some adults believe kids should act like an adult, if they don’t, then something is wrong with them.
Parents cannot say anything to their kids in some parts of America. Kids rule over some parents.
Now adults also have ADHD.
These questions will help you determine if you as an adult have ADHD
How often do you have problems finishing up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?
How often do you have problems getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?
How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?
When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you delay or avoid getting started?
How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time?
How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?
University students used the following drugs to help them study, but that is not bad right?
Ritalin, weed, coffee, cigarettes, steroids, cocaine, 5 hour energy or red bull, whatever helps us to get R done.
What about side effects?
Band aid solution?
Chew on this and tell me What You Think.
No comments:
Post a Comment