Adhd

ADHD is a highly prevalent developmental disorder that is one of the more common reasons for pediatric neurology referral. Evidence from neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies suggests that the excessive impulsivity, hyperactivity, and offtask behaviors that characterize ADHD are secondary to impaired response inhibition associated with anomalous development within frontal-subcortical circuits. Comprehensive history is necessary for diagnosis as well as to assess for comorbid and differential diagnoses, many of which are one and the same. While not diagnostic, neurologic and neuropsychologic examinations are important for assessing often observed motor and cognitive signs reflecting dysfunction within motor, premotor, and prefrontal circuits. Treatment is multimodal and targeted at addressing the primary behavioral symptoms of ADHD as well as motor and executive deficits that can affect school performance.