Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is among the most common behavioral disorders that affect most children of the school-going age (Taylor, 2008). This disorder can affect the relationships and the success of children in school. The symptoms of the disorder include the inability to focus on a particular task, abstaining from tasks that take effort, trouble in organizing functions among others (Taylor, 2008). However, these symptoms vary from person to another and may be difficult to identify. ADHD may also include problems to do with hyperactivity like excessive talking, fidgeting, restlessness and impulsivity. Boys are usually more likely to be affected by the disorder than girls. It is treated through psychotherapy and with medications that are stimulants like Ritalin (Taylor, 2008). To understand more about ADHD, we will interview Angel Kimball, an executive member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). She is responsible for the leadership of NAMI’s initiatives in mental health policy and advocacy. She has been involved in numerous campaigns to support individuals and families suffering from mental illnesses.
The interview questions are as follows:
- What is ADHD?
- What are the common symbols of ADHD?
- What causes ADHD?
- Who are the people most likely to be affected by ADHD? (Age limit, gender etc)
- It has been said that boys are more likely to be affected by ADHD, why?
- Can ADHD be treated?
- Which various treatments are administered to an individual suffering from ADHD?
- Apart from medication are there any other ways through which the disorder can be treated or managed?
- Can ADHD be prevented? If so which are the various ways to which the disorder can be prevented?
- What encouragement do you give to the ADHD patients or families?
