The topic I chose to do my paper on is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
             Once called hyper kinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children. It affects two to three percent of all children, two million Americans, and two to three times more boys than girls. At least one child in every classroom has ADHD and it continues into adolescence and adulthood.
             My younger brother's friend had ADHD. Whenever he use to come over he was always hyperactive. They would be playing and this rush of energy came from nowhere. He was defiant towards his mother. He always felt he wasn't getting any attention and he used to get bored easily. He was always moving around for no reason. He was also spoiled he always had to get what he wanted or he would have a fit.
             ADHD is diagnosed in children and adults who consistently display certain characteristics behaviors over a period of time. Most common behaviors fall into three categories: 1) inattention, 2) hyperactivity and 3) impulsivity. Inattention is characterized by being easily distracted, failing to pay attention to detail, making careless mistakes, rarely following instructions and losing or forgetting things. Feeling restless, unable to curb their immediate reactions and not thinking before they act characterize hyperactivity and impulsivity. Not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive or impulsive has ADHD. The previous mentioned behaviors must appear early in life, before the age of seven and continue for at least six months. They must be more frequent or severe than in others of the same age. They have to be a continuous problem, not just a response to a temporary situation. Above all, the behavior must create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person's l!
             ife, such as school, home, work or social settings.
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