Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children

These are controversial times for those who care for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Class action law suits have been filed in federal courts in California and New Jersey accusing a manufacturer of methylphenidate and the American Psychiatric Association of conspiring to expand the use of this drug. These suits have recently been dismissed. This is just the latest chapter in the long-running debate over the existence, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD. Controversies relating to ADHD continue to polarize physicians, educators, caregivers, and parents of these children. There are those who believe that ADHD does not exist as a true disorder. At the other end of the spectrum are those who are too quick to make the diagnosis without an adequate patient workup. Parents can unfortunately get caught in the middle of this debate when making treatment decisions for their children.