Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A review of neuroscientific evidence of developmental delay and dysfunction
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Abstract
The childhood onset of the symptom of inattention, often presented along with the symptoms of hyperactivity and/or impulsivity, occurring with severity beyond what is developmentally appropriate, has for decades been a sufficient basis for a psychological or psychiatric diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Differences in requirements of symptom severity, symptom combinations, and onset and maturational course of presentation of symptoms has resulted in marked differences in diagnostic prevalence and medical treatment of this group of attention-deficit disorders in children and more recently adults among countries and over the years. The combination of 1) the core aspect of ADD/ADHD being self-control behaviors typical of an individual of younger age, 2) the diagnostic guides allowing for the possibility of change and/or disappearance of some or all symptoms with maturation, and 3) the evolution of the view of these disorders as having valid diagnosisand treatment-worthy presentation in adulthood, leads to an interesting question, “To what extent is ADD/ADHD a developmental delay versus a life-long dysfunction?” This manuscript reviews research findings on the neural basis of attention-deficit disorder or disorders across childhood and into adulthood, with the goal of shedding light on the neurological, maturational, and epigenetic influences over the projection of attention-deficit disorder(s). Correspondence to: Jessica Stephens,; Texas A&M – Kingsville, Department of Psychology and Sociology, MSC117 Station1, Kingsville, Texas 78363, USA, Tel: (361) 593-2701; E-mail: Jessica.Stephens@tamuk.edu