Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Understanding, Diagnosing and Apprehending the Neurodevelopmental Condition

Abstract

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a strikingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder amongst children and adolescent populations. More so, the disorder is becoming increasingly predominant in adults, nevertheless the scientific literature surrounding ADHD remains divided on crucial characteristics: the age of onset, the diagnostic criteria, the treatment methods and especially the causes of the disorder. ADHD is primarily regarded as atypical levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, with management techniques ranging from pharmaceutical interventions to behavioral therapies. However, no true cognitive assessment exists to gauge the disorder appropriately, which lends itself to ambiguity and an excessive potential for incorrect diagnoses. This thesis aims to provide a cohesive analysis of the contemporary research surrounding ADHD in efforts to structure a more direct and clinically useful diagnostic technique founded on a principal theoretical framework of attention. Ultimately, this perspective should frame latent research to discover suitable and effective cures for ADHD.