Introduction: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is probably the most commonly misunderstood neurological disorder. It has often been attributed to bad parenting or poor character or both. It has been explained by poor lifestyle, especially diet. It has been called the designer disease of the 1990’s. Many simply do not believe that it exists or that it is an artifact of today’s culture. Neuroimaging, a technique that allows us to see function and not just structure of the brain, clearly shows that AD/HD exists and how it interferes with normal brain activity. However, diagnosis and treatment in general remain a challenge. This is largely due to continued misunderstanding of the fundamental components of the disorder as well as reluctance to seek treatment.

I. Theology

A. How can you explain the presence of emotional/psychiatric problems in general based on the fall of man described in Genesis?

B. How would you explain the variability in how these problems present?

C. What specific causes could you identify? Relate this to the specific causes of physical problems you can find in Scripture.

II. Primary Symptoms

A. Distractibility

B. Impulsivity

C. Hyperactivity

III. Neurology

A. Neurotransmitter

B. What neurotransmitter is believed to be primarily involved with Attention Deficit Disorder?

C. Neuroimaging shows function.

1. What is the difference between function and structure?

2. Why is looking at the brain important.

IV. Executive Dysfunction

A. Difference between a learning disorder and a problem with attention

B. Main symptoms of an executive dysfunction

C. Can someone have executive dysfunction without having attention deficit disorder?

V. Treatment

A. Three important considerations in treatment