Subjects:  Attention-deficit hyperactivity 
disorder - Physiological aspects
            Neurochemistry - Research
            Stimulants - Adverse and side effects
                                                                         


In the last decade, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has received 
significant attention from the education and counseling communities, with some 
considering it a life disability (Silver, 1992). The problems encountered by an 
individual diagnosed with ADHD occur not only during the school years, but 
throughout the entire life span.

ADHD is found in 3-6% of the child population in the United States, or nearly 2 
million children (Dulcan & Popper, 1991). Recent estimates indicate that close to 
40% of children referred to mental health clinics show symptoms of ADHD. It is 
more likely to occur in males than females, with ratios as high as 9:1 in clinic 
populations. Since boys are usually more aggressive and thus more likely to be 
referred, ADHD in girls may go unrecognized and untreated (Barkley, 1981).

ADHD is a biological disorder (with heredity playing a role) that can be 
exacerbated by social factors. A person's ability to maintain attention, self-
regulate impulsivity, and delay gratification are all symptoms and, 
correspondingly, are prefrontal brain functions. Symptoms of the disorder often 
appear in early childhood.

 A number of explanations have been postulated as to why attention deficit 
children evidence undesirable behavioral, social, and learning characteristics. 
Goodman and Poillion (1991) have indicated that the majority of causes of ADHD 
are attributable to organic problems. Their research indicated that genetics is the 
only presumed cause of ADHD, sighted by 48% of the authors they investigated. 
However, no specific gene responsible for ADHD has yet been isolated. There is 
some evidence that ADHD-type behaviors tend to recur in families, especially in 
first- and second-degree relatives of ADHD children (Barkley, 1981). While 
ADHD behaviors may be precipitated by deleterious social factors, with 
the exception of head injury occurring 
at a young age, there is no evidence of 
a single environmental agent causing 
ADHD (Pennington, 1991).  HELLOOOOOO...chiropractic?!