One common childhood disorder which has attracted a vast amount of both media and medical attention in the past decade is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or as it is more commonly known, "ADHD". The most common psychiatric disorder that appears in childhood, recent reports estimate that ADHD affects as many as 3-7 per cent of the child population, and further sources suggest that "three times as many boys as girls exhibit ADHD" (Carlson et al., 2000. p. 426). It is unknown what exactly causes ADHD, however there is some evidence that the disorder may run in families, particularly those which are behaviourally disordered, according to Faraone et al, (1997, in cit. Carlson, 2000). In addition to this Ferguson et al (1996) and Herrenkohl et al (1997) have both presented evidence suggesting that ADHD is six times more common in children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Between 20-50 per cent of children with the disorder cease to show symptoms before adolescence while 30-50 per cent of affected adolescents show symptoms into adulthood.
The symptoms of ADHD are separated into two main categories; those which pertain to hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour and those which pertain to inattentive behaviour. Children who have this disorder may show symptoms which are predominantly hyperactive and impulsive in nature, predominantly inattentive in nature or a combination of both. ADHD is diagnosed according to criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, which state that, in order for the child to be diagnosed with the disorder, at least six of the following symptoms of inattention must be present "to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental levels" (Mash and Wolfe, 1998):.
(a) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities.
(b) Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
