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A combination of medication and behavioral interventions tends to yield the greatest improvement in social skills and school performance for students with ADHD.
A DHD is a disruptive behavior disorder characterized by levels of inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity that are well beyond what is expected and appropriate for a given student's sex and age. Students with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, frequently interrupt conversations or activities, and have difficulty remaining seated when required to do so. Approximately 3%-7% of school-age children in the United States have this disorder. Children with ADHD typically first exhibit symptoms of this disorder during their preschool or early elementary school years, and it is highly likely that these symptoms will continue throughout their lives. Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: individuals who exhibit problems only with inattention and concentration (ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type); individuals who exhibit problems only with hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type); and individuals who exhibit problems in both areas (ADHD Combined Type). ADHD is not a learning disability nor is it a manifestation of bad parenting or an impoverished environment; however, other behavioral and emotional problems and many learning disorders include symptomatic behaviors that may mimic ADHD. A trained mental health professional must conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Possible Causes
It is likely that students differ with respect to the specific underlying cause of their ADHD symptoms. There is growing evidence that these symptoms are at least partially caused by genetic factors. Specifically, the brains of individuals with and without ADHD may differ with respect to the balance of certain chemicals, referred to as neurotransmitters, as well as the size and operation of specific brain components such as the prefrontal cortex. Further, other biological factors such as pregnancy and birth complications and environmental toxins (e.g., early lead exposure and prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco smoke) are thought to cause ADHD symptoms in some individuals.
Although genetic and biological factors account for ADHD symptoms to a large degree, environmental factors-such as the nature of classroom tasks and the behavior management style at home and school-also affect the expression of the disorder. Although these factors...