Stimulant medication for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: evidence-b(i)ased practice?

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its pharmacological treatment remain the objects of intense controversy. The conflict reaches far beyond the area of scientific debate. An article on ‘behavioural syndromes', published in The Times on 28 July 2003, was headlined: ‘Hyperactive? Just go to a park and climb a tree’. An internet search will produce equal numbers of sites warning either that the prescription of stimulant medication is a denial of children's human rights, or that not prescribing stimulant to an ADHD child denies their right to treatment.