The world of medicine has seen many changes and advances over the last century, but perhaps none are as financially profitable as the industry of prescription drugs. New drugs emerge every day and claim to treat more and more conditions. On the corner of every block there is a pharmacy and their shelves are full of prescription drugs and it seems like they are here to stay. The question is: to medicate or not to medicate? Very regularly we turn to prescription drugs for everything from acne to severe back pain. The condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is no different. ADHD is a behavioral disorder commonly diagnosed in school-age children between the ages of 5 and 17, accounting for between 8% and 10% of the population (Kidshealth.org), or 4.5 million children who are been diagnosed with ADHD (Bloom & Cohen, 2006). p.5). These children's brains work differently. Not allowing them to concentrate on tasks considered boring or routine by most. A person living with ADHD is characterized by chronic difficulties in one of the following areas; attention, impulsivity and [hyper] activity (Addresources.org). They need enthusiasm to stay alert and can't waste time prioritizing what they need to focus on. This can be very disruptive in the classroom and a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often gets into trouble at school and/or at home. If not recognized early, this child, now classified as a “troublemaker,” becomes frustrated, underperforming and with low self-esteem. These adolescents have a higher rate of substance use and as adults may find themselves with a history of failed relationships and often underemployed or unemployed (Addresources.org). The diagnosis of this behavioral disorder is... middle of paper... ....dex.html.Kingsley, R. (September 2008). Children's health. In What is ADHD?. Retrieved January 21, 2010, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/adhd.Mental Health in the United States: Prevalence of diagnosis and pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. (2003, September) MMWRThe MTA Cooperative Group Weekly Magazine (1999). A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56:1073-1086. National Institute of Mental Health. (September 2009). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In MedlinePlus. Retrieved January 21, 2010, from http://.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder.html.Surgeon General of the United States (1999). Department of Health and Human Services. Mental health: a report of the surgeon general