ADHD is considered a mental health disorder, so only a licensed professional can make the diagnosis that a child, teen, or adult has ADHD. These professionals use the DSM IV. Over the past 10 years, public awareness about ADHD has led to more children and adults being diagnosed with the disorder. Some people believe that the condition is being over-diagnosed. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, the individual must meet the specific diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSM IV. The criteria are set around the most prevalent symptoms

Inattention. Attention is a process. When we pay attention: we initiate, direct our attention to where it is needed at the moment; we sustain, pay attention for as long as needed; we inhibit, avoid focusing on something that distracts our attention from where it needs to be; and finally we shift, move our attention to other things as needed. Children with ADHD have no problems with paying attention; their problems have to do with what they are paying attention to, for how long, and under what circumstances. With ADHD, three common areas of inattention arise. They are: sustaining attention long enough, especially to boring, tedious, or repetitious tasks; ignoring distractions, especially to things that are more

These medications are believed to work by stimulating the action of the brain's neurotransmitters, especially dopamine. With the brain's systems working more efficiently, attention, memory, and inhibition, are improved. The result is better concentration, increased working memory capacity, greater recall, less hyperactivity, and more impulse control. Stimulant medications do not tend to help with symptoms of anxiety or depression. The decision to place a child on medication may not be an easy one. There have been many reports that medication is overprescribed for treatment of ADHD. In a recently conducted interview with a local Pharmacist it was noted that “medication may not be the right approach for every child. The benefits and the drawbacks of medication should be taken into consideration when making a sound decision. When medication is first prescribed, the physician should start with a low dose and then gradually raise it until the symptoms improve. You will need to dispense the medication as prescribed and closely monitor its effects, including any side effects. With stimulants, most side effects are quite mild and go away over time. Some parents are reluctant to place their child on medication for fear that doing so may lead to later substance abuse. As with any medication, though, parents must carefully monitor its use to be sure that the medication is taken as prescribed.”

(Be an executive). Provide structure, routines, assistive devices, external supports, and guides. Think of the executive as the boss who creates a work environment in which all the workers know what they have to do to do their jobs appropriately. Children who have difficulty with planning, thinking, organizing, concentrating, and self-monitoring need to have systems in place to guide and direct them. Things should be done at the same time every day, for example: homework, playtime, recreation, bedtime. Posting schedules on refrigerators is also helpful

of the disability: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Behavioral Therapy. ADHD can cause significant inappropriate behaviors. Frequent complaints include failure to follow rules, listen to commands, complete tasks, delay gratification, or control impulses. In addition, some youth may be aggressive or anxious. These symptoms lead to their own set of problems, such as fighting or avoiding tasks. Knowing more about behavior and how to support positive behavior is extremely useful information for anybody dealing with someone who has ADHD. Researchers have identified effective strategies that parents can use.

Hyperactivity. Excessive activity is the most visible sign of ADHD. Studies show that these children are more active than tho

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