November 3, 2009

ADD Research Paper

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has traditionally been seen as a behavior disorder characterized by inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These traits are generally the criteria that are used in diagnosing the disorder and many doctors prescribing medications do not truly understand how much more complicated the diagnosis is for ADHD. Thomas E. Brown, PhD, writes in his latest book, Attention-Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind, that an overly simplistic understanding of ADHD still persists among many medical professionals and the general public. He believes attention is an incredibly complicated, multifaceted function of the human mind and it plays the most important role in how we perceive, remember, think and feel. His research has challenged the older ideas and myths concerning ADHD syndrome and brought to light how complex the disorder is to diagnose and treat. Dr. Brown believes “the myths and misconceptions about ADHD make it even more difficult for the people who suffer from it to be understood and to get adequate treatment.” He has outlined the key elements in his latest book to support the “new paradigm” to better describe ADHD. (Brown, 2008) New research, utilizing brain scan (SPECT) technology is also giving doctors new tools to better diagnose and treat the illness. Daniel G. Amen, M.D. has pioneered the use of brain scan technology with clinical practice to give patients a more specific diagnosis by showing the areas of dysfunction in the brain. The hope is that with a better model for doctors and psychiatrists to follow, better treatment plans can be developed to help people of all ages better handle the symptoms and be educated about behavior modifications which will help them be more successful.

Dr. Brown’s first element describes ADD as essentially a complex disorder of the unconscious self-management system of the brain. The new description focuses less on...
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