IS ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADD/ADHD) A LEGITIMATE MEDICAL CONDITION THAT AFFECTS CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR? PRESENTATION BY: EMILY PEPPERS AND KATHRYN OLMSTEAD ADD/ADHD

What is ADD/ADHD? ADD = Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD = Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder This disorder makes it difficult for people to function properly within the world. It is difficult for people to inhibit spontaneous responses (speech, movement, attentiveness, etc.).

Inattentive signs/symptoms Doe not pay attention to details. Easily distracted/Cannot focus for long. Organization, planning, and finishing work is some things that the child has trouble with. Appears to not listen well. Makes careless mistakes frequently. Also misplaces/loses items frequently. Has trouble remembering things.

Hyperactivity signs/symptoms Fidgeting and squirming. Talks excessively. Often gets up. (cannot stay in one place too long). It is difficult for the child to play quietly. Has trouble relaxing. The child may have a short temper/fuse.

Impulsive signs/symptoms Does not think before acting. Blurts out the answers in class. (Does not wait to be called on). Often says the wrong things at the wrong times. Interrupts others frequently. Guesses on problems rather then solving them. Cannot keeps emotions in check. (Results in angry outbursts or etc.).

Pros Ritalin helps the child to function effectively throughout the day. In today’s world, medication is seventy-five to ninety percent successful. No evidence of Ritalin being addictive when taken prescribed. Today children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed and treated for the disorder earlier on.

Cons No good science to support ADHD; rather pharmaceutical advertising has taken advantage of the often extreme behavior of school-aged children Majority of cases diagnosed in North America suggests ADHD reflects part of our culture that refuses to accept the responsibility for the challenges of middle childhood No one has been able to identify the cause of ADHD When not taken as prescribed can be addictive, abuse is harmful Evidence shows that ADHD is over and underdiagnosed

Cons cont’d Legislators may overstep their boundaries Most extensively studied pediatric conditions still no proof of underlying neuropathology There is no test to measure increase or decrease of dopamine in the brain as a result of taking Ritalin There is no biological difference between ADHD and control brains ADHD advertising is misleading The causes of ADHD remain largely speculative 3 flawed beliefs: Diagnosis equals disease, due biology not environment, pills treat disease Ritalin is America’s unique response

Take Away Message ADHD is a developmental disorder. It is characterized primarily by "the co- existence of problems with attention and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone" and symptoms starting before seven years of age. The message a person should take away from this power point is that they should fully research ADHD. If they suspect they have this disorder then they should consult with their doctor and a psychologist. They should try other behavior managing techniques before resulting to medication. If behavior management techniques do not work then figure out if Ritalin or other medications will work for you. Research the side effects and how this drug will affect you.

Works Cited Segal, Robert and Smith, Melinda. “ADD/ADHD in Children.” Helpguide.org. n.p/n.d. Web. 11 June