OVERVIEW

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is organized by National Healthcare Institute (NHI).

Target Audience :
Nurses, health care professionals, and interested individuals

Overview :
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) begins in childhood and can continue through adolescence into adulthood. A child with ADHD finds it hard to focus, to sit in one place, to pay attention and may exhibit an inability to be quiet and patient. A regular child will often feel unattended, have extra pent up energy and by nature, be impulsive. In a child with ADHD these are magnified times 10. This neurodevelopmental disorder is much more common than people assumed in the past. Research is still being conducted to determine the causes of ADHD; its interactions with genetics, environment, the pregnant mother’s consumption of alcohol or smoking prior to birth, neglect, low birthweight, exposure to toxic substances – the list is as lengthy as you might imagine. This course will examine these symptoms, possible sources of causation and what methods are currently being used to deal with this diagnosis. There is no single test that fits all individuals diagnosed with ADHD; some may require medication, others mental health intervention; etc.

Purpose/Goal:
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of ADHD including the extent of ADHD in the United States, the signs and symptoms of the disorder, potential causes and risk factors, diagnostic issues to consider, and traditional as well as integrative treatment options for ADHD.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to do the following:
• Describe the extent of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States.
• Discuss the signs and symptoms of ADHD.
• Identify the potential causes and risk factors for ADHD.
• Explain the issues related to diagnosing ADHD.
• Describe the treatment options for ADHD, including pharmacological, psychotherapy, and education.
• Discuss integrative therapies for ADH