“What is ADHD?” And other medical conditions. By: Megan Beard and Sarah Scholz

What is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a mental disorder that keeps people from paying attention or staying still. ADHD gives trouble in school, at home, and in social settings. When treated with medication, the result may be immediate and dramatic.

ADHD and the Brain

Warning! ( These are not all of the symptoms or medications )

Signs of Attention Deficit: Doesn’t pay attention to details Makes careless mistakes Doesn’t seem to listen Is disorganized Forgets to do daily activities Is easily distracted Has difficulty following instructions

Signs of Hyperactivity: Fidgets or squirms while seated Has trouble staying in seat Frequently runs about or climbs Has trouble working quietly Talks excessively Has trouble waiting or taking turns Interrupts others

Most Common Medication: Adderall Dexedrine Dextrostat Vyvanse Desoxyn Ritalin Methylin Quillivant and Focalin

Just because they display some of the symptoms, does not mean they have ADHD. If you think you, or a family member, has ADHD, talk to a doctor before getting medicine or help. note:

Depres sion and Suicide

People with clinical depression may feel sad and hopeless for months. They are unable to enjoy activities that they once thought were fun. Depression can cause problems at school, at home, and in one’s social life. If untreated, depression can also lead to substance abuse, serious behavior problems, and even suicide. Signs of clinical depression include a change in appetite, sleeping patterns, and activity level. Other signs are feelings of hopelessness and repeated thoughts of death or suicide. Meditation is an effective treatment for clinical depression.

Cutting is the use of a sharp object to intentionally cut or scratch one’s body deep enough to bleed. Cutting is one example of self-injury. Self-injury is an unhealthy way to deal with emotions, stress, or traumatic events. Self- injury can be a symptom of a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or eating disorder.

Suicide is the intentional killing of oneself. Mood disorders, such as depression, are a major risk of factor for suicide. Other risk factors for suicide include a family history of suicide, having both a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder, and feelings of hopelessness or isolation. Cluster suicides are a series of suicides that occur within a short period of time in the same peer group of community.

You should be concerned if a friend describes a detailed plan for committing suicide. To help your friend, you should notify an adult that your friend is in danger. If you are feeling depressed because your problems seem overwhelming, discuss your feelings with a trusted adult or mental professional. Together, you will be able to find solutions that you may not have thought on your own. You can also get help by calling a crisis center or suicide-prevention hotline.

Clinical Depression

The five signs of clinical depression a.Change in appetite; significant weight loss or gain b.Change in sleep patterns; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much c.Change in activity level; sluggish (slow) or frantic (fast-paced) d.Loss of interest in usual activities e.Loss of energy; always tired

Risk factors for depression a.A parent or other close biological relative with a mood disorder b.A major life change or a prolonged stressful situation c.Being the victim of a violent crime or witnessing violence d.A previous bout of depression e.A sense of hopelessness

Self-Injury

Self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotions, stress, or traumatic events. People who self-injure false a. don’t hurt themselves on purpose false b. are trying to kill themselves false c. tend to be proud of their behavior true d. are trying to relieve painful feelings

Suicide Prevention

I.Suicide Prevention Suicide is the intentional killing of oneself. A.Risk factors 1.A previous suicide attempt or a family history of suicide 2.Having both a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder 3.Feelings of hopelessness or isolation 4.Lack of access to mental health treatment 5.Being influenced by the suicide of family members, peers, or celebrities B.Protective factors 1.Treating a person’s mental disorder, especially depression 2.Getting treatment for the abuse of alcohol or other drugs 3.Feeling connected to school and having close relationships with family, friends, and others 4.Having personal beliefs that discourage suicide C.Cluster suicides These are a series of suicides that occur within a short period of time in the same peer group or community. ●this could involve a pact between friends or in response to an initial suicide

D. Warning signs Most of the time, teens who attempt suicide usually don’t talk about it, write about it, or give anything they own away (no warning). But don’t ignore radical behavioral changes like: they have a sudden drop in grades or an increase in drug abuse. E. Helping others You may need to break a promise to a friend and talk to an adult if your friend describes a detailed plan for suicide. F. Helping yourself Talking with a trusted adult mental health professional can help you find solutions to problems that seem overwhelming. Crisis centers + suicide - prevention hotlines operate twenty - four hours a day.

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