Abstract: Teens perceptions of ADHD and the medications used. Four themes were observed. Physiologic role function. Independence and self concept.
A study was conducted on psychostimulants for both short and long term treatment. (NIHCS, 1998)
Intro - the study envolved is high school teens ages 14-17. Almost four million youth ages 3-17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (NIMH 2000) There are three different types of ADHD.
1. Predominately inattentive type.
2. Predominately hyperactive impulsive type.
3. Combined type. (APA 2000)
Predominately inattentive type - The person has serious inattention deficits but lacks the hyperactivity and impulse compnents. DSM IV dianostic manual of American Psychiatric Association (2000) list nine symptoms of inattention problems.
4. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities.
5. Often has difficulty sutaning attention in tasks or play activities.
6. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
7. Often does not follow through on instructions, fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties.
8. Ofteen has difficulty organizing task and activities
9. Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mutual effort.
10. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities.
11. Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
12. Often Forgetful of daily activities.
Medications approved by the FDA for type of ADHD tend to work well for a substantial majority of those with predominately inattentive type.
Teen With ADHD
Predominately hypractive type - The person with serious problems with hyperactivity and impulsivity but not much with inattention.
· Hypofunctioning mesolimbic depamine plays a big part in this type.
Medications help to some degree with predominately hyperactive type inconjuction with behavioral emotional and cognitive therapies. (2005)
Combined type - This person has inattention problems and serious hyperactivity and impulsivity.
· Fidget their hands or feet or squirm in their seat.
· Leave their in situations which remaining seated is expected.
· Move excessively or feel restless.
· Difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly.
· Are "on the go" or act as if "driven by motor"
· Talk excessively
· Blurt out answers before questions completed.
· Difficulty waiting waiting their turn.
· Interrupt or intrude on others (July 2010)
This type is treated with medications an behavioral therapy.
Physiologic/Medications - Most teens did not mind taking the medication only expressed concerns of the medications effectiveness. Many of them didn't see the benefits they had obtained from the medication until they stopped