An update on the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children

What are the most appropriate empirically supported diagnostic and treatment approaches to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? This article summarizes the nomenclature, prevalence and course, comorbidity, etiology, assessment, and federal laws associated with ADHD. The authors then review clinical research and consensus guidelines for the treatment of ADHD, including the largest randomized treatment study completed on ADHD (MTA Cooperative Group, 1999a). The empirical evidence supports either a behavioral-psychosocial or a combined behavioral-psychosocial and medication intervention in the treatment of children with ADHD.