3 ARTICLES ON ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
These three articles approach ADHD from a developmental perspective access the lifespan. Further the articles discuss the assessment and treatment of the disorder at different life stages. This series is useful looking at issues across the lifespan.
ARTICLE #1
TITLE
Why Parents and Doctors Should Think About A.D.H.D. in Preschool
DESCRIPTION
Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics made a recommendation that pediatricians should screen all children for symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This recommendation caused quite a stir with professionals fearing that more children would be put on medications. Their argument is that preschoolers, by their nature, are more active and have a short attention span. A study conducted focusing on the screening issue found that the screening did not increase the frequency of diagnosis but did point out that “…Some children will have A.D.H.D. and others will have other social, medical, developmental or psychological problems.” The recommendation following the study is that both the pediatrician and parents should develop a behavioral and coaching protocol to work with the various diagnoses as well as with the A.D.H.D. before resorting to medication. Other issues of therapy and parenting are briefly discussed in the article.
SOURCE
New York Times, December 5, 2016, By PERRI KLASS
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/m2ahmnf
ARTICLE #2
TITLE
Health News From NPR: Can’t Focus? It Might Be Undiagnosed Adult ADHD
DESCRIPTION
This is both a short NPR article and also a recording of the broadcast (approximately 4 minutes). It highlights a number of adult cases of individuals who were never diagnosed with ADHD but nevertheless struggled all of their lives. “For adults, the problem is not disruptive behavior or keeping up in school. It’s an inability to focus, which can mean inconsistency, being late to meetings or just having problems managing day-to-day tasks. Adults with ADHD are more likely than others to lose a job or file for bankruptcy…They may overpay bills, or underpay them. They may pay bills late, or not at all.” Later in their adult lives, they sought diagnosis and treatment and immediately their issues resolved. The article briefly discusses ADHD, prevalence, diagnoses, and treatment for adults.
SOURCE
NPR Morning Edition, January 18, 2016, by Patricia Ndighmond
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/z43qaxo
ARTICLE #3
TITLE
Is It Old Age, or A.D.H.D.?
DESCRIPTION
Beginning with a case of an elderly woman who was showing signs of cognitive impairment and fearing Alzheimer’s disease, the article walks through her interview and assessment that leads to a diagnosis of ADHD. The article points out that there are few studies of older adults to assess this particular problem and more often they may be misdiagnosed. It is pointed out that “once seen as a disorder affecting mainly children and young adults, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is increasingly understood to last throughout one’s lifetime.” The article briefly discusses the diagnosis, prevalence, and treatment for older adults.
SOURCE
New York Times, September 28, 2015, By Judith Berck
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/09/28/is-it-alzheimers-or-a-d-h-d/
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/mn6p2ej
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)?
•How is it assessed at different lifespan stages?
•How does the disorder manifest at preschool, adulthood, and late adulthood?
•What is the usual medical treatment? What are the usual Psychological and Social environment therapies?
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