attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattentiveness can be diagnosed with a child often makes careless, mistakes, has difficulty sustaining attention, does not seem to listen, does not follow through on tasks, has difficulty getting organized, dislikes or avoids sustained mental effort, loses things, is easily distracted, and is forgetful. Hyperactivity can be diagnosed when a child often fidgets, is out of his or her seat, runs and climbs excessively, has difficulty playing quietly, is always on the go, and talks excessively. Impulsivity is reflected on a child who often blurts out answers, has difficulty waiting his or her turn, and interrupts or intrudes on others. To officially be diagnosed with ADHD, at least six symptoms of inattentiveness or six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both must be present in a child's behavior (Behrman, Jenson, Kligman, 2000). All of these symptoms are subjective, making ADHD a psychological disorder and one that should not be treated by a general practitioner.
             The evaluation, both psychological and medical, of ADHD is much more complicated than just observing symptoms and prescribing medication. In Current Diagnosis & Treatment in PSYCHIATRY, Ebert, Loosen and Nurcombe write that in school-aged children, it is important to obtain the child's educational history and records of academic achievement and a current psycho-educational evaluation should be acquired. These documents are necessary so that the doctor can analyze them and exclude learning and language disorders as causes contributing to the present disorder. A general practitioner is not qualified to evaluate these records and tends to treat them with great informality.
             Ebert, Loosen, and Nurcombe also say that intelligence and achievement testing are necessary as well and the medical history taken by the physician should consider familial, prenatal, developmental, and social risk factors as well as possible u...