One of the first steps in finding the best way to treat—and possibly someday prevent—a specific disorder is to determine its cause or causes. Researchers continue to work hard to determine why some people develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and others don't. Here is a summary of the leading ADHD research into this important topic.

• Genetics. Research strongly suggests that ADHD tends to run in families.⁹ However, this does not mean that all children in a family will have the disorder
• Imbalance in brain chemicals. Research suggests an imbalance in the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two brain chemicals, may cause many of the signs and symptoms of ADHD¹¹

Although there is no "cure" for ADHD, there are accepted treatments for ADHD that specifically target its symptoms. These standard treatments for ADHD include educational approaches, psychological or behavioral therapies, and medication.

• Educational approaches. Most children with ADHD are able to stay in the regular classroom, but do need some special accommodations to help them learn
• Psychological and behavioral therapies. Depending on a person's needs, a number of psychological and behavioral therapies are available to help manage ADHD. These options include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, ADHD support groups and parenting skills training
• Medication. ADHD medications like ADDERALL XR are thought to restore the balance of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine thereby promoting better focus and attention. These medications have been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.¹¹ Stimulant ADHD medications have been shown to significantly reduce hyperactivity, decrease impulsivity, and improve ability. While these medications are generally well tolerated,^1,10,12 common side effects may include decreased appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss, emotional lability, headache and insomnia. In late 2002, the FDA also approved a non-stimulant medication, atomoxetine, for treatment in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. Non-stimulant medications may also have side effects, including decreased appetite, weight loss and daytime sleepiness

A single morning dose of ADDERALL XR has been demonstrated to significantly improve the three core symptoms of ADHD^3,5,6—inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity⁴—throughout the day.

Many clinicians believe the best way to treat ADHD is by using a combination of medication and behavioral therapies.⁹