... commonly as the DSM-IV, this manual provides the diagnostic criteria for the most common mental disorders, along with descriptions, treatments, and research findings. In 1988, I was diagnosed with a condition very similar to the one described above, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The fourth edition was not released until 1994, and my evaluation was still being referred to as Attention-Deficit Disorder With or Without Hyperactivity (DSM-III, 1988). The criteria quoted above, which describes the inattentiveness portion of ADHD, only constitutes half of the entire diagnosis. The other half deals with fidgeting, squirming, excessive talking, interrupting, and other hyperactive-impulsive characteristics of those with ADHD. These two dimensions, either together or separately, can pose serious consequences to those having the disorder. Without identification and proper treatment, ADHD can have detrimental effects such as school failure, depression, relationship problems, and job failure. Until recent years, it was believed that children ...

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