Human Growth and Development / Unit 7 HGD 0961 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
ADHD Presentations, Causes and Treatment
The idea
ADHD has three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. It often persists into adulthood and can be first diagnosed there. It is not an intellectual disability, but executive-function difficulties can lower grades and raise the risk of retention and dropout. Causes include genetics, with many candidate genes tied to dopamine, preterm birth, prenatal exposures, and a less-developed frontal lobe. Treatment includes stimulant medication, which increases dopamine activity; non-stimulant medication; and behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy, along with parent training and school interventions.
In practice
A child who cannot sit through a lesson yet stays hyper-focused for hours on a rewarding video game.
Where people slip
Stimulants carry benefits and side effects, including sleep problems, appetite and growth suppression, and misuse concerns, and opinions differ on their use in children. The course describes treatments; it never recommends one.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
Unlocks
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