Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic, neurologically based syndrome characterized by any or all of three types of behavior: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity. Hyperactivity refers to feelings of restlessness, fidgeting, or inappropriate activity (running, wandering) when one is expected to be quiet. Distractibility refers to heightened distraction by irrelevant sights and sounds or carelessness and inability to carry simple tasks to completion. Impulsivity refers to socially inappropriate speech (for example, blurting out something without thinking) or striking out. Unlike similar behaviors caused by emotional problems or anxiety, ADHD does not fluctuate with emotional states. While the three typical behaviors occur in nearly everyone from time to time, in those with ADHD they are excessive, long-term, and pervasive and create difficulties in school, at home, or at work. ADHD is usually diagnosed before age seven and is often accompanied by a learning disability.

Three of the five articles that were researched showed various therapy options for a person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Each withheld their own opinion, and based the opinion on various studies conducted throughout the United States. The therapies that were reviewed in these articles are music therapy, massage therapy, and stimulant therapy. The other two articles discussed the constant misdiagnosing of ADHD and what can be done to prevent these types of mistakes from happening. Unfortunately, people are being diagnosed with this disorder, when in fact they need treatment for a completely different disorder, such as depression or a learning disability. The articles were all valid and gave substantial evidence to support their argument.

The music therapy presented an interesting approach to helping children with ADHD. Music therapy has been proven to change a person's behavior affectively for the better. It can reduce the hyperactivity and help the child focus on the work that needs to be done. This will help a child not only focus in school, but also able to complete homework faster and more successfully because of the extra concentration being put into the work. Music therapy has also been proven by numerous studies to help children with learning disabilities. When it is paired with visual cues, it can increase information retention, improve auditory perception, and also improve the language skills of a child with a learning disability. Using what was known about music therapy helping the previous situations; it was put to the test for children with ADHD by surveying teachers and parents who used music therapy with children in their classroom and at home. It did in fact prove to be helpful for a child with ADHD, but not enough scientific data is present to prove that it is an effective therapy method for professionals to use. More studies need to be done in order to prove the effectiveness of it, but I am confident that it will eventually be used in most classrooms and homes due to its effectiveness for children with all different types of disorders and disabilities.

The second therapy I studied was for massage therapy and how it affected children with ADHD. The study compared not only massage therapy against other types of stimulant therapy, but it also compared the effectiveness of massage therapy and relaxation therapy against each other. The massage therapy seemed to only soothe behavioral problems, such as when a child is fidgety. I do not believe that this would be the best therapy to use for multiple reasons. Although it might calm the child down, the same effect can be used with the music therapy, and more can be achieved with the music therapy as well. It would also be expensive to continue taking a child to a massage therapist, and only middle class or upper class Americans would be able to afford such a continuous therapy session. The behavioral correction is also only temporary and is only apparent directly after the massage has taken place. If the child needs to focus for a short, specific amount of time, a massage may be helpful in allowing him to do so. But after reviewing this article and its studies I would not recommend this type of treatment to a client due to its financial costs and the overall lack of decrease in symptoms. A child with ADHD can definitely benefit more from other types of therapy.

The last therapy method I reviewed is the most widely used method. It is the stimulant therapy. When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, usually the first thing a doctor does is prescribe a medication in order to help control the behavioral outbursts and aid the child in focusing during school, studying, doing homework, and completing other tasks. It can produce significant improvements and also improve academic achievements, therefore proving its effectiveness. But studies have also proved that a child or adult may become addicted to such medication, and will never be able to focus without it.

If therapies are