The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Conners CPT and the P ASAT as a laboratory-based measures of attention, vigilance, working memory, and sustained mental effort in clinic-referred adults with and without ADHD. Moreover, the study was conducted in order to obtain additional evidence in ongoing efforts to clarify the classification and phenomenological status of ADHD in adults. Subjects were adults seeking psychological evaluation for a variety of presenting problems including, emotional, occupational, relational, and/or adjustment, difficulties. Standardized clinical evaluations were conducted and structured clinical interviews were used to determine clinical diagnosis and group membership (ADHD vs. Non-ADHD). It was hypothesized that ADHD adults would exhibit significantly more comorbid psychopathology, learning problems, and verbal memory deficits than non-ADHD adults. It was also hypothesized that the findings from the CPT (Conners, 1992) and P ASAT (Gronwall, 1977) would reliably discriminate these groups (ADHD and non-ADHD) of clinic-referred adults. While ADHD adults did not exhibit a higher frequency of learning disabilities, they did have significantly more comorbid psychopathology and were much more likely to experience clinically impairing deficits in verbal memory functioning. The combined results of the laboratory tasks accurately identified diagnostic group status in over 9 of 10 cases for ADHD adults and in approximately 8 of 10 cases for non-ADHD adults. The relevance of these findings for the psychiatric classification and experiential nature of ADHD in adults, as well as the clinical diagnostic utility of these laboratory measures for adult ADHD is discussed. / Master of Science

This study investigated the effects of task pacing on the cognitive performance of ADD/WO (n=8), ADD/H (n=l0), and normal control (n=l2) children on a continuous processing task (CPT). In the CPT, each child was exposed to fast (500ms), medium (l0O0ms), slow (2000mS), and self-paced conditions. Performance was measured as number of omission errors, number of commission errors, number of specific types of commission errors, reaction time, and rate of self-pacing. The ADD/H group had a significantly slower mean RT than the normal control group. However, groups did not differ on omission or commission errors, and there were no group by pacing condition or group by (non-target) sequence interactions. Reasons for the appearance of group differences on mean RT without group differences on accuracy are discussed in terms of subject and task characteristics. / Master of Science

Educators in general are not likely to have an accurate understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including its etiology, how it presents, or how it is treated. Teachers also report lower satisfaction with students who have ADHD, including frustration with classroom experiences. Additionally, teachers express a desire to learn more about ADHD and how to manage related behaviors in their classrooms. Students with ADHD report wishing their teachers liked them more and understood that they aren't trying to be difficult. Accurate knowledge of ADHD has been shown to improve teacher efficacy. The current research study is adapted from Latouche and Gascoigne's study (2019) in which primary school teachers were provided with ADHD training. Teachers' knowledge of ADHD and their efficacy was measured by survey before and after the training. Results showed that both efficacy and ADHD knowledge increased. This conceptual replication pre-post study determined how relevant ADHD training was for teachers in the author's region: the Mountain West region of the United States. It examined teacher knowledge and efficacy before and after ADHD training in two schools, creating two pre-test/post-test designs. Additionally, the current study's adaptation involved secondary teachers (Grades 7-9) rather than primary school teachers. Results were used to determine if there was a connection between ADHD knowledge and teacher efficacy. Surveys also included questions to determine social validity of the ADHD training. Results showed that ADHD training in the form of a workshop increased teacher efficacy with a small effect size, significantly increased teacher knowledge about ADHD, increased positive attitudes about ADHD, decreased negative attitudes about ADHD, and was a socially valid form of learning about ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] är den vanligaste neuropsykiatriska diagnosen hos barn och ungdomar med en prevalens på över fem procent i världen. Begränsade områden är självstyrdinlärning, hantering av motoriska, exekutiva och kognitiva förmågor. Diagnosen påverkar aktivitetsförmågor, relationer, social utveckling och välbefinnande samt barn och familjers livskvalité. Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var att sammanställa befintlig forskning om arbetsterapeutiska interventioner för barn och ungdomar med ADHD i åldern sex till arton år, samt interventionernas effekt. Metoden som användes var en litteraturstudie med kvantitativ inriktning. Huvudsökningar gjordes i databaserna Academic Search Premier, Cinahl, APA Psycinfo och PubMed. Antal inkluderade artiklar är åtta. Författarna hittade fyra kategorier som presenteras under rubrikerna; 1) Intervention som förbättrar den kognitiva förmågan, 2) Interventioner för att hantera motoriska svårigheter, 3) Interventioner som förbättrar akademiska inlärningsförmågor och 4) Interventioner för att kunna formulera mål.  Resultatet visade att arbetsterapeutiska interventioner har positiva effekter inom exekutiva-, motoriska-och akademiska inlärningsförmågor, samt för att kunna sätta egna mål och uppnå dessa. Slutsatsen visar att behovet av vidare forskning kring ämnet är aktuellt samt att det är viktigt med tidiga insatser för att underlätta skol och fritidsmiljöer för barn och ungdomar med ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) är den vanligaste diagnosen inom neuropsykiatriska funktionsnedsättningar för barn. Utmärkande symptom för en person med diagnosen ADHD är svårigheter att utföra uppgifter, fokusera, bibehålla uppmärksamhet och passa tider, vilket är faktorer som kan påverka skolgången negativt. Arbetsterapeutiska interventioner har framtagits för att främja delaktigheten av barn med ADHD i skolmiljö. Det är dock oklart vad dessa interventioner har för effekt bland barn med ADHD. Syftet med denna litteratöversikt var att beskriva arbetsterapeutiska interventioner och dess effekt för barn i åldern 6-18 år med diagnosen ADHD i skolmiljö samt diskutera dessa utifrån ett arbetsterapeutiskt perspektiv. Till denna litteraturstudies metod användes en kvantitativ litteraturöversikt och de valda databaserna till huvudsökningen var Cinahl, PubMed och Academic Search Premier. Utifrån de sju inkluderade artiklarna hittade författarna interventioner som föll under två rubriker som presenterades enligt följande: Kompensatoriska interventioner i stillasittande skolarbete och dess effekt och Intervention för målsättning och effekt. Slutsatsen visade på att interventionerna viktväst, Cognitive-Functional, sittdynor och tidshjälpmedel hade positiv effekt på barns prestation i skolmiljö, förmåga att skapa egna mål och bibehålla uppmärksamheten i klassrumsmiljö. Terapibollar påvisade ingen effekt. Det finns ett fortsatt behov av forskning inom detta område då det finns en begränsad mängd forskning om ämnet i nuläget och särskilt när det gäller flickor med diagnosen.

The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of mothers of primary school learners diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The main determinant of parenting stress was contained in the primary symptoms of ADHD, namely, attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, as well as in the disruptive effects on others in the immediate environment. The three primary symptoms of ADHD as listed above, often result in such secondary problems as learning deficiencies, poor self-image and inadequate social relations. Seven mothers of learners with ADHD were selected to participate in the empirical investigation. A qualitative research model was employed with specific use of a list of questions, participatory perception and unstructured interviews. Results obtained from the empirical research indicated that the symptoms of ADHD as manifested by the learners, as well as the accompanying secondary problems, impacted negatively on the mothers of these learners. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Skoolvoorligting)

According to DSM-IV criteria a child has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if the child consistently shows one or more of the following characteristics over a period of time, and to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with the child's developmental level: (1) inattention, (2) hyperactivity, and (3) impulsivity (Santrock, 2002). Despite the years of research and the advances in understanding and treating children with ADHD, the disorder continues to be a serious educational and social impairment (Weiss & Hechtman, 1993). When examining the literature on ADHD, what is very clear is the scarcity of published literature that draws from parental perceptions on the disorder. If we are to fully understand ADHD and the effect that it has upon our society it is vital that a candid examination of parents' perceptions occur. This qualitative, phenomenological study used in-depth interviews to explore parents' perceptions of raising a child with ADHD. The present study focused on parents' perceptions regarding five aspects of raising children with ADHD, namely: 1) parents' perceptions regarding their interaction with health professionals and the child's use of medication, 2) parents' perceptions regarding the effects of ADHD on family life, 3) parents' perceptions about their ADHD child and the school experience, 4) parents' concerns and hopes for their ADHD child, and 5) getting through the day and advice for other parents of ADHD children. A number of implications for health and educational professionals arose from the current study's examination of parents' experiences, insights, and strategies for dealing with the ADHD child. Parents also discussed their concerns for the future for their ADHD child and offered valuable advice for other parents whose child has just been diagnosed with ADHD. How parents view the experience of raising a child with ADHD, their feelings about the experience, the actions that they take, and the strategies that they use to cope is important information that will assist in understanding and interacting with families who have a child with ADHD. / Psychology / D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

Learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) traditionally display disruptive and other associated negative behaviour in the classroom setting. Behaviour management strategies utilised by the teacher in the school environment can assist in reducing this type of behaviour that impacts negatively upon their academic performance. This research study develops and investigates the effectiveness of a programme of practical behaviour management strategies designed to reduce disruptive behaviour of learners with ADHD in the classroom. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Educational Psychology)

Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / INTRODUCTION Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a multifactorial and clinically heterogeneous disorder that is associated with tremendous financial burden, stress to families and adverse academic and vocational outcomes (Bierderman, 2005). ADD/ADHD is currently one of the most researched childhood conditions, yet there is still much controversy and misunderstanding surrounding it. It is also one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders of childhood development (Picton, 2005) and the prevalence of this disorder in adults is increasingly recognized (Bierderman, 2005). Parents are seeking alternatives, as they are concerned with the side effects of Methylphenidate hydrochloride and other conventional medication used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. AIM The aim of this research was to document the current practices of registered homoeopathic practitioners, with regard to ADD/ADHD. In addition, their perceptions regarding aetiology, treatment, management and success rate was investigated. This research took the form of a qualitative survey targeting homoeopaths practicing within the KwaZulu- Natal region. METHOD A total of 42 practitioners were contacted, 35 practitioners initially agreed to participate in the study, and the questionnaires were electronically sent to them via email. Of these 35 homoeopaths, 22 participated in the survey, i.e. giving an overall response rate of 62 percent. The questionnaires were electronically distributed and collected via email. The raw data was coded and captured by Google docs and the results were analysed by utilizing the SPSS for Windows version 18 SPSS/PASW 2009. RESULTS The majority of the responding homoeopaths practiced in the more urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal, more specifically within the eThekwini Durban area. The majority of these homoeopaths had qualified from the Durban University of Technology, were English speaking females and were between the ages of 25-35 years old. The homoeopaths within this study found that most patients who present with ADD/ADHD symptoms are previously diagnosed by paediatrician’s neurologists or psychologists. According to the homoeopaths participating in the study, the general consensus is that the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is given far too easily, and without proper assessment, 86 percent of the homoeopaths are of the opinion that ADD/ADHD is misdiagnosed, and ninety one percent stated that ADD/ADHD is over diagnosed. The majority of the practitioners prescribe a simplex remedy, or the Simillimum, whereas only a few practitioners prescribe a complex remedy. It was found that the most common complex prescribed is Nervoheel®. Some practitioners prefer to make up their own complexes, which would be patient specific. In this study it was found that 68 percent of the practitioners reported the sycotic miasm to be most common, and 54 percent of the practitioners reported the tubercular miasm to be the second most common presenting miasm. The homoeopaths in this study stated that they prefer to use a holistic approach to obtain optimal well being, thus advice, lifestyle adjustments, education and counselling all form part of the treatment and management of a patient with ADD/ADHD, making it unique and specific to each case. Of the adjunctive therapies, Vitamins, supplements, and nutritional changes are recommended, especially if a deficiency has been identified. The most commonly prescribed supplements for ADD/ADHD are the Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) followed by Vitamin B Complexes, Multi-vitamins and Magnesium, Zinc, and Calcium. CONCLUSION The majority of the homoeopaths in this study reported that they are having a moderate to great success in treating and managing patients with ADD/ADHD. Many of these practitioners thought there to be no single cause for ADD/ADHD, however many of them found there to be a few significant contributing factors to the development or aetiology of ADD/ADHD. These factors include; genetics, environment, diet, vaccinations and family dynamics. The majority of the practitioners believe that ADD/ADHD is far too easily diagnosed and that further assessment of the mental, emotional, and physical symptoms of the patient need to be taken into consideration. The majority of the homoeopaths in this study prefer to use Simplex treatment, and consider diet, lifestyle changes, and phytotherapy the most successful adjunctive therapies when treating and managing a patient with ADD/ADHD. Many of the practitioners within this study reported that homoeopathy should be considered a primary treatment option for patients with ADD/ADHD, as the focus of the treatment is on determining the cause of the symptoms, and then managing the patient as a whole, focusing on changing the diet, altering the lifestyle, and treating the totality of the mental, emotional and physical symptoms.