ABSTRACT
A paradigm shift that views Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan and in the context of comorbid conditions has advanced the field as far as diagnosis and intervention. A review of studies indicates ADHD is a complex disorder with genetics as well as environmental factors playing roles in the causation of ADHD. The objective measures tend to be performance measures such as the Conner Continuous Performance Test and intelligence or cognitive tests combined with achievement testing to identify patterns and impairment associated with ADHD. The behavioral and social manifestations of ADHD change across the life span. Mrug et al. have found that children with ADHD liked others more than they were liked, have fewer close friends and are rejected more often by their peers. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are each used to treat ADHD. Some of the most common stimulant medications are Concerta, Focalin-XR, Metadate, Ritalin LA, Adderal XR and Vyvanse and three non-stimulants are Strattera, Intuniv and Clonidine.
