Attention deficit disorders: characteristics, assessment, and interventions

ABSTRACT

In the United States, there is an increasing prevalence of children who are diagnosed with an attention deficit disorder (ADD). The essential features of ADD are developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsivity, and motor hyperactivity. The rate of prevalence could differ in other countries depending on the definition of the condition. This article will review related research in the United States about ADD which will include the following topics: differential diagnosis and assessment, treatment, interventions, and parent training. The overlap of ADD with other handicaps will be described as well as assessment techniques such as interviews, rating scales, and observations. Studies of the efficacy of medication, educational interventions, cognitive‐behavioral strategies, and parent training are reviewed. In the conclusion, suggestions for further research are outlined which may further assist youngsters with ADD to adjust at school, in the home, and in the community.