SCIE research briefing 8: ADHD - how it is treated
References
Click here for a full alphabetical list of the references.
(1) American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Washington DC, APA.
This manual contains full details of the tool for diagnosing ADHD.
(2) Hill P., Taylor E. (2001). Au auditable protocol for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 84 (5), 404-409.
This article describes a framework for the management of ADHD.
(3) Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (2001). Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People SIGN Executive.
This guideline covers the following aspects of ADHD: definitions and concepts; assessment; pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies; and information for patients.
(4) British Psychological Society (2000). Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. Guidelines and principles for successful multi-agency working London, BPS. Available from: [Accessed 8 September 2004 ]
This guidance describes and defines professional roles in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
(5) SCIE Research briefing (2004). ADHD - background, assessment and diagnosis [Accessed 8 September 2004 ]
This is a research and policy briefing defining and describing the nature of ADHD.
(6) Bramble D., Pearce J. (1997). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A rational guide to paediatric assessment and treatment. Current Paediatrics, 7, 36-41.
This is a brief summary of the key elements of ADHD from classification to prognosis and services in the UK.
(7) Chu S. (2003). Occupational Therapy for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a survey on the level of involvement and training needs of therapists. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66 (5), 209-218.
This UK study reports the findings of a national survey to evaluate the involvement of OTs in the diagnosis and management of ADHD.
(8) Swanson J., Sargeant J., Taylor E., Sonuga-Barke E., Jensen P., Cartwell D. (1998). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Hyperkinetic Disorder. Lancet, 351 (9100), 429-433.
This is a review article covering the principal issues relating to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
(9) Taylor E., Chadwick O., Heptinstall E., Danckaerts M. (1996). Hyperactivity and conduct problems as risk factors for adolescent development. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 35 (9), 1213-1226. Abstract available.
This is a US longitudinal study examining the likelihood of impaired social functioning among adolescents with ADHD. Taylor E., Chadwick O., Heptinstall E., Danckaerts M. (1996). Hyperactivity and conduct problems as risk factors for adolescent development. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 35 (9), 1213-1226.
This is a US longitudinal study examining the likelihood of impaired social functioning among adolescents with ADHD.
(10) Thapar A.K., Thapar A. (2003). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. British Journal of General Practice, 53 (488), 225-230. Abstract available.
This is a discussion paper concerning the nature, concept and treatment of ADHD.
(11) Barkley R.A. (1998). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a handbook for diagnosis and treatment. New York, NY, Guilford Press.
This is the key US publication on ADHD.
(12) NICE (2000). Guidance on the Use of Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Equasym) for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Childhood London, NICE. Available from: [Accessed 8 September 2004 ]
This guidance describes and defines standards for the use of methylyphenidate, including clinical need, the technology itself, the evidence, implications for the NHS, and clinical audit advice.
(13) Conners C.K., Sitarenios G., Parker J.D., Epstein J.N. (1998a). The revised Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS-R): factor structure, reliability and criterion validity. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 26 (4), 257-268. Abstract available.
This article describes one of the principal tools for assessing the behaviour of children with suspected or diagnosed ADHD.
(14) Conners C.K., Sitarenios G., Parker J.D., Epstein J.N. (1998b). Revision and restandardization of the Connors' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS-R): factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 26 (4), 279-291. Abstract available.
This article describes one of the principal tools for assessing the behaviour of children with suspected or diagnosed ADHD.
(15) Parr J.R., Ward A., Inman S. (2003). Current practice in the management of Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD). Child: Care, health and development, 29 (3), 215-218.
This is a study of the current means of managing ADHD within a locality in the UK.
(16) NICE (2000). Guidance on the Use of Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Equasym) for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Childhood London, NICE. Available from: [Accessed 8 September 2004 ]
This guidance describes and defines standards for the use of methylyphenidate, including clinical need, the technology itself, the evidence, implications for the NHS, and clinical audit advice.
(17) Salmon G., Kemp A. (2002). ADHD: A survey of psychiatric and paediatric practice. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 7 (2), 73-78.
This study reports the findings of a survey of child and adolescent psychiatrists and their practices in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
(18) Burgess I.C. (2002). Service innovations: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder - development of a multi-professional integrated pathway. Psychiatric Bulletin, 26, 148-151.
This UK study describes the development of a pathway to aid diagnosis of ADHD. Full text available (PDF)
(19) Ball C. (2001). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and the use of methylphenidate: a survey of the views of general practitioners. Psychiatric Bulletin, 25 (8), 301-304.
This study reports the findings of a survey of GPs' experience of and attitudes towards prescribing practice and the treatment of ADHD.
(20) Pentecost D., Wood N. (2002). Knowledge and Perceptions of Child-Care Social Workers about ADHD. British Journal of Social Work, 32 (7), 931-943.
This study reports the findings of a survey of UK social workers with reference to ADHD.
(21) Bramble D. (2003). Annotation: The use of psychotropic medications in children: a British view. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44 (2), 169-179. Abstract available.
This is a review of the evidence of the pharmacological treatment of ADHD in the UK.
(22) MTA Cooperative Group (1999). A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56 (December), 1073-1086. Abstract available.
This US randomised clinical trial provides the key evidence on the treatment of ADHD by medication and behavioural therapy, and by medication alone.
(23) Ramchandani P., Joughin C., and Zwi M. (2004). What are the effects of treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children [online] BMJ Publishing Group.
This is a UK review of the literature addressing specific questions relating to the treatment of ADHD.
(24) Guevara J.P., Stein M.T. (2001). Evidence based management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: evidence based paediatrics. British Medical Journal, 323 (7323), 1232-1235.
This US paper reports a case study concerning the evidence-based diagnosis and management of a child with ADHD. Full text available
(25) Rubia K., Smith A. (2001). Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder: Current findings and treatment. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 14 (4), 309-316.
This is a UK review of the literature on the nature, assessment and treatment of ADHD.
(26) Swanson J. (2003). Compliance with stimulants for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Issues and approaches for improvement. CNS Drugs, 17 (2), 117-131. Abstract available.
This is a US review of the literature on compliance rates among children and adolescents taking medication for ADHD.
(27) Biederman J., Faraone S.V., Monuteaux M.C., Plunkett E.A., Gifford J., Spencer T. (2003). Growth deficits and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder revisited: impact of gender, development, and treatment. Pediatrics, 111 (5), 1010-1016. Abstract available.
This US study collected and analysed data relating to the health and development of a group of children diagnosed with ADHD.
(28) Sonuga-Barke E., Daley D., Thompson M., Laver-Bradbury C., Weeks A. (2001). Parent-based therapies for pre-school Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder: a randomized controlled trial with a community sample. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40 (4), 402-408.
This UK study evaluates the effectiveness of two different types of parent-based therapies for the management of ADHD among pre-school children.
(29) Bjornstad G., Montgomery P. (2005). Family therapy for attention-deficit disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. The Cochrane Library.
This is a high quality systematic review of all of the literature on the effectiveness of family therapy for managing ADHD. Full text available
(30) ADDISS (2003). Parents, Provision and Policy. A Consultation with Parents. London, ADDISS.
This document describes the principal findings of a brief survey of parents' views about ADHD conducted by ADDISS.
(31) DosReis S., Magno Zito J., Safer D.J., Soeken K.L., Mitchell J.W., Ellwood L.C. (2003). Parental perceptions and satisfaction with stimulant medication for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 24 (3), 155-162. Abstract available.
This US study reports the findings of a survey of parents' attitudes towards the pharmacological treatment of their children's ADHD.
(32) McNeal R.E., Roberts M.C., Barone V.J. (2000). Mothers' and Children's Perceptions of Medication for Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 30 (3), 173-187. Abstract available.
This US study examined perceptions about treatment medication held by mothers and children with ADHD.
(33) Efron D., Jarman F.C., Barker M.J. (1998). Child and parent perceptions of stimulant medication treatment in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Paediatrics & Child Health, 34 (3), 288-292. Abstract available.
This Australian study reports the findings of a survey of parents' and children's attitudes towards the pharmacological treatment of their ADHD.
(34) SCIE Research briefing (2004). Short breaks (respite care) for children with learning disabilities
This is a research and policy briefing defining and describing respite care for families with children with learning disabilities.
(35) Fone K.C., Nutt D.J. (2005). Stimulants: use and abuse in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 5 (1), 87-93.
This is a review of the causes and treatment of ADHD. Abstract available
(36) Klassen A.F., Miller A., Fine S. (2004). Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents who have a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics, 114 (5), 541-547.
This study examines the effect of ADHD and comorbid disorders on the quality of life of children. Abstract available
(37) Chacko A. et al. (2005). Stimulant medication effects in a summer treatment program among young children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 44 (3), 249-257.
This US study examines the effectiveness of stimulant medication on 36 children aged 5-6 years. Abstract available
(38) Abikoff H. et al. (2004). Symptomatic improvement in children with ADHD treated with long-term methylphenidate and multimodal psychosocial treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 43 (7), 802-811.
This US study examines the effectiveness of stimulant medication and other forms of therapy on 103 children aged 7-9 years. Abstract available
(39) Hechtman L. et al.Abikoff H. et al. (2004). Academic achievement and emotional status of children with ADHD treated with long-term methylphenidate and multimodal psychosocial treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 43 (7), 812-819.
This US study examines the effectiveness of stimulant medication and other forms of therapy on 103 children aged 7-9 years. Abstract available
(40) Abikoff H. et al. (2004). Social functioning in children with ADHD treated with long-term methylphenidate and multimodal psychosocial treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 43 (7), 820-829.
This US study examines the effectiveness of stimulant medication and other forms of therapy on 103 children aged 7-9 years. Abstract available
(41) Scahill L. (2005). Adding psychosocial therapy to methylphenidate may not improve its effectiveness in stimulant responsive children with ADHD. Evidence-based Mental Health, 8 (1), 9.
This is a review of a US trial comparing therapies to treat ADHD. Full text available
(42) Kelsey D.K. et al (2004). Once-daily atomoxetine treatment for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, including an assessment of evening and morning behaviour: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatrics, 114 (1), 1-8.
This is US commercial research study on the effectiveness of a one-dose stimulant medication. Abstract available
(43) Dopfner M. et al. (2004). Effectiveness of an adaptive multimodal treatment in children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - global outcome. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 13 (S1), 117-129.
This is a German study of a combined treatment for children aged 6-10 years with ADHD. Abstract available
(44) Monastra V.J. (2005). Electroencephalographic biofeedback (neurotherapy) as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: rational and empirical foundation. Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 14 (1), 55-82.
This is a review of a potential new treatment for ADHD. Abstract available
(45) Majorek M., Tuchelmann T., Heusser P. (2004). Therapeutic Eurythmy - movement therapy for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 10 (1), 46-53.
This Swiss study reports on five case studies using a potential new treatment for ADHD. Abstract available
(46) Clegg J., Hartshorne M. (2005). Speech and language therapy in hyperactivity: a United Kingdom perspective in complex cases. Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 14 (1), 55-82.
This is a UK review of the role SLT can play in the assessment and management of ADHD. Abstract available
(47) Whyte A. (2004). Treating children with ADHD. Nursing Times, 25 May, 26-27.
This article reports on the Changing Lanes project in Falkirk for children with ADHD.
(48) Brown G., Bruce K. (2004). A nurse-led ADHD service for children and adolescents. Nursing Times, 5 October, 36-38.
This article reports on an audit of local guidelines developed for the assessment and management of ADHD. Abstract available
