The aim of this article is to identify and highlight the issues facing children,
young people and families experiencing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) in an United Kingdom context. In presenting these issues it is hoped that
wider discussion and awareness of the challenges of this condition may have an
effect on the planning and delivery of services within the UK. We seek to highlight
that an overreliance on a medical perspective has the effect of neglecting the wider
context of the rights of the child and the needs of the family. We advocate for an
approach that recognizes the importance of the contributions of other professionals
and the implementation of locally-agreed guidelines that incorporate the
perspectives of families and the rights of the child.
ADHD Information Services
(2003) ADHD: Paying Enough Attention? A Research Report
Investigating ADHD in the UK.
London: ADHD Information Services
.
2.
Ahmad, Y.
,
Dalrymple, J.
,
Daum, M.
,
Griffiths, N.
,
Hockridge, T.
and
Ryan, E.
(2003) Listening to Children and Young People.
Bristol: Faculty of Health and Social Care,
University of the West of England
.
3.
Bagwell, C.
,
Molina, B.
,
Pelham, W.
and
Hoza, B.
(2001)
‘Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Problems in Peer
Relations: Predictions from Childhood to Adolescence’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry40 (11):
1285–1292
.
4.
Baldwin, L.
(2002)
‘The Nursing Role in Out-patient Child and Adolescent Mental
Health Services’
, Journal of Clinical Nursing11 (4):
520–525
.
5.
Barkley, R.
(2000)
‘Commentary: Issues in Training Parents to Manage Children with
Behaviour Problems’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry39 (8):
1004–1007
.
6.
BBC News
(2004) ‘New ADHD Drug Launched in
UK’, BBC News Online, URL (consulted 8 June 2005): http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3767313.stm
7.
Bramble, D.
(2003)
‘Annotation: the Use of Psychotropic Medications in Children: a
British View’
, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry44 (2):
169–179
.
8.
Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry
(2001) ‘The Priority Given to Children's
Healthcare Services’, URL (consulted 6 January 2005): http://www.bristolinquiry.org.uk/final_report/report/sec2chap29_4.htm
9.
Buckley, M.
(2000)
‘Childhood Cancer: Meeting the Information Needs of Families’
, Paediatric Nursing12 (5):
22–23
.
10.
Bussing, R.
,
Zima, B.
,
Gary, F.
and
Wilson, C.
(2003)
‘Barriers to Detection, Helpseeking and Service Use for Children
with ADHD Symptoms’
, Journal of Behavioural Health Services and Research30 (2):
176–189
.
11.
Caress, A.
(2003)
‘Giving Information to Patients’
, Nursing Standard17 (43):
47–54
.
12.
Charatan, F.
(2000)
‘US Parents Sue Psychiatrists for Promoting Ritalin’
, British Medical Journal321 (7263):
723–723
.
13.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
(2003) ‘Parenting Projects’, URL
(consulted 3 June 2005): http://www.camhs.net
14.
Clarke, J.
(2004) ‘Healthy Eating:
Hyperactivity’, BBC Online, URL (consulted 14 June 2005): http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/healthyeating/jc_hyperactivity.shtml
15.
Corkum, P.
,
Rimer, P.
and
Schachar R.
(1999)
‘Parental Knowledge of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
and Opinions of Treatment Options: Impact on Enrolment and Adherence to a
12-month Treatment Trial’
, Canadian Journal of Psychiatry44 (10):
1043–1048
.
16.
Department for Education and Skills
(2003) Every Child Matters.
London: Department for Education and Skills
.
17.
Department of Health
(2000) Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and
Their Families.
London: Department of Health
.
18.
Department of Health
(2001) Seeking Consent: Working with Children.
London: Department of Health
.
19.
Department of Health
(2003a) Children's Trusts.
London: Department of Health
.
20.
Department of Health
(2003b) Consent: a Guide for Parents.
London: Department of Health
.
21.
Department of Health
(2004) National Service Framework for Children, Young People
and Maternity Services.
London: The Stationery Office
.
22.
Dogra, N.
(2004)
‘Commissioning and Delivering Culturally Diverse Child and
Adolescent Mental Health Services’
, Current Opinion in Psychiatry17 (4):
243–247
.
23.
Dosreis, S.
,
Zito, J.
,
Safer, D.
,
Soeken, K.
,
Mitchell, J.
and
Ellwood, L.
(2003)
‘Parental Perceptions and Satisfaction with Stimulant Medication
for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’
, Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics24 (3):
155–162
.
24.
Dumas, D.
and
Pelletier, L.
(1999)
‘A Study of Self-perception in Hyperactive Children’
, American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing24 (1):
12–19
.
25.
Elkins, I.
,
McGue, M.
,
Malone, S.
and
Iacono, W.
(2004)
‘The Effect of Parental Alcohol and Drug Disorders on Adolescent Personality’
, American Journal of Psychiatry161 (4):
670–676
.
26.
Emslie, G.
,
Walkup, J.
,
Pliszka, S.
and
Ernst, M.
(1999)
‘Nontricyclic Antidepressants: Current Trends in Children and Adolescents’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry38 (5):
517–528
.
27.
Ford, T.
and
Kessel, A.
(2001)
‘Feeling the Way: Childhood Mental Illness and Consent to
Admission and Treatment’
, British Journal of Psychiatry179:
384–386
.
28.
Frame, K.
(2003)
‘Empowering Preadolescents with ADHD. Demons or Delights’
, Advances in Nursing Science26 (2):
131–139
.
29.
Government of England, Wales
and
N. Ireland
(1989) The Children Act.
London: HMSO
.
30.
Government of England, Wales
and
N. Ireland
(1998) The Human Rights Act.
London: HMSO
.
31.
Harrison, C.
and
Sofronoff, K.
(2002)
‘ADHD and Parental Psychological Distress: Role of Demographics,
Child Behavioural Characteristics and Parental Cognitions’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry41 (6):
703–711
.
32.
Hutchfield, K.
(1999)
‘Family-centred Care: a Concept Analysis’
, Journal of Advanced Nursing29 (5):
1178–1187
.
33.
Jensen, P.
,
Hinshaw, S.
,
Swanson, J.
,
Greenhill, L.
,
Conners, K.
,
Arnold, E.
,
Abikoff, H.
,
Elliott, G.
,
Hechtman, L.
,
Hoza, B.
,
March, J.
,
Newcorn, J.
,
Severe, J.
,
Vitiello, B.
,
Wells, K.
and
Wigal, T.
(2001)
‘Findings from the NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD (MTA):
Implications and Applications for Primary Care Providers’
, Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics22 (1):
60–73
.
34.
Kazdin, A.
(1997)
‘Parent Management Training: Evidence, Outcomes and Issues’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry36 (10):
1349–1356
.
35.
Kendall, J.
and
Shelton, K.
(2003)
‘A Typology of Management Styles in Families with Children with ADHD’
, Journal of Family Nursing9 (3):
257–280
.
36.
Kendall, J.
,
Hatton, D.
,
Beckett, A.
and
Leo, M.
(2003)
‘Children's Accounts of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder’
, Advances in Nursing Science26 (2):
114–130
.
37.
Kenny, G.
(2002)
‘The Importance of Nursing Values in Interprofessional Collaboration’
, British Journal of Nursing11 (1):
65–68
.
38.
Kewley, G.
(1998)
‘Personal Article: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Is
Underdiagnosed and Undertreated in Britain’
, British Medical Journal316:
1594–1596
.
39.
Kratochvil, C.
,
Heiligenstein, J.
,
Dittmann, R.
,
Spencer, T.
,
Biederman, J.
,
Wernicke, J.
,
Newcorn, J.
,
Casat, C.
,
Milton, D.
and
Michelson, D.
(2002)
‘Atomoxetine and Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Treatment in
Children with ADHD: a Prospective, Randomised, Open-label Trial’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry41 (7):
776–784
.
40.
Malhotra, S.
and
Santosh, P.
(1998)
‘An Open Clinical Trial of Buspirone in Children with
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry37 (4):
364–371
.
41.
Mehta, S.
(2002)
‘Oral Flower Essences for ADHD’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry41 (8):
895–895
.
42.
Meltzer, H.
and
Gatward, R.
(2000) Mental Health of Children and Adolescents in Great
Britain. A Report for the Department of Health, DfES and Scottish Executive
Health Department on Persistence, Onset, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Childhood
Mental Health Disorders.
London: National Statistics Office
.
43.
Mental Health Foundation
(2000) ‘Updates: Volume 1, Issue 18: Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Health Visitor Delivered Training
Programmes for Parents of Pre-school Children Diagnosed with
ADHD’, URL (consulted 6 June 2005): http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/page.cfm?pagecode=PBUP0118
44.
Multimodal Treatment Study for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA Study)
(1999)
‘A 14-month Randomised Clinical Trial of Treatment Strategies for
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’
, Archives of General Psychiatry56 (12):
1073–1086
.
45.
National Institute for Clinical Excellence
(2000a) The Clinical Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride for Hyperactivity in Childhood.
London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence
.
46.
National Institute for Clinical Excellence
(2000b) Guidance on the Use of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride
(Ritalin, Equasym) for Attention Deficit Hyperacticity Disorder (ADHD) in
Childhood.
London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence
.
47.
National Institute for Clinical Excellence
(2003) Health Technology Appraisal. Methylphenidate
Hydrochloride, Atomoxetine and Dexamphetamine for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents, Including Review of
Existing Guidance Number 13 (Guidance on the Use of Methylphenidate
Hydrochloride (Ritalin, Equasym) for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) in Childhood).
London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence
.
48.
National Institute for Clinical Excellence
(2006) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine and Dexamfetamine, Review No. 98.
London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence
.
49.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
(2003) ‘Methylphenidate Hydrochloride
(Ritalin)’, US Department of Health and Human
Services, URL (consulted 2 October 2005): http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofax/ritalin.html
50.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
(2003) Guidance for Professionals on Positive
Discipline.
London: NSPCC
.
51.
Norman, F.
(1999) Health Care and the Advent of the Information
Society.
London: National Institute for Medical Research
.
52.
Nursing and Midwifery Council
(2002) Code of Professional Conduct.
London: Nursing and Midwifery Council
.
53.
Pelham, W.
,
Gnagy, E.
,
Burrows-Maclean, L.
,
Williams, A.
,
Fabiano, G.
,
Morrisey, S.
,
Chronis, A.
,
Forehand, G.
,
Nguyen, C.
,
Hoffman, M.
,
Lock, T.
,
Fielbelkorn, K.
,
Coles, E.
,
Panahon, C.
,
Steiner, R.
,
Meichenbaum, D.
,
Onyango, A.
and
Morse, G.
(2001)
‘Once-a-day Concerta Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Versus
Three-times Daily Methylphenidate Hydrochloride in Laboratory and Natural Settings’
, Pediatrics107 (6):
105–120
.
54.
Personal Health Lifestyles
(2001) ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids and ADHD: Promising
Evidence for a Nutritional Cure’, URL (consulted 6 June 2005): http://www.healingwithnutrition.com/newsclips/archive/omega3add.htm
55.
Podolski, C.
and
Nigg, J.
(2001)
‘Parent Stress and Coping in Relation to Child ADHD Severity and
Associated Child Disruptive Behaviour Problems’
, Journal of Clinical Child Psychology30 (4):
503–513
.
56.
Rey, J.M.
and
Sawyer, M.G.
(2004)
‘Are Psycho-stimulant Drugs Being Used Appropriately to Treat
Child and Adolescent Disorders?’
, British Journal of Psychiatry185:
93–94
.
57.
Rolfe, G.
(2005)
‘The Deconstructing Angel: Nursing, Reflection and Evidence-based Practice’
, Nursing Inquiry12 (2):
78–86
.
58.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
(2001) Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in
Children and Young People. A National Guideline.
Edinburgh: Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
.
59.
Sherman, D.
,
Iacono, W.
and
McGue, M.
(1997)
‘Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Dimensions: a Twin
Study of Inattention and Impulsivity-hyperactivity’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry36 (6):
745–753
.
60.
Simmerman, S.
,
Blacher, J.
and
Baker, B.
(2001)
‘Fathers’ and Mothers’ Perceptions of Father
Involvement in Families with Young Children and a Disability’
, Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability26 (4):
325–338
.
61.
Social Services Inspectorate
(2002) Inspection of Children's Services:
London: Department of Health
.
62.
Solovitch, S.
(2000)
‘Reversing the Trend: Use of Psychiatric Drugs to Treat
Preschoolers on the Rise’
, NurseWeek13 (9):
22–22
.
63.
Sonuga-Barke, E.
,
Daley, D.
and
Thompson, M.
(2001)
‘Parent-based Therapies for Preschool Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder: a Randomised, Controlled Trial with a Community Sample’
, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry40 (4):
402–408
.
64.
Tait, A.
,
Voepel-Lewis, T.
and
Malviya, S.
(2003)
‘Participation of Children in Clinical Research. Factors that
Influence a Parent's Decision to Consent’
, Anaesthesiology99:
819–825
.
65.
Thapar, A.
,
Holmes, J.
,
Poulton, K.
and
Harrington, R.
(1999)
‘Genetic Basis of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity’
, British Journal of Psychiatry174 (2):
105–111
.
66.
United Nations
(1989) Convention on the Rights of the Child, URL
(consulted 4 February 2005): http://www.unicef.org/crc/crc.htm
67.
Webster-Stratton, C.
(1998)
‘Preventing Conduct Problems in Head Start Children.
Strengthening Parent Competencies’
, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology66 (5):
715–730
.
68.
White, S.R.
and
Yadao, C.M.
(2000)
‘Characterization of Methylphenidate Exposures Reported to a
Regional Poison Control Center’
, Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine154 (12):
1199–1203
.
69.
Wimett, L.
and
Laustsen, G.
(2003)
‘First New ADHD Treatment in 30 Years’
, Nurse Practitioner28 (12):
50–53
.
70.
World Health Organization
(2003) Caring for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health
Disorders. Setting World Health Organization Directions.
Geneva: World Health Organization
.
71.
Zito, J.
,
Safer, D.
,
Dosreis, S.
,
Gardner, J.
,
Boles, M.
and
Lynch, F.
(2000)
‘Trends in the Prescribing of Psychotropic Medications to Preschoolers’
, Journal of the American Medical Association283 (8):
1025–1030
.
72.
Zwi, M.
(2000)
‘Evidence and Belief in ADHD: Informed Decisions on Stimulants
Must Be Based on Studies with Good Methodology’
, British Medical Journal321 (7267):
975–976
.
