| It is estimated that from 3 to 10 percent of | | | | "noise". Thus finding it difficult to |
| the population suffers from what is known as | | | | concentrate on a task before them. |
| Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention | | | | |
| Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This | | | | 3) Disorientation to time and space is often |
| disorder is found more often in boys than | | | | a problem. |
| girls. This disorder is characterized by | | | | |
| inability to concentrate. | | | | 4) They may have difficulty following a set |
| | | | of instructions or reading a map. |
| Normal attention span seems to develop in | | | | |
| three stages: | | | | 5) They are disorganized. They have trouble |
| | | | making and carrying out plans. |
| 1. Exclusive Attention: This is a term used | | | | |
| by experts to describe attention that is | | | | 6) They are hyperactive. |
| focused on a single object for a long period | | | | |
| of time. An example of this would be a baby | | | | 7) Because they're always in a hurry, delays |
| who focuses totally on a print or button on | | | | of any kind make them restless. |
| the clothing of the person holding him. A | | | | |
| child whose attention becomes stuck at this | | | | 1.Medications |
| stage of development might be diagnosed as | | | | |
| having autism. | | | | Medications used to treat ADHD stimulate the |
| | | | production of two neurotransmitters dopamine |
| 2. Inclusive Attention: This refers to a very | | | | and norephinephrine. These are necessary to |
| wide span of attention that is constantly | | | | carry a nerve impulse (message). When this |
| changing from one object to another for | | | | neurotransmitter is under supplied, a message |
| example a toddler who is running from one toy | | | | may not reach its destination. Brain |
| to the next never able to stay with any one | | | | circuits, like those of a computer are either |
| toy even for short period of time. A child | | | | on or off. When some circuits are on they |
| who is stuck at this stage develops attention | | | | make something happen such as helping a |
| deficit disorder. | | | | person to focus on a situation. |
| | | | |
| 3. Selective attention: This refers to a | | | | Some circuits prevent emotional reactions to |
| stage where child is able to shift focus at | | | | situations. If the circuit is not on or only |
| will from being inclusive to being very | | | | partially on, the person may react too |
| exclusive. This pattern of attention and | | | | quickly to a minor incident which causes |
| concentration is required to be successful in | | | | anger reaction. These medicines are not |
| a classroom-learning environment. | | | | sedatives in fact they stimulate certain |
| | | | parts of brain, so it becomes more active |
| Causes | | | | leading to better attention and concentration |
| | | | and self-control. |
| Slow psychological development | | | | |
| | | | 2. Diets |
| Learning disabilities | | | | |
| | | | A diet high in L-Tyrosine, an amino acid |
| Anxiety | | | | (protein), has been demonstrated to be |
| | | | effective in some cases. The body to produce |
| Depression | | | | norepinephrine a neurotransmitter uses |
| | | | L-Tyrosine. A diet rich in L-Tyrosine may |
| Low thyroid | | | | work well to certain extent. |
| | | | |
| Poor nutrition | | | | 3. Psychological Treatment |
| | | | |
| Boredom due to lack of challenge | | | | Psychotherapy like behavior modification, |
| | | | cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation |
| Problems faced | | | | training can have a positive effect. |
| | | | |
| 1) A high level of frustration causes | | | | 4. Psychoeducational Program |
| impatience. They want it to finish every | | | | |
| thing quickly. | | | | Focus is a psychoeducational program that |
| | | | designed so that it can be used as either an |
| 2) Unable to filter out normal background | | | | adjunct or as an alternative to medication. |