According to the National Institutes of Health, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood disorders (NIH, 2008). All children show the same clinically related symptoms, although children with ADHD show more severe and frequent symptoms. Children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should take medications as part of treatment because they help control the associated side effects of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The first reason why a child should be treated with a drug is to control inattention. Inattention is the predominant characteristic displayed by children. The child often loses things, makes careless mistakes and is easily distracted. Inattention is caused by a neurological brain disorder in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the central location of the brain and controls concentration and memory. These are executive functions that control attention and willpower. These functions mainly depend on two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. The release of dopamine promotes motivation for happiness. (Brown, 2005) Stimulant medications are made with one of these chemicals that allow for treatment. The second concomitant condition that should be controlled by medications is hyperactivity. Hyperactive children are constantly on the move. Tension at home and at school can increase if hyperactivity goes uncontrolled. It can cause incomplete homework and the child can become a nuisance to the whole class. (Steer, J. 2009) This can cause a pattern of school suspensions perceived as bad behavior. The child will climb or run around, talk excessively, and have difficulty doing a quiet activity. This interpretation ultimately leaves the child with the dramatic consequences of feeling isolated and a failure. Effort and activation are the impaired functions that influence hyperactivity. Stimulant medications will enable the ability to activate to work by organizing and prioritizing. A child's impulsivity should be controlled by medications. A child's impulses drive them to act before they think. This may lead to the child giving answers before being asked or having difficulty waiting their turn. A drug would allow the child's neurotransmitters to process the information before responding. Emotions and actions are impaired functions. Not being able to manage their emotions can create an unbalanced child who can't put what they feel into words. Furthermore, self-regulation and monitoring are compromised without adequate chemical treatment. Leaving these side effects of ADHD untreated can lead to a child having low self-esteem and a negative self-image.