Article Overview
Understanding of behavior requires a deep insight into the major causes or reasons for the occurrence of specific forms of behavior. In order to appropriately regulate and address deficits or excesses in behavior, there is need to examine both internal subjective processes such as the brain structure as well as environmental factors. Expression of some extreme patterns of behavior manifests deficits in these internal processes. Such conditions are termed as disabilities. One of the most prevalent disabilities that is observable through behavior is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The topic of ADHD is relevant in the exploration of the underlying facts in the field of nursing. It is also beneficial in the area of education. This is the reason I settled on the relevant topic that attempts to draw a relationship between ADHD and habit-like behavior. Below is a summary of the commentary article by Tannock (2014).
Article Summary
According to Tannock (2014), there are two memory systems which are dissociable neuroanatomically and behaviorally and also mature at different rates. These are dorsal-striatal-dependent memory system which matures earlier and faster than hypocampal-dependent memory system. The asynchronous maturation rate of these two memory systems brings about developmental psychopathologies when one of the systems fails to develop properly. This deviation in development causes ADHD and other disorders. Tannock (2014) asserts that dorsal-striatal system supports habit or implicit memory while hypocampal-dependent memory system supports cognitive or explicit declarative memory. According to declarative-non declarative theory, these two types of memory systems are non-parallel and interact constantly to bring about varying effects in behavior and one memory system may play the role of another in the course of their interaction. Between 5 to 10 years of age, children shift from the use of dorsal-striatal memory to hippocampal memory. Children with inconsistencies in these memory systems are likely to manifest extreme habits. Habits refer to clinical manifestation of impulsive and semi-compulsory thought and behavioral systems that have escaped behavioral control (Tannock, 2014). Impulsive and hyperactive symptoms of ADHD constitute habit-like behavior. This definition of habit implies that ADHD is habit-like.
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Critical assessment of the article
The writer’s aim in conveying this information is to equip all the specialists in different fields concerned with children’s well-being with an insight on the processes that bring about ADHD, which is a prevalent disability among children, especially those in early childhood years. According to the author, the interaction between the two memory systems is the genesis of a child’s habit-like behavior. Since the occurrence of the disability is caused by a problem arising from the brain, it can be termed as a disability. Additionally, clinical nurses and other professionals concerned with the wellbeing of a child can benefit from the information contained in this article by gaining an understanding about the specific age within which the disability is likely to occur. This way, it becomes easier to regulate these symptoms using a combination of strategies that are professionally recommended. The basis of this article is theoretical, which implies that it is hinged on the underlying truth. According to the systematic manner in which the writer elaborates the functioning of the two memory systems, the truth in his assertion is clearly evident. The article has no contradictions that might hinder the application of information conveyed in a practical way.
Conclusion
The choice of the article discussed above is based on its relevance in the field of nursing as well as educational practice and theory. The topic is also relevant since it offers an in-depth understanding of the origin of ADHD among children and also explains the role of professionals and other significant adults in the management of ADHD. The author emphasizes on the need to take into consideration the information highlighted in the article in real practice as nurses. Although the author does not enumerate clearly on the contribution of environmental factors in the prevalence of ADHD, the subject of the conveyed is quite helpful.
Reference
Tannock, R. (2014). Commentary: Are ADHD symptoms habit ‐ like?–a commentary on Goodman et al (2014). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry , 55 (6), 611-614.
