Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a very common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. It is believed that about 3%-5% of school-going children suffer from this disorder. This disorder persists even in the adolescent stage of life and at times gets carried till the adult stage. An estimated 10%-50% of the children suffering from this disorder; continue to show symptoms, even after reaching their adulthood. The proper causes of attention deficit hyperactive disorder are not clearly known. But research is going on in order to find out the causes behind attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Initially it was believed that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be caused by certain food-additives. But research has revealed that there is no truth in this assumption. The main cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is apprehended to be genetic. Present research results suggest that the disorder occurs due to the deficiency of a specific neurotransmitter in the lower area of the brain.

Therefore, until the cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not properly known, the treatment will naturally be completely assumption based. There is no medical cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The treatment is only symptomatic. The drugs that are used to treat patients suffering from this disorder are meant to help them lead a normal life, rather than curing them of the disease. The drugs can give temporary relief to the patients, so that they can work, play and learn with minimum difficulty. The drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are basically stimulants. It is believed that these stimulants will improve the chemical imbalance in the brain, which may be the cause of the disorder. Drugs have provided good results too. It has been observed that in more than 76% cases, drugs have worked successfully in offering relief to the patient.

Another method of treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is by behavioral therapy. Under this method, rewards are given to the children on showing positive behavioral changes. The children are also given clear instructions regarding what is being expected of them. Parents, teachers and employers are also sensitized on the problems of the patients and how to handle them. Children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are at times provided with special care givers. These care givers give special attention to the children and their progress, so that they do not isolated.

The family plays the most important role in the treatment of a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The family needs to give more attention, love and care to that child and help him to get over this difficulty. It is very important for the future of the child.