Reconsidering the attention deficit paradigm.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the inadequacies and criticisms of the current categorical paradigm of Attention Deficit Disorder both in children and adults.


CONCLUSIONS
An alternative, more dimensional paradigm linking executive functions is described and its advantage over categorical diagnostic paradigms is argued. Consideration of a more discriminating and dimensional behavioural model would help psychiatrists operating in this area.
Rosenman
Stephen
S
Mental Health Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia. sjr@netspeed.com.au
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D009517:New South Wales