Wednesday, 7 October 2009

ADD/ADHD. Research.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or AD/HD) is a neurobehavioral[1] developmental disorder.[2] ADHD is primarily characterized by "the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone."[3] While symptoms may appear to be innocent and merely annoying nuisances to observers, "if left untreated, the persistent and pervasive effects of ADHD symptoms can insidiously and severely interfere with one's ability to get the most out of education, fulfill one's potential in the workplace, establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, and maintain a generally positive sense of self."[


It has been estimated that about eight million adults have ADHD in the United States.[31] Untreated adults with ADHD often have chaotic lifestyles, may appear to be disorganized and may rely on non-prescribed drugs and alcohol to get by.[32] They often have such associated psychiatric comorbidities as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or a learning disability.[32] A diagnosis of ADHD may offer adults insight into their behaviors and allow patients to become more aware and seek help with coping and treatment strategies.[31] There is controversy amongst some experts on whether ADHD persists into adulthood. Recognized as occurring in adults in 1978, it is currently not addressed separately from ADHD in childhood. Obstacles that clinicians face when assessing adults who may have ADHD include developmentally inappropriate diagnostic criteria, age-related changes, comorbidities and the possibility that high intelligence or situational factors can mask ADHD


- could represent him to be a ‘bimbo’. It’s likely that the sexy women in programmes have a rather low IQ, we can reverse the roles and possible have the man to be stupid.

Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
Have difficulty focusing on one thing
Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
Not seem to listen when spoken to
Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
Struggle to follow instructions.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type symptoms may include:
[34]
Fidget and squirm in their seats
Talk nonstop
Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
Be constantly in motion
Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
and also these manifestations primarily of impulsivity:
[34]
Be very impatient
Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games



The hunter vs. farmer theory is a hypothesis proposed by author
Thom Hartmann about the origins of ADHD. The theory proposes that hyperactivity may be an adaptive behavior in pre modern humans.[48] And that those with ADHD retain some of the older "hunter" characteristics associated with early pre-agricultural human society. According to this theory, individuals with ADHD may be more adept at searching and seeking and less adept at staying put and managing complex tasks over time.[49] Further evidence showing hyperactivity may be evolutionarily beneficial was put forth in 2006 in a study which found it may carry specific benefits for a society.[50]


- Could play a recording of a lion roar to show the implications of this theory that it’s of more savage, less advanced human attribute taken from the history of humans


[
edit] Diet
Main article:
Diet and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
A study[60] conducted by researchers at Southampton University in the United Kingdom and published in The Lancet on November 3, 2007 found a definitive link between children’s ingestion of many commonly used artificial food colors, the preservative sodium benzoate and hyperactivity. In response to these findings, the British government took prompt action. According to the Food Standards Agency, the food regulatory agency in the UK, food manufacturers are being encouraged to voluntarily phase out the use of most artificial food colors by the end of 2009. Following the FSA’s actions, the European Commission ruled that any food products containing the “Southampton Six” must display warning labels on their packaging by 2010. In the US, little has been done to curb food manufacturer’s use of artificial food colors, despite the new evidence presented by the Southampton study. However, the existing US Food Drug and Cosmetic Act[61] had already required that artificial food colors be approved for use, that they must be given given FD&C numbers by the FDA, and the use of these colors must be indicated on the package[62]. This is why food packaging in the USA may state something to the effect of: "Contains FD&C Red


- Perhaps ‘PA’ can quote this to ‘sexy man’ in a short scene.


According to the low arousal theory, people with ADHD need excessive activity as self-stimulation because of their state of abnormally low
arousal.[73][74] The theory states that those with ADHD cannot self-moderate, and their attention can only be gained by means of environmental stimuli,[73] which in turn results in disruption of attentional capacity and an increase in hyperactive behaviour.


Without enough stimulation coming from the environment, an ADHD child will create it him or herself by walking around, fidgeting, talking, etc. This theory also explains why stimulant medications have high success rates and can induce a calming effect at therapeutic dosages among children with ADHD. It establishes a strong link with scientific data that ADHD is connected to abnormalities with the neurochemical dopamine and a powerful link with low-stimulation PET scan results in ADHD subjects.


- The boss can find ways to control him so he’s constantly working, he can follow directions very well. When he’s seen fidgeting before he’s behaviour gets too out of hand another member of staff can demand a favour even if it’s of no priority or significance, just so he’s always got something to do.



All this research was taken from wikipedia (if your interested in further reading).

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