Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or AD/HD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. It is primarily characterized by ″the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone″ and symptoms starting before seven years of age.

ADHD is diagnosed two to four times as frequently in boys as in girls, though studies suggest this discrepancy may be due to subjective bias of referring teachers. ADHD management usually involves some combination of medications, behavior modifications, lifestyle changes, and counseling. Its symptoms can be difficult to differentiate from other disorders, increasing the likelihood that the diagnosis of ADHD will be missed. Additionally, most clinicians have not received formal training in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, particularly in adult patients.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_Deficit_Hyperactive_Disorder

Harlan Gephart, MD

Harlan Gephart says if we let an ADHD child go untreated, we may well be handing that child a life sentence of academic and social failure.

He told, it was becoming increasingly difficult for primary care physicians to carve out the block of time necessary to do a complete assessment for ADHD, and we were receiving a large number of these kinds of referrals. We needed a place where we could facilitate the assessment and management of children with the disorder. When Dr. McDonald retired in 1990, I became medical director of the center, and for a number of years I practiced half time in the center and half time in general pediatrics. Today, I limit my practice to half time, but devote 100% of my practice time to assessments, medication management, supervision, teaching, and administration at the center.

Article courtesy of
http://www.athealth.com/Practitioner/HarlanGephartMD.html