CONTROVANCE AROUND ADHD 2Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, has serious implications for affected individuals and educators. Given the sharp increase in diagnoses over the past thirty years, professionals and the general public are concerned that ADHD is often misdiagnosed. A thorough review of the scientific evidence as well as possible hypotheses is necessary to determine the legitimacy of these claims. The etiology, reliance on medication, and effectiveness of alternative treatments for ADHD are all important factors in considering this controversy. ADHD was first recognized and described by Sir George Frederick Still, an English pediatrician, in 1902. He described ADHD as having core symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (Connor, 2011). However, it was not until 78 years later that these symptoms warranted a diagnostic term. The DSM-III, published in 1980, classified these symptoms as attention deficit disorder (Connor, 2011). The DSM-IV updated this term to refer to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with three subtypes: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined. This remains the current diagnosis thanks to the DSM-V update (Halgin & Whitbourne, 2014). ADHD is a disorder of the function of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine (Voeller 2004). Dopamine plays an important role in the initiation of working memory. It is also involved in learning, motivation, emotions and goals. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, is important for maintaining alertness and attention. These two transmitters are responsible for daily functioning and the ability to learn new material (Voeller 2004). It is for these reasons that ADHD poses a serious threat to the norm...... middle of article ......ERSY SURROUNDING ADHD 9 the urine of some children with ADHD has been identified as containing endotoxins (Pellow et al., 2011). Supplementing essential fatty acids, such as fish oil, has also been reported to increase attention, improve behavior, and reduce hyperactivity (Pellow et al., 2011). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a prevalent psychological disorder that, if left untreated, can be debilitating to an individual's life. ADHD has strong biological causation, but ADHD can also be caused or amplified by environmental conditions. Although the diagnosis and prescribing of stimulants has increased significantly in recent decades, this is not necessarily due to diagnostic errors but rather to societal and scientific changes. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate, are effective in treating ADHD, but there are also alternative treatments with some success..