Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Rehabilitation Counseling
Advisor
Bordieri, James
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to review the effectiveness of medicinal and non-medicinal treatments of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This was accomplished through a comprehensive review of the literature related to this topic. ADHD affects a large amount of the population with prevalence rates reported to be between 2% and 7% (Bruchmuller, Margraf, & Schneider, 2012). Unfortunately, of the children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, 60% - 85% of them continue to exhibit these symptoms in adolescence and 60% of those diagnosed with pediatric ADHD will see their symptoms persist into their adult lives (Madaan, Daughton, Lubberstedt, Mattai, Vaughan, & Kratochvil, 2008). Moreover, contrary to popular belief, ADHD impairments extend far beyond the classroom to other additional facets of one’s life including peer interactions as well as in extracurricular activities that take place after school. This paper will examine the effectiveness of multiple treatment methods commonly used for this disorder as well as issues concerning the effects and over-prescription of stimulant medications has become more prominent in recent years and should be further discussed.