Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that generates much discussion among professionals. There are many debates surrounding this disorder. Theories are presented from each side about what causes this phenomenon, how to assess it, and how to treat it effectively. The first question to answer is: what is ADHD? ADHD is a group of behavioral problems revolving around three main symptoms. The main symptom a person has is the inability to maintain attention. A second key symptom is impulsivity. They may act or yell inappropriately and have a short fuse leading to tantrums. A third main symptom is hyperactivity. Patients are unable to sit still, appearing restless or agitated. ADHD symptoms can also cause problems in educational settings for children and also problems at work for adults. ADHD is divided into three subtypes. The first concerns those who are impulsive and hyperactive. The second type consists only of those who are inattentive. The third group is those who experience all of these symptoms combined. In the United States, 3 to 5% of children show signs of this disorder. This disorder has also been shown to be more predominant in boys. Many children with ADHD fail to overcome the disorder and carry it into their adult lives. Various studies have shown that two-thirds of children with ADHD still suffer from it well into their twenties, making it a problem that affects both children and adults. The assessment and diagnosis of ADHD constitutes a critical debate surrounding this disorder. In the DSM IV, it states that to accurately diagnose ADHD, the patient must have at least six symptoms. People with ADHD exhibit a variety of signs such as difficulty maintaining attention...... middle of article...... treatments for ADHD: a lifespan approach. " Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry 51.2 (2010): 116 -133. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO Web. March 27, 2011. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne IN. Ramsay, J. Russell. “CBT for ADHD in Adults: Hypothetical Adaptations and Mechanisms of Change: 37-45. Academic Search Premier. March 27, 2011. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne IN. “Limits of Effectiveness and Safety of Drug Therapy.” Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adults.” Drugs 23. (2009): 21-31. March 27, 2011. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne IN (1994). . Washington, DC: Author Academic Search Premier, EBSCO Web, April 11, 2011, Fort Wayne IN...