ADHD Personal Statement

Words: 608
Pages: 3
Open Document
From an early age, I have witnessed the effects of mental illness on various levels. Specifically, personal experiences with mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addiction and eating disorders have influenced my decision to pursue graduate study in clinical psychology. While my life experiences are not the sole contributors to this decision, they give me a unique insight and empathic understanding of some areas of study and challenges addressed in the field of clinical psychology and beyond.

My stepbrother, George, entered my life when I was 8 years old and he was 5. Soon thereafter, I witnessed the difficult and multifaceted nature of mental illness. Since age 4, George has been medicated with antipsychotics in an effort to quell his emotional outbursts and uncontrollable mood swings. Since I have known him, everyone has tried to figure out the best way to help him, diagnosing him first as bipolar, next as having an unidentified mood disorder, then as having severe cognitive deficits. He has undergone extensive neuropsychological assessment in an effort to discover the etiology of his …show more content…
My father has ADHD, and his symptoms are typical of the disorder: He experienced academic difficulties as a child, and exhibits impulsivity and hyperactivity. When I learned about his diagnosis, I wanted to better understand his struggles with the disorder and how they have impacted his productivity and relationships. Through observing him, I have realized that his medication does not always alleviate his symptoms, illustrating that there is not always a simple, one-step approach to mental illness treatment. Thus, my father’s experience with ADHD is a contributing factor to why I want to study clinical psychology in graduate school and to my interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, psychological assessment and clinical
Show More

Related Documents: ADHD Personal Statement

Dealing with ADHD Essay

Dealing with ADHD Introduction I How many of you know a child who has difficulties to follow instructions, acts impulsively, has trouble staying focused, or blurts out inappropriate comments at the wrong moment? If you recognize these behaviors as yours, let me tell you that you have meet criteria for ADHD diagnose. It sounds easy when you’re talking about other’s children, but when you talk about yourself, believe me it is very disappointed. I am an adult with ADHD and I learned to live with this…

Words 888 - Pages 4

Drug Abuse Essay

in the last month. This is compared to the 12th-graders; 6.5% said they used pot daily – comparing to 5.1% just five years before – and nearly 23% stating they had smoked in the month prior. In Mestel’s same article, she addresses the following statement from NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow, “We are increasingly concerned that regular or daily use of marijuana is robbing many young people of their potential to achieve and excel in school or other aspects of life”. Dr. Volkow also notes, that THC, the…

Words 2036 - Pages 9

Rit: Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Critical Issue Essay

AVOIDED” (Halgin, 2009). NO: “The stimulants, the drugs most commonly used, have been shown to be effective in improving behavior, academic work, and social adjustment in anywhere from 50% to 95% of children with ADHD” (Halgin, 2009). “For approximately 30–15% of children with ADHD, their behavior will be significantly improved but not normalized by this medication” (Halgin, 2009). What are at least two opinions presented by each side of the critical issue? YES: “Like amphetamines, stimulants…

Words 707 - Pages 3

A Look At ADHD And Self-Esteem From A Psychological Perspective

Project A Look at ADHD and Self-Esteem from a Psychological Perspective Melissa Seaward Mrs. Bright INTRODUCTION Introduction The goal of this social science research paper was to examine how self-esteem affects those with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is very common in society today and can affect one’s life in many different ways. This paper will focus on self-esteem related to ADHD and will answer several questions such as: “Do those with ADHD think less of themselves…

Words 6816 - Pages 28

Reflective Practice in Teaching Essay

to address the situation I can produce an action plan for the next time the same situation arises. By applying this reflective practice cycle to similar situations the outcome should be steady, gradual improvement, associated with stimulating personal and professional growth, and closing the gap between theory and practice. DESCRIPTION My reflection below describes a critical incident involving my 17 year old, Entry 1 ESOL student from Somalia with undifferentiated Attention Deficit Disorder…

Words 2947 - Pages 12

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Essay example

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder John Mooney 412 Psychology Dr. Jim Spencer West Virginia State University 4 May 2012 Abstract Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a developmental disorder that is believed to affect about 3 to 5 percent of children globally and diagnosed in about 2 to 16 percent of school aged children (National Institute of Mental Health). Also, 30 to 50 percent of those diagnosed will continue having symptoms into adulthood and it is estimated…

Words 2548 - Pages 11

How people with ADHD are seen in society Essay example

How Individuals with Undiagnosed ADHD are Seen in Today’s Society Sociology 210-800 How People with Undiagnosed ADHD are Seen in Today’s Society Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, has been known by several different names over the last one hundred years. Some of the more familiar names are, “brain damaged syndrome”, “minimal brain dysfunction “ ,”hyperkinetic impulsive disorder”…

Words 3143 - Pages 13

Is ADD over-diagnosed? Essay

Jordan Furman Professor Pate Research Paper 8/1/12 Is ADD over-diagnosed? The transition from high school to college is a period that many students would describe as extremely stressful. I considered high school a breeze, graduated at the top of my class, was involved in seemingly every club, played a varsity sport, was involved in student government, and participated in numerous student body activities. My transition to college was going to be a snap. “What’s the problem?” one might ask. The…

Words 1753 - Pages 8

Public Education Video Analysis

Robinson used information that he already knew to prove his point about the system needing special attention given that our children are the ones being affected. Although, no personal information was given about Robinson in either video; through his ted talks, YouTube videos and making appearances on television people already knew he was. He is an expert in this field, therefore Robinson was able to make a connection between…

Words 1289 - Pages 6

Essay about Assessment Process

to treatments that have long term benefits, such as massage or facials. Witness testimony Can be used to provide proof that the student has done a particular task May not have been done, and the student may have performed the task wrong Personal Statement Can be used to detect where the student thought that they perfomed well or highlight areas where they think they can improve Some students may not be honest. 6. Briefly summarise four key factors to consider when planning an assessment…

Words 1616 - Pages 7