The What and Hows of ADD/ADHD in Children

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and unfortunately most of its causes are unknown. It can persist through adolescence and into adulthood. According to the estimation of American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV-TR) 3%-7% of children suffer from ADHD. Some studies have estimated higher rates in community samples. Surprisingly, this dis-ease is diagnosed approximately three times more often in boys than in girls.

ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common core features include: