Measuring Outcomes in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)1 is a frequently encountered neurobiological disorder in childhood and has been the focus of significant scientific investigation and clinical interest over the past five decades.2,3 Primary care pediatricians provide a major component of the care for children and adolescents with ADHD. For the purpose of improving the care of these children, the American Academy of Pediatrics developed practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in the primary care setting for children ranging in age from 6 to 12 years.4,5 Goldman et al. have noted that ADHD is one of the “best-researched disorders in medicine” and that there are compelling data to attest to the validity of the disorder.6 ADHD carries with it a number of symptoms including problems with attention and concentration, distractibility and impulsivity (for review see Barkley7). These symptoms are associated with an array of debilitating functional impairments in individuals with ADHD. Epidemiological studies have been somewhat variable with regard to the prevalence of ADHD; estimates range from approximately 7% to 10% percent although fewer children receive treatment for the disorder (for review see American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry2). Contrary to previous clinical lore that ADHD represents a maturational lag that children would eventually out grow,3 compelling data from follow-up studies suggest that 60 to 85% of children with ADHD continue to meet…