Harpin gave an exhaustive insight on the effects of ADHD to individuals and their families throughout the stages; preschool, primary school, adolescence, and adult life. Additionally, the author also points out healthcare costs related to ADHD and how it impacts patients and their families.
The article gives a clear illustration of the struggles that most pre-school children go through while dealing with ADHD. Excessive motor restlessness, poor judgments, and poor play intensities are among the signs and symptoms of affected children. Families are also affected as parents may be faced with stress due to the child’s failure to respond to behavioral advice. In primary school years, affected children tend to portray poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and rejection by fellow peers. The management and diagnosis, however, may be affected by comorbid problems. At this stage, parents have to constantly watch the children as they may have poor sleeping patterns hence making parents have little time for themselves.
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In adolescent years, children are mostly faced with difficulties like academic failure, impulsiveness, inattention, and inner restlessness. On the hand, parents often experience conflicts with their children as they may disagree in most aspects. When it comes to adult life, the article states that around 60% of individuals who had ADHD in their childhood lives still continue with the difficulties. As a result, most adults are faced with difficulties when looking for employment and they may end up not landing their desired jobs or even self-employed. When they get employment, however, adults with ADHD frequently find themselves in disagreements with their colleagues and even their employers.
Drug addiction and growth deficits are among the problems associated with ADHD treatment and the practitioners have to be careful when treating and supporting affected young people. Healthcare costs seem to rise as with age as affected individuals grow up. ADHD patients are also more vulnerable to injuries and substance abuse with estimates showing twice the amounts of medical costs either directly or indirectly in ADHD affected families.
The article also uses viable evidence to back up the facts and arguments with vivid examples of what patients with ADHD and their families suffer in their lifetime. Bar graphs have also been used appropriately to illustrate the arguments in a clear perspective. The article, however, does not give a clear way forward to help patients with ADHD especially in the adolescent stage.
All in all, ADHD cases are common and children with the condition are more likely to continue with the condition in their adult lives. The article shows how struggles in ADHD patients and their families can be severe as treatment costs can go up to twice high compared to other normal families.
