Researchers at Cardiff University have recently published a study in The Lancet claiming that they have found the first direct evidence of a genetic link, or genetic cause for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, teens, and adults. The research team also reports that this is evidence for ADHD being a neurological disorder, such as autism, and not due to environmental factors such as bad parenting.

However, their research study was immediately countered in Britain by those who insist that ADHD is due primarily to environmental factors, primarily stress and the release of cortisol in young children. Read more of the article...

I recently received this letter from a parent which touches on all of the issues involved in the diagnosis of childhood behavior disorders such as ADHD. Look at all of the issues involved: divorced parents, lifestyle of one of the parents, mood swings, inattention, tics, meds that don't work, and more. My heart goes out to this dad and his child: Read more of the article...

Diagnosis of ADD ADHD | Overview

Everyone in a private practice setting who works with ADHD children or adults is going to have their own opinion on how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder should be diagnosed.

Some clinics take the perspective that "more is good," and will recommend a large battery of tests, often costing many thousands of dollars.

Other clinics, typically with hurried physicians, will simply give a brief rating scales to the parents and then make a quick diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Unfortunately neither of these extremes is in the patient's best interest. Read more of the article...