ADHD

In 2007, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become more widely accepted as a relatively common disorder. It can result in wide-ranging impairments, and there are clear benefits associated with treatment. However, there are still many unknowns, and understanding of aetiology, diagnosis and management continues to develop. Debate and controversy also continue, with some still doubting the validity of the diagnosis or the need for treatment. This picture is constantly changed by new and ongoing research in the developmental disorder field, and by new concerns, such as those raised in relation to patterns of adverse events and diagnostic threshold. This review aims to provide an update on developments in our understanding of ADHD since it was last covered by Medicine in 2004 (Medicine32:8).