Dr Cummings Comprehensive 

A newly recognized diagnosis in the second half of the 20^th century .The definition of the disorder is a patient suffering from a pervasive pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity in at least two settings (usually home and school) that causes functional impairment.

Studies have shown these patients to have lower activity in the frontal lobes of their brains (the area responsible for social inhibition- our “brakes”).These patients also do well when treated with stimulant medications, but it is still controversial how exactly these medications help.

The popular media and certain religious groups have challenged the existence of the disorder and proposed that it is over diagnosed. With careful clinical observation and collection of data from teachers, parents, and loved ones it becomes apparent that these patients suffer from a condition that not only affects them in their academic studies but also often causes secondary depression and social problems with their peers because of “not fitting in” and not being able to appreciate games/books/activities,etc.

One may wonder how you can differentiate between ADHD and bipolar disorder, as they both involve impulsivity/hyperactivity/concentration problems/irritability.Although they are similar , one distinguishing characteristic is that bipolar disorder has “episodes” and goes in cycles, whereas ADHD is present in some form pretty much all of the time.

It is also important to identify and treat the disorder early because these patients have a higher risk of developing alcoholism, conduct disorder, and anti-social personality disorder.

The disorder can persist into adulthood, but it is estimated that 80% of children are able to “grow out of it” and do not need treatment into adulthood.