The AAP's guidelines recognize that ADHD "is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood and can profoundly affect the academic achievement, well-being, and social interactions of children." AAP 

AAP has issued key action statements:

• The primary care physician should initiate an evaluation for ADHD for any child 4 through 18 who presents with academic or behavioral problems and symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. (Strong recommendation)
• To make a diagnosis of ADHD the PCP should use the guidelines of the DSM-IV and obtain assessment information from parents, teachers, and other school or mental health clinicians AND rule out any alternative cause. (Strong recommendation)
• The PCP should assess for other conditions that may coexist with ADHD, including emotional or behavioral disorders, developmental disorders and physical conditions. (Strong recommendation)
• The PCP should recognize that ADHD is a chronic condition and treat children with ADHD as having special health care needs. (Strong recommendation)
• For children 4-5 years of age, the PCP should prescribe evidence-based behavior therapy as the first line of treatment and may prescribe methylphenidate (Ex. Ritalin) if behavior interventions do not provide significant improvement.  The PCP must weigh the risks of starting medication at an early age against the harm of delaying diagnoses and treatment  (Strong recommendation)
• For children 6-11, the PCP should prescribe approved medications for ADHD and/or evidence-based behavior therapy (preferably both). (Strong recommendation)
• For adolescents 12-18, the PCP should prescribe approved medication for ADHD with the assent of the adolescent (strong recommendation) and also may prescribe behavior therapy (recommendation).
• The PCP should titrate (gradually increase) doses of medication for ADHD to achieve maximum benefit with minimum adverse effects (strong recommendation).