Attention Deficit Disorder
A psychological term that can be applied to those who mean the DSM IV criteria for diagnosis including items such as inattention or hyperactivity is known as attention deficit disorder. The reason for these behaviors of attention deficit disorder ranges in variety; it can be anything from allergies, giftedness, and even brain defects. The description of attention deficit disorder is highly subjective at times which often makes for difficult or sometimes a complete misdiagnosis which is not specific to this disease. It has been found that both brain injury from toxic chemicals as well as other birth defects often lead to attention deficit disorder.
Over the last few decades both the areas of creativity and temperament have led to people who are perfectly healthy to be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder; vast numbers of individuals are being thrown into the diagnosis criteria as there are various people who have popularized attention deficit disorder in a number of ways. This type of happening proves even further just how subjective the diagnosis for attention deficit disorder truly is.
There are two main types of attention deficit disorder: inattention and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. Those who fall under the inattentive attention deficit disorder generally fail to give close attention to the details of things making mistakes often, they seem to not pay attention or listen, are highly unorganized, easily distracted, and forget quickly about activities throughout the day. Those who suffer from attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity have a hard time sitting still, often feel excessively restless, talk quite often, play in a loud manner, and have a difficult time being patient or waiting.
Attention deficit disorder is not something one just “acquires” overnight such as the flu. Symptoms of attention deficit disorder are generally present by the age of seven, and include items such as excessive amounts of hyperactive behaviors or daydreaming. While this is the case, attention deficit disorder can be acquired after having experienced a severe brain trauma. Attention deficit disorder occurs in 3 to 5 percent of the overall population, and the figure seems to ever be on the rise due to the subjectivity of the diagnosis.
Attention deficit disorder is diagnosed by seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist who is well practiced in the diagnosis of the condition. If the patient is truly afflicted with attention deficit disorder, either a psychiatrist or psychologist is best fit to point the patient to the right neurologist and appoint the individual the proper prescription drugs to deal with the severity of the case.
Both medication and therapies help in treating attention deficit disorder of all severities. Whether it is teaching a child how to control their hyperactivity or be more interactive, or taking the right medication to mellow one out there are a variety of highly effective treatments available.
A good assessment of the afflicted individual will show just how intense and severe the case of attention deficit disorder is. Talk to your general practitioner about the right course of treatment for your or your loved ones, attention deficit disorder.
