“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:

Depression 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 Depressi

on

The five signs of clinical

depressiona. Change in appetite; significant weight loss or gainb. Change in sleep patterns; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too muchc. Change in activity level; sluggish (slow) or frantic (fast-paced)d. Loss of interest in usual activitiese. Loss of energy; always tired

Risk factors for depression

a. A parent or other close biological relative with a mood disorderb. A major life change or a prolonged stressful situationc. Being the victim of a violent crime or witnessing violenced. A previous bout of depressione. A sense of hopelessness

Self-Injury

Self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotions, stress, or traumatic events.

People who self-injurefalse a. don’t hurt themselves on purposefalse b. are trying to kill themselvesfalse c. tend to be proud of their behaviortrue d. are trying to relieve painful feelings

Suicide Preventio

n

I. Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the intentional killing of oneself.

A. Risk factors1. A previous suicide attempt or a family history of suicide2. Having both a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder3. Feelings of hopelessness or isolation4. Lack of access to mental health treatment5. Being influenced by the suicide of family members, peers, or celebrities

B. Protective factors6. Treating a person’s mental disorder, especially depression7. Getting treatment for the abuse of alcohol or other drugs8. Feeling connected to school and having close relationships with family, friends, and others9. Having personal beliefs that discourage suicide

C. Cluster suicidesThese 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 signsMost 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 yourselfTalking 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.

Thank You For

Watching.