1. What is ADHD
1.1. How is it diagnosed
1.1.1. Symptoms for ADHD become present from age 12, but can develop as early as 3
1.1.1.1. What stage of development is this (piaget/erikson)? & how can ADHD implicate this specific stage?
1.2. How common is it
1.2.1. An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD.
1.2.1.1. It is more common among boys than girls.
1.2.1.2. ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children when it leads to disruption in the classroom or problems with schoolwork.
1.3. What are the symptoms of it
1.3.1. Symptoms= unable to sit still, fidgeting, excessive movement, impulsivity, lack of restraint, aggression
1.3.1.1. [RESEARCH QUESTION: How may these symptoms be perceived SOCIALLY? and how may these symptoms impact the individual (i.e mood swings, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues/confidence issues)
1.3.1.1.1. FURTHERMORE; how does one with adhd (who is unable to restrain themselves) cope with having an introverted personality?]
1.4. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DIsorder
2. Biological Factors to consider
2.1. Chemical Neurotransmission
2.1.1. Caused by the reduction of two other neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and serotonin.
2.1.1.1. Norepinephrine=naturally occurring chemical in the body that acts as both a stress hormone and neurotransmitter
2.1.1.2. Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness.
2.2. Brain patterns
2.2.1. the prefrontal cortex is where ADHD associated behaviour is believed to be highlighted
2.2.1.1. Prefrontal cortex controls=distractibility, forgetfulness, impulsivity, poor planning and hyperactivity
2.3. DNA & Genetics
2.3.1. Males and Females
2.3.1.1. Males tend to be more HYPERACTIVE
2.3.1.1.1. SOCIALLY: ADHD can be perceived as a "reckless" and "naughty" men
2.3.1.2. Females tend to be more distracted/forgetful
2.3.1.2.1. SOCIALLY: Gender stereotypes suggest that women should be more attentive and aware- ADHD dismisses attentability.
2.3.2. Available evidence suggests that ADHD is genetic (Mother and Father)
3. Cognitive effects of ADHD
3.1. Impairments
3.1.1. 30% of children with ADHD have a learning disability
3.1.1.1. Dyslexia
3.1.1.2. Dysgraphia
3.1.1.3. Dyscalculia
3.1.1.4. Processing deficits
3.1.2. As a group, children with ADHD tend to have a slightly lower IQ than comparison groups of children
3.2. Advantages
3.2.1. Hyperactivity and impulsivity, in particular, contribute to more success as an entrepreneur [Johan Wikilund of Syracuse University]
3.2.2. Flexible thinking
3.2.3. Impulsivity can lead to a "quick-starter" attitude
3.2.4. People with ADHD can be extremely creative
4. Emotional effects of ADHD
4.1. People with ADHD feel hurt, anger, sadness, discouragement, and worry just like everyone else does
4.1.1. but they feel it:
4.1.1.1. More Rapidly
4.1.1.2. More Intensely
4.1.1.3. for longer periods of time
4.1.1.4. like continuous mood swings
4.2. ADHD can trigger more intense emotions
4.2.1. the working memory impairments of ADHD allow a momentary emotion to become too strong, flooding the brain with one intense emotion.
4.2.1.1. Can lead to feelings of:
4.2.1.1.1. Anxiety
4.2.1.1.2. Depression
4.2.1.1.3. Overwhelmed
4.2.1.1.4. Extreme stress
5. Possible research questions
5.1. How does one with adhd (who is unable to restrain themselves) cope with having an introverted personality?
5.2. How can stimulants/ triggers be avoided in society? can they/can they not be avoided?]
5.3. In erikson's "good" vs. "bad" stage impact someone with ADHD, as they are not conventionally well behaved
5.4. A child with ADHD brought up and taught self coping methods and how to mask their ADHD in public VS. a child with ADHD whose parents decided to medicate them]
5.4.1. What psychological effect can this have on the individual
5.5. How do hormone imbalances impact individuals
5.6. Vygotsky: How does a child with ADHD upbringing influence their ability to cope with their disorders [i.e a child with ADHD brought up and taught self coping methods and how to mask their ADHD in public VS. a child with ADHD whose parents decided to medicate them]
6. Strategies to help kids with ADHD
6.1. Masking and coping mechanisms include -Creating structure. -Break tasks into manageable pieces -Simplify and organize -Limit distractions and foods high in additives and preservatives -Encourage exercise -Regulate sleep patterns -Encourage out-loud thinking
6.1.1. [RESEARCH QUESTION; all of these coping methods must be instigated by the parent...how can parents influence a child's outlook on their ADHD and how does this change the child's self confidence levels? is the child encouraged to embrace their ADHD, or encouraged to suppress it?- what long term effect does this have
7. Treatments of ADHD
7.1. Emotional
7.1.1. Emotional regulation methods such as:
7.1.1.1. Meditation
7.1.1.2. Self soothing remedies
7.1.1.2.1. epsom salt baths, herbal teas, essentail oils ect.
7.1.1.3. Reappraisal / suppression
7.2. Biological/physical
7.2.1. Sports
7.2.1.1. People with ADHD have an imbalance in cognitive control, causing them to crave adrenaline more than others. People with ADHD can function excellently under pressure and with an adrenaline rush
7.2.1.1.1. High level sports = Adrenaline
7.2.1.1.2. People with ADHD can learn to mask there disorder for a few hours, but will soon need to let out that energy.
7.2.2. Medication
7.2.2.1. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (adderall) effects last for 3-4 hours
7.2.2.1.1. What do they do
7.2.2.1.2. What are the side effects
7.2.3. Foods to avoid
7.2.3.1. Sugar
7.2.3.2. Caffeine
7.2.3.3. Artificial additives
7.2.3.3.1. Can increase restlessness and make the bodies nervous system react faster- not typically wanted for someone with ADHD
7.2.3.4. energy drinks
7.3. ADHD cannot be "cured" but the condition can continue to range from good to bad. Triggers for severe ADHD symptoms include Stress, Poor sleep, Certain foods, Over-stimulation and Technology use.
8. Variables
8.1. Independent
8.1.1. adhd or no adhd
8.1.2. difference in management strategies
8.2. Dependent
8.2.1. challenges
8.2.2. social impacts
8.2.3. coping mechanisms