Comment: A European perspective on ADHD
Nikos Myttas
pp 3-3
I am pleased to welcome our new
European readers to ADHD in
practice. From now on, the journal will devote space in each issue to look at attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) from a European perspective – reviewing how it is regarded, diagnosed, managed and treated in different countries. In this issue, we begin to address the legal framework of prescribing medications for adult ADHD.
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The legal framework of prescribing for adult ADHD: the view across Europe
Isabel Hernandez Otero
pp 4-7
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is known to affect approximately 4–12% of children, and continues into adulthood for approximately
50% of those diagnosed in childhood. There have been major advances in its treatment
and understanding in the last decade. Among these are the availability of newer formulations, an appreciation of the combined effects of medication and behavioural therapies, and a better
understanding of the neurobiology of the disorder
in adults. This article provides an overview of
the efficacy, safety profiles and legal framework of medications used for the management of ADHD and will be followed by reviews of the situation in specific European countries.
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ADHD and sleep disorders
Paul Gringras
pp 8-11
Links between sleep and daytime behaviours began as far back as 1892 with the great physician William Osler. He reported on children
with chronic tonsillitis and sleep difficulties observing ‘the expression is dull, heavy, and apathetic ... in long-standing cases the child is very stupid looking, responds slowly to questions
and may be sullen and cross ... the influence upon the mental development is striking’.
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Understanding teachers’ perceptions of ADHD
Adele Humphrey
pp 12-15
Since 2006, children with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Luton and South Bedfordshire have been managed almost exclusively by the Community Paediatric Team, based at the Edwin Lobo Centre (ELC). A small proportion of children with suspected/diagnosed ADHD are seen within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service if there are additional complex family circumstances or mental health issues. This study involves Luton mainstream schools only;
South Bedfordshire schools were not included.
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Neurofeedback and ADHD
Beverley Steffert and Tony Steffert
pp 16-19
Neurofeedback (NF) is based on brain imaging studies, quantitative electroencephalography
(qEEG), positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT), which all show cortical brainwave slowing in the majority of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients, as well
as too much or too little coherence across functional
areas of the brain. Evoked potentials too, reveal subtypes of ADHD, which are known as endophenotypes and will influence the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM–V), due to be published
in 2011.
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Living with ADHD: a mother and her son’s experience
Anonymous
pp 20-22
It can be a difficult and confusing time when you have a member of your family with
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This article was originally written by a mother and son who wished to share their story with other families affected by the condition. The
mother and her son ‘Adam’ (aged 13 at the time
this article was written) have asked for their real names not to be included.
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