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The DSM-IV allows for diagnosis of the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD if the individual presents six or more of the following symptoms of inattention for at least six months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

* Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

* Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities (Is often easily distracted).

* Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

* Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due
   to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

* Often has trouble organizing activities.

* Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such
   as schoolwork or homework).

* Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

* Is often forgetful in daily activities.

* Procrastination, inability to begin an activity.

* Difficulties completing household chores.

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A requirement for an ADHD-I diagnosis is that of the symptoms that cause impairment must have been present before seven years of age and symptoms must be present in two or more settings (e.g., at school or work and at home). There must also be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Lastly, the symptoms must not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder.)

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Heredity and genetics - The fact that ADD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a genetic tendency to develop an attention-deficit disorder from their parents. Studies indicate that 25 percent of the close relatives in the families of ADD children also have ADD, whereas the rate is about 5 percent in the general population.

Many studies of twins now show that a strong genetic influence exists in the disorder. The relatives of ADD children (both boys and girls) have much higher rates of ADD, anti-social, mood, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders than the families of non-ADD children.

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Brain changes - Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADD than in children without the disorder.

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Environmental Factors - The estimated contribution of non genetic factors to the contribution of all cases of ADHD is 20 percent.

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Pre-Natal - The environmental factors implicated are common exposures and include alcohol, in utero tobacco smoke and lead exposure, believed to stress babies prenatally. Complications during pregnancy and birth—including premature birth—might also play a role. It has been observed that women who smoke while pregnant are more likely to have children with ADHD. This could be related to the fact that nicotine is known to cause hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in utero, but it could also be that ADHD women have more probabilities to smoke both in general and during pregnancy, being more likely to have children with ADHD due to genetic factors.

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Diet - Studies have found that malnutrition is also correlated with attention deficits. Diet seems to cause ADHD symptoms or make them worse. Many studies point to synthetic preservatives and artificial coloring agents aggravating ADD & ADHD symptoms in those affected. Older studies were inconclusive quite possibly due to inadequate clinical methods of measuring offending behavior. Parental reports were more accurate indicators of the presence of additives than clinical tests. Several major studies show academic performance increased and disciplinary problems decreased in large non-ADD student populations when artificial ingredients, including artificial colors were eliminated from school food programs. Professor John Warner stated, “significant changes in children’s hyperactive behaviour could be produced by the removal of artificial colourings and sodium benzoate from their diet” and “you could halve the number of kids suffering the worst behavioural problems by cutting out additives”.

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Head Injuries - Head injuries can cause a person to present ADHD-like symptoms, possibly because of damage done to the patient's frontal lobes. Because these types of symptoms can be attributable to brain damage, one earlier designation for ADHD was "Minimal Brain Damage".

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Social Factors - There is no compelling evidence that social factors alone can create ADHD. Many researchers believe that attachments and relationships with caregivers and other features of a child's environment have profound effects on attentional and self-regulatory capacities. It is noteworthy that a study of foster children found that an inordinate number of them had symptoms closely resembling ADHD.

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Ginkgo Biloba - This oldest surviving tree specie, dating back to millions of years has predominantly been grown in China till the 18th century. Then it came to Europe and from there to United States. Trees may live up to 1000 years and are usually grown in rich, well drained soil in sunny locations. Leaves of ginkgo are the ones having medicinal qualities and their main constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids - antioxidants that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets. These particular traits of ginkgo are specifically useful in treating two age old diseases – one related to memory loss and another called acrocyanosis, in which there is a permanent bruising on the hands and feet. In effect, ginkgo is being used to treat memory loss for more than 5000 years in China. It achieves this by counteracting the declining mental faculties. It not only improves concentration and memory but also reduces mood swings and apathy. This effect is got as the active constituents of ginkgo fight against the age related deterioration of blood vessels in the brain.

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Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) was traditionally used to help relieve occasional simple nervous tension. This herb helps to gently soothe and lessen frustration caused by common every day overwork and fatigue. With its daisy like flowers throwing aromatic scents everywhere, this wild herb is found throughout the Europe in fields and even along the road sides. It grows wild but is also cultivated in the gardens. The essential oil of German chamomile flower contains bisabols, flavonoids and azulenes that give this herb its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and muscle relaxing properties.

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Centella asiatica (Gotu cola) is found wild in moist areas throughout Africa and Asia, this herb is traditionally used as a tonic to support the healthy brain and nervous system, Centella asiatica is recommended to support brain functions such as mental clarity, healthy memory and to maintain a balanced mood. This medicinal herb is so highly respected in Ayurvedic medicine for its effect on the mind that it is even said to increase knowledge of Brahman - the supreme reality! Centella asiatica is also a favorite food of elephants and, as we all know, elephants never forget! Recent studies have suggested that Centella asiatica supports cerebral blood flow (CBF) and circulation in general .

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Avina Sativa is a general tonic traditionally used in folk medicine as well as in modern herbalism, Avina sativa is invaluable in alleviating common nervous irritability that can sometimes ruin your day. Active ingredients are saponins, flavonoids, minerals, alkaloids, steroidal compounds, Vitamins B1, B2, D, and E, carotene and wheat protein.

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Natrium muriaticum (derived from sodium chloride) - Water is the medium by which nutrients and brain chemicals are transported from the blood into the cells and carried from cell to cell. The function of this tissue salt is to maintain the body's water balance by controlling the movement of water in and out of the cells. Natrium muriaticum (also called Nat. mur.) naturally and gently flushes the system while hydrating tissues.

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Tuberculinum (30C) was traditionally used for allergy-related complaints, but can also be used to soothe irritability and for those with a flustered disposition. From a homeopathic point of view, Tuberculinum is best suited to personalities who long for constant stimulation and change, often accompanied by destructive anger, disillusionment, irritability, and a strong sense of discontent.

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Arsen iod (30C) is used to promote balance during temper outbursts, but can also assist in suppressing annoyance when confronted with trying and frustrating circumstances. This proven homeopathic remedy is often recommended for people who tend to be irritable and restless, or excitable and impatient with sudden outbursts. There is often a history of allergic reactions or hay fever.

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In 1982, the NIH had determined, based on research available at that time, that roughly 5% of children with ADHD could be helped significantly by removing additives from their diet. The vast majority of these children were believed to have food allergies. More recent studies have shown that approximately 60-70% of children with and without allergies improve when additives are removed from their diet, that up to almost 90% of them react when an appropriate amount of additive is used as a challenge in double blind tests, and that food additives may elicit hyperactive behavior and/or irritability in normal children as well. These allergens include synthetic additives, dyes, and chemicals, which are commonly added to processed foods. The yellow dye tartrazine has been specifically shown to provoke symptoms in controlled studies of ADHD-affected children.

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Magnesium - Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include irritability, decreased attention span, and mental confusion. Some experts believe that children with ADHD may be exhibiting the effects of mild magnesium deficiency. Foods rich in magnesium are whole grains, leafy green vegetables, millet, figs, meat, fish, Soya beans, bananas, apricots, milk, pulses.

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Vitamin B₆ - Adequate levels of vitamin B₆ are essential for the synthesis of essential brain chemicals including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, the chemicals affected in children with ADHD.

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Zinc - Zinc regulates the activity of neurotransmitters, fatty acids, and melatonin, all of which are related behavior. Several studies have found that zinc may help improve behavior, but the effects were modest at best. Higher doses of zinc can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor before giving zinc to a child or taking it yourself. Foods rich in zinc are meat & offal, eggs, milk, oysters, lentils, wheat germ, nuts, crab, chicken

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Essential fatty acids - Fatty acids, such as those found in fish and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) and evening primrose oil (omega-6 fatty acids), are "good fats" that play a key role in normal brain function. Omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids are also helpful in maintaining and repairing the central nervous system. Omega-6 is derived from linoleic acid and found in vegetable oils such as olive and sunflower as also almonds and walnuts. Evening primose oil is a worthy substitute as well. Daily requirement of omega-6 acid is nearly 4g, equivalent to a handful of almonds or walnuts. Omega-3 is needed in smaller quantities (usually 2g is enough) and a handful of walnuts should be sufficient. It is also present in adequate percentage in rapeseed oil and herring. Basically, oily fish like herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines, all are rich in omega-6 and omega-3 acids.

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Exceeding the recommended dose or taking these stimulants for longer than prescribed duration may be habit-forming.

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Laboratory and/or medical tests, including heart function, blood pressure, complete blood counts and platelet counts should be regularly performed both before and during prescription drug use in order to monitor your child’s progress and to check for side effects. This is particularly important with stimulant drugs.

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Before your child has any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that your child is using these medicines.

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Serious side effects including heart attack, stroke, and sudden death have occurred with the use of stimulant medicines in patients with heart defects or other serious heart problems.

Recently there have been similar side effects associated with the use of some of these stimulant drugs in children without pre-existing heart problems – some of which have resulted in death. This has lead to at least one drug, Adder all, being taken off the market in Canada.

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These stimulants may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

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These stimulants may affect growth rate and weight gain in children and teenagers. They may need regular growth and weight checks while taking this medicine.

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Caution is advised when using these stimulant medications on children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. Particular problems can be loss of appetite, stomach pain, trouble sleeping, and fast heartbeat.

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There has been some evidence of an increase in suicidal thoughts and tendencies in children taking prescription medication for ADD.