Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 2004. / Adviser: Russell Schachar.

Thesis (Ed. Spec.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Acadia University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Acadia University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2008. / Adviser: Mark Rapport. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2007. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Oct. 22, 2007). Directed by Arthur D. Anastopoulos; submitted to the Dept. of Psychology. Includes bibliographical references (p. 84-102).

The primary purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the typology and etiology of physical overactivity (hyperactivity) in ADHD. ADHD is uniquely characterized by inappropriate/excessive motor activity, yet motoric aspects of ADHD have been neglected in the research literature. Given high levels of intrusive/inappropriate motor behaviors and evidence that the neuropathology of ADHD involves frontal-striatal dysfunction, this study investigated the possibility that aspects of physical overactivity in ADHD could be a result of a “utilization behavior syndrome”. Theories of this utilization behavior that claim the syndrome results from an imbalance between medial (frontal; voluntary, goal-directed) and lateral (parietal/visual; automatic, reactive) motor systems were also addressed. Results revealed high levels of utilization behavior specifically characterize hyperactivity in ADHD, and that motor overactivity in ADHD is not simply a result of generally heightened activity levels. Levels of utilization behavior were statistically associated with severity of hyperactive symptomatology as reported by parents of children with ADHD. Furthermore, utilization behavior was significantly related to difficulties on tasks thought to be dependent on the functioning of the medial but not the lateral, motor system. This supports theories that utilization behavior, at least in ADHD, could be a result of disinhibition of the lateral motor system due to dysfunction within the medial motor system. / Graduate

M.Tech. / Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed childhood disorder characterised by impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity that manifests in early childhood. The symptoms of ADHD affect cognitive, behavioural, emotional and social functioning (Sadiq, 2007). Conventional treatment of this disorder is predominantly through the use of psycho-stimulants, with methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®) often considered the drug of choice. Concerns about potential adverse effects include anxiety, anorexia, tacchycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, increased blood pressure, dysphoria, dizziness, growth suppression and dyskinesias (Sadock and Sadock, 2007). Dreyer (1996) mentions the irritability, fatigue and melancholy, which often follows the use of these medications. Parents concerned about the side effects and long term use of medications are increasingly seeking out alternatives to pharmacologic treatment (Sadiq, 2007). Homoeopathy is a therapeutic approach of preventing and treating disease; it consists of a medical philosophy based on defined laws and principles (Eizayaga, 1991). Homoeopathy is asserted to influence disease with the use of highly diluted substances; the specific remedy is chosen to correspond according to the characteristic individual symptoms of the patient presenting with ADHD (Frei, et al., 2006). The aim of this study was, by means of case studies, to determine the effect of the homoeopathic simillimum treatment using LM potency in children with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. Ten children, males and females between the ages of 5 to 10 years old who had been diagnosed with ADHD and were on a balanced, restricted sugar, high complex carbohydrate diet - low in additives, preservatives and food dyes (Rothenberg, 1997) - were recruited via advertisements (Appendix C) in the Gauteng region with permission from specific remedial and primary schools (Appendix F). In addition, an advertisement (Appendix C) was displayed on the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support group of South Africa (ADHASA) website (Appendix D) and in psychologist and occupational therapist practice rooms. The study took place at the University of Johannesburg, Homoeopathy Health Centre, as well as at the participant’s and researcher’s homes.