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ADHD :: What Causes It and How Do We Identify It?
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD has traditionally been viewed as a problem related to attention, stemming from an inability of the brain to filter competing sensory inputs such as sight and sound. Recent research, however, has shown that children with ADHD do not have difficulty in that area. Instead, leading researchers in the field now believe that children with ADHD are unable to inhibit their impulsive motor responses to such input. It is still unclear the direct and immediate causes of ADHD. Most researchers suspect that the cause of ADHD is genetic or biological, although they acknowledge that the child's environment helps determine specific behaviors.
Imaging studies conducted during the past decade have indicated which brain regions may malfunction in patients with ADHD, and thus account for symptoms of the condition. A 1996 study conducted at the National Institutes for Mental Health (NIMH) found that the right prefrontal cortex and at least two of the clusters of nerve cells known as the basal ganglia are significantly smaller in children with ADHD. It appears that these areas of the brain relate to regulation of attention. Further, some environmental factors have been linked to ADHD including premature birth, maternal alcohol and tobacco use, high levels of exposure to lead, and prenatal neurological damage. Although some people claim that food additives, sugar, yeast, or poor child rearing methods lead to ADHD, there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims.
How Do We Identify ADHD?
To meet the diagnostic criteria according to DSM-IV
ADHD has traditionally been viewed as a problem related to attention, stemming from an inability of the brain to filter competing sensory inputs such as sight and sound. Recent research, however, has shown that children with ADHD do not have difficulty in that area. Instead, leading researchers in the field now believe that children with ADHD are unable to inhibit their impulsive motor responses to such input. It is still unclear the direct and immediate causes of ADHD. Most researchers suspect that the cause of ADHD is genetic or biological, although they acknowledge that the child's environment helps determine specific behaviors.
Imaging studies conducted during the past decade have indicated which brain regions may malfunction in patients with ADHD, and thus account for symptoms of the condition. A 1996 study conducted at the National Institutes for Mental Health (NIMH) found that the right prefrontal cortex and at least two of the clusters of nerve cells known as the basal ganglia are significantly smaller in children with ADHD. It appears that these areas of the brain relate to regulation of attention. Further, some environmental factors have been linked to ADHD including premature birth, maternal alcohol and tobacco use, high levels of exposure to lead, and prenatal neurological damage. Although some people claim that food additives, sugar, yeast, or poor child rearing methods lead to ADHD, there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims.
How Do We Identify ADHD?
To meet the diagnostic criteria according to DSM-IV
(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders), a couple of aspects have to be considered to meet a diagnosis of ADHD:
A. Six (or more) of either 1) Inattention, or 2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity. Symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
1) Inattention
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A. Six (or more) of either 1) Inattention, or 2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity. Symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
1) Inattention
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often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in homework, work, or other activities
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often has difficulties sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
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often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
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often does not follow through instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
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often has difficulties organizing tasks and activities
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often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental efforts
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often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books)
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is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
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is often forgetful in daily activities
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Annual Fee Schedule for the EAP Health and Wellness Corporate Program
Peace Plan: The cost of your annual membership is $1,800.00. This includes receiving our quarterly newsletter, and a Cayenne Wellness Center professional presenting a health and wellness seminar twice a year to your employees at your office. With the Peace Plan, we will provide your employees emotional support for a wide range of personal and work-related problems that may otherwise interfere with their daily lives. A total of twelve sessions are available to your staff, either at our Glendale office or at yours.
Joy Plan: The cost of your annual membership is $3,240.00 (a 10% savings) and would include all of the above, offering 24 (instead of 12) psychotherapy sessions to your staff, either at our Glendale office or at yours.
Happiness Plan: The cost of your annual membership is $4,860.00 (a 10% savings) and would include all of the above, offering 36 psychotherapy sessions to your staff, either at our Glendale office or at yours..
Joy Plan: The cost of your annual membership is $3,240.00 (a 10% savings) and would include all of the above, offering 24 (instead of 12) psychotherapy sessions to your staff, either at our Glendale office or at yours.
Happiness Plan: The cost of your annual membership is $4,860.00 (a 10% savings) and would include all of the above, offering 36 psychotherapy sessions to your staff, either at our Glendale office or at yours..
¹ Each plan consists of a minimum number of sessions available throughout the year. Contact us if you wish to purchase more sessions for your employees.
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Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation (a non profit organization) mission statement reads:
Cayenne Wellness Center is dedicated to health promotion and disease prevention in children, adolescents, their families and the general population. The mission of Cayenne Wellness Center is to improve the nutritional and mental health of the public. We achieve this mission through education, research, and public awareness initiatives and community outreach programs that promote good nutrition and mental health. We practice the science of helping people make changes in their lifestyle to improve their overall health and quality of life emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
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Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation (a non profit organization) mission statement reads:
Cayenne Wellness Center is dedicated to health promotion and disease prevention in children, adolescents, their families and the general population. The mission of Cayenne Wellness Center is to improve the nutritional and mental health of the public. We achieve this mission through education, research, and public awareness initiatives and community outreach programs that promote good nutrition and mental health. We practice the science of helping people make changes in their lifestyle to improve their overall health and quality of life emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
