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The following is the Conclusions from the National
Institutes of Health, Consensus Development Conference
Statement, November 16-18, 1998.
“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a
commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood that
represents a costly major public health problem.
Children with ADHD have pronounced impairments and can
experience long-term adverse effects on academic
performance, vocational success, and social-emotional
development which have profound impact on individuals,
families, schools, and society. Despite progress in the
assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD, this
disorder and its treatment have remained controversial,
especially the use of psychostimulants for both short
and long-term treatment.”
Although an independent diagnostic test for ADHD does
not exist, there is evidence supporting the validity of
the disorder. Further research is needed on the
dimensional aspects of ADHD, as well as the comorbid
(coexisting) conditions present in both childhood and
adult forms.
Studies (primarily short term, approximately 3 month),
including clinical trials, have established the efficacy
of stimulants and psychosocial treatments for
alleviating the symptoms of ADHD and associated
aggressiveness and have indicated that stimulants are
more effective than psychosocial therapies in treating
these symptoms. Because of the lack of consistent
improvement beyond the core symptoms and the paucity of
long-term studies (beyond 14 months), there is a need
for longer term studies with drugs and behavioral
modalities and their combination. Although trials are
underway, conclusive recommendations concerning
treatment for the long term cannot be made presently.
There are wide variations in the use of psychostimulants
across communities and physicians, suggesting no
consensus regarding which ADHD patients should be
treated with psychostimulants. These problems point to
the need for improved assessment, treatment, and
follow-up of patients with ADHD. A more consistent set
of diagnostic procedures and practice guidelines is of
the utmost importance. Furthermore, the lack of
insurance coverage preventing the appropriate diagnosis
and treatment of ADHD and the lack of integration with
educational services are substantial barriers and
represent considerable long-term costs for society.
Finally, after years of clinical research and experience
with ADHD, our knowledge about the cause or causes of
ADHD remains largely speculative. Consequently, we have
no documented strategies for the prevention of ADHD.”
It is estimated that perhaps half the children diagnosed
with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood.
However, at present, there are not widely accepted
criteria for the adult form of this condition.
The Counseling and Human Development Center at the
University of South Carolina does not perform testing to
diagnose ADHD or Learning Disorders. This testing is
lengthy (generally several days) and fairly expensive.
We encourage students who have attentional problems and
think they may have ADHD, to get current and thorough
testing and to work with the person who does the testing
on treatment options. It should be noted, however, that
other psychiatric and psychological conditions can cause
concentration and attention difficulties. Depression,
anxiety, stress, and drugs and medications may cause
difficulties in this area. The CHDC provides a place for
evaluation of these problems. Call 777-5223 for an
appointment.
Additional Links about ADHD:
National Institute of Mental Health; Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm
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