ABSTRACT
The defining features of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Children with ADHD express some combination of these symptoms to such a high degree that they experience clinically significant impairment, including peer rejection, academic difficulties, classroom behavior problems, and conflicts with parents and teachers. Children with ADHD often become adolescents and adults who experience low employment and socioeconomic status, poor academic achievement, and high rates of automobile accidents, family problems, antisocial behavior, and perhapsmood problems. ADHD is one of themore common disorders of childhood. Estimates from epidemiological studies suggest that between 1 and 7% of elementary-age children meet criteria for ADHD and that ADHD accounts for a large percentage of referrals to mental health clinics. Collectively, these findings argue that ADHD is associated with serious negative consequences for both the child and for those in the child’s environment and is therefore a serious community health concern (Hinshaw, 1994a).
