Attention Deficit Disorders have become a very highly controversial topic during the last decade. Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD, is a broad, almost generic term for the different types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. The Diagnostic and Statistical manual of the American Psychiatric Association offers us this definition: "ADHD is a disorder that can include a list of nine specific symptoms of inattention and nine symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity." In addition, the Concise Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia provides this interpretation: "(a) chronic, neurologically based syndrome, characterized by any or all of three types of behavior: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity. Unlike simi

Treatment of ADHD is often done through behavior management, parent training, psychiatric treatment, educational intervention and psychostimulant medications. The combination of medication and psychosocial intervention is called multimodality treatment. Seventy to eighty percent of children treated with ADHD respond positively to psychostimulants. (CHADD) Medications primarily used in treatment include Ritalin (methylphenidate), which is the most commonly prescribed, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), and Cylert (pemoline). (CHADD) The most common side effects of these are loss of appetite, loss of weight, and problems with falling asleep. The loss of appetite typically lasts while the drug is working, and after it has worn off, the patients hunger returns, often stronger. Weight loss occurs rarely, and after research, growth is not revealed to be affected. Insomnia and sleeping problems are mainly credited to doses taken too late in the day. It is common practice to give the last dose no later than 4:00 p.m. (Diller, 263). Ritalin, which is a stimulant, confuses many people on why it is used to treat ADHD patients. The reasoning is that ADHD patients have a chemical imbalance within their brains, which causes Amphetamines, such as Ritalin, to have a reverse, typically calming affect. These effects allow the patient to concentrate more and interact better with others.

Schools are developing better programs to aid children with attention deficit disorders. IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ensure that students with all types of disabilities, including ADHD, receive a free and appropriate education. ADHD students have an IEP (Individualized Educational Program) which can result in placement in resource or SDC (Special Day) classes. IEP's involve the child's parent(s), teacher(s), school psychologist, and even a school administrator. The IEP's provide the student's current level of performance, a plan of educational goals, both long and short term, and how these goals will be implemented. The prognosis with children affected by ADHD is encouraging, especially for those whose symptoms are identified early and treated accordingly. Many children can cope with their disorder and become productive members of society. Untreated cases of ADHD can lead to failure in school and emotional and social difficulties, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

Numerous studies are underway and will hopefully produce more answers and a better understanding of the disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder affects three to five percent of all children, perhaps as many as two million American children. Two to three more boys than girls are affected. On the average, at least one child in every classroom in the United States needs help for the disorder. ADHD often continues into adolescence and adulthood, and can cause a lifetime of frustrating dreams and emotional pain (NIMH Pamphlet, 1996). According to the DSM-IV, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that occurs more frequently and appears to be more severe than typically observed in other individuals at a comparable level of development (Criterion A). Hyperactivity-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that interfere with function must have been present before age 7 years. However, many individuals are diagnosed after the symptoms have been present for a number of years (Criterion B). The impairment related to the symptoms must be exhibited in at least two settings (e.g., at home and at school or work) (Criterion C). Evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate academic, social, or occupational functioning must be clear (Criterion D). The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a Schizophrenia, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or other Psychotic Disorder and is not accounted for by another ment

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