ABSTRACT
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent disorder of unknown etiology estimated to affect 6 to 9% of school-age children (Anderson, Williams, McGee, & Silva, 1987; Bird et al., 1988; Safer & Krager, 1988) (ADHD as used here also refers to previous definitions of the disorder). It is commonly associated with high disability that has an impact on all aspects of life, including work, relationships, and intrapsychic distress. The persistent inability to concentrate, multiple failures, disapproval, and demoralization may also contribute to low self-esteem. Recent studies confirm that ADHD is commonly associated not only with antisocial disorders but also with anxiety and depressive disorders (Biederman, Newcorn, & Sprich, 1991; Biederman et al., 1993). While its etiology remains unknown, family, adoption, and twin studies as well as segregation analysis, have indicated that genetic risk factors may be operant in this disorder (Faraone et al., 1992).
