ABSTRACT
The most frequent problem encountered in outpatient child and adolescent mental health settings is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), representing from one-third to one-half of all referrals (Popper, 1988). Prevalence estimates of ADHD vary between 3 percent and 9 percent, depending on diagnostic criteria. Reports suggest that the prevalence of ADHD has more than doubled in the past few years, resulting in part from increased recognition and awareness but also from changes in diagnostic criteria and their less rigorous application. There has been controversy concerning the relative importance of the core symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity, and whether these symptoms represent a distinct syndrome. However, there is no question that these symptoms and their associated emotional, social, and educational problems result in significant impairment in adaptive functioning.
