title: What we do not know about ADHD… yet.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article provides an overview of current controversies in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research, with an emphasis on recent findings that are directly relevant to clinical practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over the past few years, a number of studies have added key evidence to ongoing debates about the epidemiology, nosology, and treatment of ADHD. Although the causes of the rising prevalence of ADHD in the USA are still not fully understood, recent research suggests that environmental factors and changes to the diagnostic criteria may have played a role. In addition, there continues to be controversy surrounding the clinical diagnosis of ADHD and newly recognized, related conditions such as sluggish cognitive tempo. Recent studies have also challenged previous assumptions about the long-term effects of stimulant treatment on growth, academic achievement, and substance use. Moreover, although most complementary and alternative therapies for ADHD appear to be ineffective, there is emerging evidence supporting the value of fatty acid supplementation. Although these findings are promising, more research is needed on all fronts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although research has shed light on unanswered questions about the epidemiology, nosology, and treatment of ADHD, much is still not known. An understanding of the most important current controversies in ADHD research may aid pediatricians in clinical decision making and allow them to counsel patients more effectively.
authors.affiliation: aYale University, New Haven, Connecticut bDivision of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kiely
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adesman
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6