A. Either (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; or (2) six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.

C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school [or work] and at home).

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder) (Shin, 1998, pp.316-7).

Inattention can be observed in a person that displays these symptoms: often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistake

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Molecular Psychiatry, Vol. 1, No. 2, pages 121-124; May 1996.

Azar, B. (1999 February). Some clinicians misusing ADHD diagnosis tools, report says [18

The imaging findings make sense because the brain areas that are reduced in size in children with ADHD are the very ones that regulate attention. The right prefrontal cortex, for example, is involved in "editing" one's behavior, resisting distractions and developing an awareness of self and time. The caudate nucleus and the globus pallidus help to switch off automatic responses to allow more careful deliberation by the cortex and to coordinate neurological input among various regions of the cortex. The exact role of the vermis region is unclear, but early studies suggest it may play a role in regulating motivation (Dopamine, 1996, p.121).

Most researchers now believe that ADHD is a polygenic disorder--that is, that more than one gene contributes to it. Now the question is, what do these genes code for? Some impressive studies specifically implicate genes that encode, or serve as the blueprint for, dopamine receptors and transporters; these genes are very active in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. Dopamine receptors sit on the surface of certain neurons. Dopamine delivers its message to those neurons by binding to the receptors. Dopamine transporters protrude from neurons that secrete the neurotransmitter; they take up unused dopamine so that it can be used again. Mutations in the dopamine receptor gene can render receptors less sensitive to dopamine. Conversely, mutations in the dopamine transporter gene can yield overly effective transporters that scavenge secreted dopamine before it has a chance to bind to dopamine receptors on a neighboring neuron (Dopamine, 1996, p. 122).

Rapoport GC, Onroy A, Tenenbaum A. (1998) Is early intervention effective in preventing

s in schoolwork, work, or other activities; often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities; often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace ( not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions); often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities; often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort ( such as schoolwork or homework); often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools); is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli; is often forgetful in daily activities.

It is even more important in the ADHD adult diagnostic process to obtain a careful history of childhood, academic, behavioral and vocational problems. With the increased recognition that ADHD is a disorder presenting throughout the life span, questionnaires and related diagnostic tools for the assessment of adult ADHD have been standardized and are increasingly available. ADHD diagnoses are based on a person having three different symptoms. The full syndrome is diagnosed when at least nine symptoms from both sets of subtypes are present. Partial syndromes, which are p

Some common words found in the essay are:
Disorder Shin, ADHD Rapoport, Children ADHD, Clonidine Stimulant, University Chicago, ADHD Nongenetic, United Europe, Disorder ADHD, Mental Health, ADHD Dopamine, children adhd, prefrontal cortex, hyperactivity disorder, basal ganglia, adhd symptoms, dopamine receptors, six symptoms, school-aged population, degree maladaptive inconsistent, behavioral treatment, adhd syndrome, prefrontal cortex basal, inconsistent developmental level, maladaptive inconsistent developmental, 6 degree maladaptive,
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