- Category: Health
- Topic: Illness
In this critical evaluation, three articles are analyzed and evaluated for their contributions to the research on ADHD. The first article, "Long-Term Outcomes of ADHD: A Systematic Review of Self-Esteem and Social Function," by Harpin et al. (2013), explores the negative impacts of untreated ADHD on an individual's self-esteem and social function. The authors used a mixed method approach and analyzed data from peer-reviewed articles published between 1980-2011. Their findings suggest that individuals who are untreated for ADHD have poorer outcomes compared to those who receive treatment. While the study has limitations, including a small test group and data coming from one geographic region, it provides essential information on how ADHD can affect individuals.
The second article, "The Strives, Struggles, and Successes of Women Diagnosed with ADHD as Adults," by Holthe and Langvik (2017), focuses on the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD as adults. The authors used a qualitative approach and conducted interviews with women aged 18 or older with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis. Their research highlighted the stigma and challenges women with ADHD face, and the importance of considering gender norms in research and treatment. While the small sample size and qualitative approach limit the study, the authors provided valuable insight into how ADHD affects women differently and the need for more research in this area.
The third and final article, "A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls," by Quinn and Madhoo (2014), reviews existing literature on ADHD in women and girls. The authors discuss the challenges in diagnosing ADHD in females, as symptoms may present differently than in males. They provide recommendations for improving diagnosis and treatment for women and girls with ADHD. While the authors do not conduct original research, their review of existing literature provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Overall, these articles contribute to our understanding of how ADHD affects individuals differently and the challenges in diagnosing and treating the disorder. While each study has its limitations, they provide vital information for future research to build upon.
The study conducted by Slobodin and Davidovitch (2019) titled "Gender Differences in Objective and Subjective Measures of ADHD Among Clinic-Referred Children," aimed to identify gender bias in ADHD studies by examining 204 children aged 6-17 in Israel with ADHD. The study utilized a Continuous Performance Test to measure visual and auditory stimuli to produce unbiased data that removed reporters' bias. Based on the results, it was found that girls had higher levels of inattention symptoms than boys, as reported through parent and teacher ratings on the Conners rating scales. However, both boys and girls were equally impaired in terms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. The study's well-rounded outcome was drawn from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, and children with ADHD diagnosis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the data. The article discussed the limitations of the CPT when not used properly under the discussion section.
Young et al.'s (2020) research titled "Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in girls and women" provided a selective review of the literature on ADHD in adolescent girls and women. The report presented treatment strategies, identifying factors that support the diagnosis process and recommendations for conducting assessments and interventions, ensuring that professionals working with girls and women have a blueprint for support. The authors identified provisions and factors that supplement existing ADHD diagnoses to produce better outcomes for girls and women. The study's report was formatted well and discussed impairments, comorbidities, educational adjustments, and the decline of ADHD symptoms as they age. The authors' contribution to the knowledge of ADHD in girls and women offered a beneficial outlook, especially regarding the identification and comorbidities.