Attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is the inability of a person to concentrate or focus for an extended period of time. Hyperactive disorder is often characterized by restlessness, impulsiveness, hyperactive motor movement and an abundance of high energy. Children diagnosed with having attention deficit/hyperactive disorders exhibit a much lower attention span than other people in their same age group.
Characteristics
People with hyperactive disorder exhibit characteristics such as an abundance of high energy, impulsiveness and spontaneity, and inattention. People with hyperactive disorder generally display these traits in at least two different environments, such as in the classroom and at home. Also, people have to have problems as a result of their lack of attention, for the condition to be truly classified as ADHD.
Identification
People who have attention deficit/hyperactive disorder seem to usually inherit it from family members, as there are genetic components to ADHD. Many children with ADHD have either parents who had hyperactive disorder, or parents who suffered from alcohol addiction or behavioral disorders.
Time Frame
Generally, children are not diagnosed with hyperactive disorder until they reach school age. This is because it is hard to gauge childrens' attention spans when they are not in an environment, such as in a classroom at school, where they are forced to concentrate and sit still. Up to 5 percent of all elementary school students have some form of hyperactive disorder, often accompanied by a learning disorder (like dyslexia).
Diagnosis
Hyperactive disorder diagnoses are generally made by mental health professionals who combine their observations of the child with information about the child's personal history. The diagnosis is also made based on information provided by both the child's parents and teacher. Psychological examinations are also occasionally conducted.
Treatment
There are common medications to treat ADHD, such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and Cylert (which are all forms of stimulant medications). Some people are also treated with behavioral therapy sessions. Oftentimes, these behavioral sessions are conducted with both the child and his parents present.
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