(1) six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

The most commonly used and most controversial Psychostimulants are methylphenidate (Ritalin & Concerta), dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine), and magnesium pemoline (Cylert). The only uses approved by the FDA for these drugs are AD/HD and narcolepsy. Many schools don’t like to dispense medications, many so children are placed on sustained-release versions of these medications, although, this version is proven to be less effective. Many children and adolescents do not want their peers to know they are on medication, so the medication side effects may limit their participation in school or community activities. The most common side effects are insomnia, decreased appetite, gastropmtestinal (GI) problems, and irritability(Flick 1998).

Attention has evident and distinct aspects including focusing, exciting, sustaining, and shifting. These aspects may involve different but interrelated regions of the brain that form a system. Attention problems depend on where in the brain damage or dysfunction occurs. A model of attention processes formulated by Solberg and Mateer, states that “a child may have one or more of these difficulties (in focused, sustained, selective, alternating, and divided attention) and there may be different complex neurobiological correlates for each condition. (Flick 1998).” Early studies using CT scans, confirmed low striatal activity primarily in the right hemisphere. Also, less activity in the orbital prefrontal regions, more on the right side than left. These areas pf the brain involve the striatum are important in the areas of attention, as well as behavioral inhibition. Decreased blood flow has been found in the prefrontal areas and striatum. Oculomotor symptoms found in AD/HD could be caused by damage anywhere in the system that provides direct or indirect cortical control over eye movements. Reports by Rapaport at NIMH show a smaller anterior frontal area and lack of asymmetry in parts of the basal ganglia. In normal children the right side appears to be larger than the left. Hyperactive children also have a smaller total cerebral volume. The right prefrontal brain region an

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