ADHD

            Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD as it is more commonly known has been a problem among young children for many years. But it is only within the last one hundred years have we begun to understand the disorder and learn how to treat and control it. The causes of this disorder are not yet completely understood, many scientists have come to theories based on that it has many biological factors and as anomalies in the central nervous system that cause the development of ADHD.
             In the early days of the disorder it was simply known as Hyperactivity. The current name, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, came about when research was done to understand the disorder it was noticed the children that had already been diagnosed with hyperactivity also had severe problems keeping their focus on any one thing. They were easily distracted, fidgety and impulsive, and most commonly in motion. German physician Heinrich Hoffman wrote a poem titled "Fidgety Phil" in the mid 1800's and was one of the first recorded reference to ADHD.
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             It has been found that ADHD is two to three times more frequent in boys than in girls. If a child with the disorder goes untreated the child is likely to grow up with increasing school difficulties and adapt behavioural problems that can lead to a type of "at-risk" behaviour. This being seen as a risk to himself and society, and, therefore in the eyes of the law. The diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult process, doctors start with a careful look into the mother and father's background and families. This is done with the knowledge that ADHD is transmitted genetically and thus is a considered a hereditary disorder. It is not known how it is passed from parent to child but it is believed that it may be an odd chemical functioning of the brain. Though the presence of ADHD alone is not unusual, it has been known to be accompanied by behavioural disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder.