The purpose of this research was to describe and understand attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population and, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the sufferer's mind. This makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new, effective treatments to help those suffering from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help understand the complexities of the disease through scientific research. It was also a way to separate disease myths from truths, while discovering the causes, diagnostic methods, and best treatment alternatives to combat this widespread disease. In 1902, a physician named Sir George F. published a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians in England in which he described a group of impulsive children with significant behavioral problems, caused by a genetic dysfunction and not by poor parenting of children - children who today would easily be recognized as having ADHD (NIMH 1) . Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and an inability to stay focused on tasks or activities. ADHD affects approximately 3 to 9 percent of children, with symptoms usually appearing around age seven. Some key characteristics of the disorder include a person who: ? Is he easily distracted by events happening around him? Do you delay anything that requires sustained mental effort? Seems not to listen when spoken to? Shows repeated failure to complete tasks? Do you have trouble staying still? Shows difficulty organizing activities. These symptoms are particularly distressing for children and adolescents. Although they can be very intelligent, their lack of concentration often results in poor grades and academic difficulties. Children and adolescents with ADHD tend to act impulsively, without addressing the consequences of their actions until it is too late. Their attention span is much shorter than that of most children, so they become bored easily and frustrated by ...... middle of paper ...... done by the NIMH to support the claims that genetic disposition and neurobiology were possible causes of ADHD. Their experiment studied 152 boys and girls with ADHD and was compared to 139 age- and gender-matched controls without ADHD. The children's brains were scanned at least twice, possibly four times over the course of a decade. Based on the literature, this appears to be a reliable experiment due to the gender- and age-matched control group.3. Is there another way to interpret the evidence? In my opinion and in my observations over my life, the evidence clearly indicates a strong correlation between genetics and a person's risk of having ADHD. I've also had friends with ADHD whose parents have similar symptoms.4. What additional studies would help evaluate the alternatives? I think that if genetic and neurobiological studies are conducted, the researcher should randomize the age groups tested and continue the research over the long term.5. Which conclusions are most reasonable? The conclusion drawn is that.