Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: current progress and controversies.
OBJECTIVE
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common chronic and disabling condition in children. This paper reviews the taxonomic issues and the major comorbid conditions, neurobiological correlates, treatment and public health issues associated with ADHD.


METHODS
Pertinent recent papers are reviewed from the psychological and psychiatric literature.


RESULTS
The two major taxonomies now define a similar group of children with ADHD of a combined type/hyperkinetic disorder. Advances in the understanding and treatment of ADHD demonstrate the complex multidimensional links between neurobiology, psychology and behaviour. Careful assessment of individual factors in treatment planning and ongoing monitoring of psychostimulant medication treatment in the longer term are recommended.


CONCLUSIONS
There is much still to learn about ADHD, and increased levels of clinical research and treatment resources are required.
Vance
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Maroondah Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service, Ringwood East, Victoria, Australia. alasdair.vance@med.monash.edu.au
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D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants