NIH Consensus Statement

Summary:

The NIH Consensus Development Panel concluded that AD/HD is a commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children that represents a major public health problem. Children with AD/HD usually have pronounced difficulties and impairments resulting from the disorder across multiple settings. They can also experience long-term adverse effects on academic performance, vocational success, and social-emotional development. For many individuals, the impact of ADHD continues into adulthood.

Although an independent diagnostic test for ADHD does not exist, evidence supporting the validity of the disorder can be found.

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of stimulants and psychosocial interventions for the treatment of AD/HD symptoms of ADHD.

Other Web Sites:

• NIH Consensus Statement (November 16-18, 1998)
  Consensus Development Conference Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder