Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: are we medicating for social disadvantage? (For).
The diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is based on well defined criteria, which describe a number of symptoms. It is important to consider the context of the symptoms, in terms of the influence of the child's family and school. Although stimulant medications benefit selected children they may not benefit all children with symptoms of ADHD. The incidence of ADHD increases with social disadvantage. There is a potential danger of using stimulant medication alone to treat children with complex psychosocial problems, associated with social disadvantage, including Aboriginal children. We desperately need better training in the management of ADHD and better access to child psychiatrists.
Isaacs
David
D
Department of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia. david@chw.edu.au
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000208:ethnology; D001315:Australia; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care; D002666:Psychology, Child / Q000941:ethics*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000208:ethnology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants