More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD. About APA. Psychology is a diverse discipline, grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Some psychologists do basic research, developing theories and testing them through carefully honed research methods involving observation, experimentation and analysis. Other psychologists apply the discipline's scientific knowledge to help people, organizations and communities function better.
As psychological research yields new information, whether it's improved interventions to treat depression or how humans interact with machines, these findings become part of the discipline's body of knowledge and are applied in work with patients and clients, in schools, in corporate settings, within the judicial system, even in professional sports. Psychology is a doctoral-level profession. ADHD: A women's issue. When psychologist Stephen P.
Hinshaw, PhD, published two studies on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in girls last October, psychologist Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, was heartened that females with ADHD were finally beginning to receive long overdue attention from researchers. "Hinshaw is one of the first to study girls themselves," says Nadeau of the lead author's work, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (Vol. 70, No. 5). "Most of the few prior studies have focused on comparing girls to boys--using boys' ADHD symptoms as the marker against which girls should be measured. " For Nadeau, Hinshaw's research was vindication for what she had observed clinically for years: "that girls experience significant struggles that are often overlooked because their ADHD symptoms bear little resemblance to those of boys. " More research on gender issues in ADHD is needed for several reasons, says Julia J.
The mommy factor Pioneering research 'Cutting-edge advocacy' Akron General -- Psych. & Behavioral Sciences -- ADD. What is ADD? Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD) is a neurological condition involving the underactivity in the frontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for the regulation of attention, impulse control and motor activity. This area also plays a role in the regulation of emotions. The condition is largely inherited and tends to run in families. The symptoms and problems begin in childhood and continue, in varying degrees, for many individuals throughout the adult life. ADD and the Family As with general intelligence, math skills, athletic ability, artistic talent, etc., many researchers believe that the abilities and limitations that comprise ADD are largely inherited and passed down from generation to generation.
Some have suggested that as many as 80% of ADD cases are the result of genetics with the remainder caused by toxins, trauma or illnesses introduced during pregnancy, delivery or the newborn period. ADD Resources Web Sites Books A.D.D. Charting the ADHD Roller Coaster's Thrills and Spills · Findings from a survey querying the partners of adults with ADHD. Talking to Children about Medication by Rabiner | Quality ADHD/ADD information provided by Attention Deficit Disorder Resources.
David Rabiner, Ph.D.Durham, N.C-2000 "What are the guidelines that are used to determine which medicines a child should be on for ADD? And which guidelines are used to let parents and teachers know if the medication is working properly? " These are really important questions because although there is considerable research evidence that medication is quite helpful for the vast majority of children with ADHD, it is frequently prescribed and monitored in such a way that prevents children from getting the maximum benefit possible.
In regards to the first question raised above, there is simply no way to predict in advance which of several medications will be most helpful for a child with ADHD, or what the optimal dose will be. Physicians generally start with Ritalin, which is certainly reasonable since it is the most extensively researched. A child who does not respond well to Ritalin, however, may do very well on another stimulant (e.g. Why have a child receive a placebo during the trial?