title: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition of childhood onset with the hallmarks of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Inattention includes excessive daydreaming, disorganization, and being easily distracted. Impulsivity manifests as taking an action before fully thinking of the consequences. Hyperactivity includes an excessive rate of speech and motor activity. Complications of ADHD include academic failure, low self-esteem, poor work performance, substance abuse, criminal justice issues, and social problems. ADHD is predominately due to decreased activity in the frontal lobe. Dopamine and norepinephrine are the main neurotransmitters involved in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Pharmacological treatment of ADHD includes psychostimulants, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, α2 agonists, bupropion, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The most effective medications are the psychostimulants. Nonpharmacological treatment of ADHD includes coaching, providing structure, academic accommodations, and work accommodations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Taunton State Hospital, Taunton, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Gyula
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bokor
authors.affiliation: Psychopharmacology consultant, private practice pander7291@aol.com.
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine
keywords: ADHD; pediatrics; psychiatry; psychopharmacology; psychostimulants