Beyond polemics: science and ethics of ADHD

The rates of ADHD diagnosis have increased sharply in most countries around the world. This Perspective examines the current state of scientific research into ADHD and the key social and ethical concerns that are emerging from the use of stimulant drug treatments in children. What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Why are so many children being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication? Are stimulant drugs an effective and safe treatment strategy? This article explores the current state of scientific research into ADHD and the key social and ethical concerns that are emerging from the sharp rise in the number of diagnoses and the use of stimulant drug treatments in children. Collaborations among scientists, social scientists and ethicists are likely to be the most promising route to understanding what ADHD is and what stimulant drugs do.