1. diagnostic criteria
   1. frequent, severe inattention, hyperactivity, & impulsivity
   2. developmentally inappropriate
   3. symptoms endure for >6 months
   4. symptoms occur in >2 settings
   5. symptoms clearly intefere w/functioning
2. subtypes
   1. inattentive
   2. hyperactive
   3. combined
3. epidemiology
   1. more common in males
   2. 3-7% of school-aged children
4. onset
   1. symptoms by age 3
   2. diagnosis by age 8
5. course
   1. hyperactivity declines in teens
   2. inattention/hyperactivity tends to persist
6. features
   1. cognitive
      1. lower academic achievement
   2. behavioral
      1. "difficult" temperament as infant
      2. temperamental & conduct problems
      3. peer rejection
      4. prone to substance abuse
7. conceptualization
   1. neuroantatomy
      1. dec metabolism in prefrontal lobe
      2. dec brain size
   2. neurochemical
      1. dec dopamine & norephinephrine
8. etiology
   1. person inherits abnormal CNS
      1. genetics
      2. trauma
9. evaluation
   1. tests of sustained attention (continuous performance test)
   2. test of frontal lobe functioning (wisconsin card sorting test)
   3. behavior rating scales (cbcl, conner's adhd rating, adhd rating scale)
10. treatment
    1. psychotherapy
       1. individual therapy
       2. behavioral therapy
       3. parental therapy
    2. pharmacological
       1. stimulants
       2. stratteran (atomoxetine)
       3. anti-depressants
       4. anti-psychotics
11. outcomes of adults untreated
    1. lower occupational status
    2. lower education
    3. substance abuse
    4. traffic infarctions & auto accidents